Junior Rasmussen
Wedding dresses are often expensive, sentimental purchases, so it can be difficult to decide what to do with them after the big day. While some brides choose to hang on to their dresses, perhaps with the idea of passing them on to their children, others decide to part with them. If you're thinking about throwing your wedding dress away, you might want to consider some alternative options first.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty parting with a wedding dress | High cost, Sentimental value, Social expectations |
| Reasons to keep a wedding dress | Family tradition, Sentimental value, Potential future use |
| Alternatives to throwing away a wedding dress | Donating, Selling, Upcycling, Preserving |
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What You'll Learn
Sentimental value
Wedding dresses often hold sentimental value, which can make it difficult for people to part with them. Some people hang on to their wedding dresses because they don't know what else to do with them, or because they feel guilty about spending a significant amount of money on a single-wear item. The dress may also serve as a reminder of the beginning of one's marriage.
For some, the sentimental value of a wedding dress may increase over time. One reason for this could be the desire to show the dress to one's children or grandchildren, allowing them to see what wedding dresses looked like in the past. The dress may also be seen as a family heirloom, with some people hoping that their children or grandchildren will wear the dress on their own wedding day. However, others may feel that such a dress would be outdated by the time their children get married, and thus choose to sell or donate the dress instead.
Some people may also choose to keep their wedding dress for sentimental reasons, even if they know they will never wear it again. They may display the dress in a shadow box or keep it stored away. Others may feel that the dress is just fabric and have no problem parting with it, either by selling, donating, or throwing it away.
There are various options for those who want to donate their wedding dress. Some organisations accept wedding dress donations to create burial gowns for babies who have passed away, providing clothes for the babies to be buried in and sparing grieving parents the task of shopping for a funeral outfit. Other organisations, such as Brides Against Breast Cancer, accept wedding dress donations to give new life to the dresses. Additionally, some people may choose to upcycle their wedding dresses, for example, by using the fabric to create christening dresses for their children.
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Cost of the dress
The cost of a wedding dress can be a significant factor in the decision-making process of whether to keep or discard it. Wedding dresses are often expensive, with an average cost of around $1,300. This financial investment can make it challenging for some brides to part with their dresses, especially if the dress holds sentimental value.
For many brides, the wedding dress represents a significant expense and a one-time purchase. The idea of spending a substantial amount of money on a dress that will only be worn once can evoke feelings of guilt and uncertainty. This is especially true for those who may have struggled financially to afford the dress or who had to make sacrifices to purchase it. In such cases, the cost of the dress can act as a reminder of the financial burden and may influence the decision to keep the dress, even if it is solely for the purpose of justifying the expense.
On the other hand, the cost of the dress can also be a motivating factor for brides who choose to sell their wedding dresses after the big day. By selling the dress, brides can recoup some of the money they spent. This option is particularly appealing if the dress is still in style and in good condition, as it can fetch a higher price. Additionally, selling the dress sooner rather than later can prevent the dress from becoming outdated, ensuring a better resale value.
The cost of preservation and storage should also be considered. Preserving a wedding dress, whether through professional services or DIY kits, incurs additional expenses. For those who choose to keep their dresses, the cost of proper storage, such as display cases or closet space, should be factored in. These ongoing costs associated with preserving and storing the dress may influence the decision to eventually discard it, especially if the dress is taking up valuable space or becoming a financial burden.
Lastly, the cost of alterations or redesigning the dress can play a role in the decision-making process. Some brides may opt to alter their wedding dresses to wear them again, such as for a vow renewal or a special occasion. However, this requires additional expenses for tailoring or redesigning the dress. In such cases, the cost of alterations may influence the decision to keep or discard the dress, especially if the alterations are extensive and costly.
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Space constraints
If you are facing space constraints due to your wedding dress, there are several options to consider. Firstly, it is important to understand the emotional and sentimental value attached to the dress. Many individuals choose to hold on to their wedding dresses, often due to the high cost and the idea that it is a rare luxury good. However, if space is a concern, there are alternatives to consider.
One option is to preserve the wedding dress. This can be done professionally or through DIY preservation kits available on Amazon and eBay. Preservation can help maintain the dress's condition and ensure it doesn't take up too much space. However, this option may require additional storage space and could be costly.
Another option is to donate the wedding dress to a worthy cause. Several organizations accept wedding dress donations, such as Brides Against Breast Cancer, Cherished Gowns for Angel Babies, and Wish Upon a Wedding. These organizations use the dresses to benefit others, such as creating burial gowns for stillborn babies or providing dresses for terminally ill brides. Donating the dress frees up space while also giving the dress a new purpose.
If you're open to creative solutions, you could consider upcycling or repurposing the wedding dress. This could involve selling it online, offering it to a costume rental shop, or even dyeing it and wearing it on a special evening out. With some creativity, you can transform the dress into something new and give it a second life, freeing up space in your home.
Finally, if you feel emotionally ready and want to make some extra money, selling the wedding dress is an option. You can sell it online or through a second-hand wedding dress shop. This way, you can recoup some of the costs and free up valuable space. However, it is important to consider the potential sentimental value the dress may hold in the future, especially if you plan to have children who might want to see or wear it.
In conclusion, facing space constraints due to a wedding dress presents several options to consider. From preservation to donation, upcycling, or selling, each option has its advantages and can help alleviate storage concerns while also giving the dress a new purpose or benefiting others. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal preferences, emotional attachment to the dress, and the level of space constraint you are facing.
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$170.21
Donation options
If you're looking to part with your wedding dress, donating it is a great option. Here are some ideas for places to donate your wedding dress:
- Charities that accept wedding dress donations, such as Oxfam, Goodwill, or a local charity shop. Someone may buy it and alter it to their liking, or the charity may be able to repurpose the fabric.
- Organisations like Brides Against Breast Cancer, which give new life to wedding dresses.
- Charities that turn wedding dresses into burial gowns for stillborn babies, such as Cherished Gowns for Angel Babies or similar organisations in your area.
- Costume rental shops, which can use the dress for theatrical productions or Halloween.
- Amateur dramatic societies may also appreciate a donation of a wedding dress for their productions.
If you're open to some alterations, you could also:
- Dye the dress a different colour and wear it on a fancy evening out.
- Offer it to a teenager to be used as a prom dress.
- Cut and repurpose the fabric to create a christening dress or a child's baptism outfit.
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Selling the dress
Deciding what to do with your wedding dress after your big day can be a difficult decision. Many people hold on to their dresses for years due to emotional attachment, the hope of passing it down to their children, or simply because they don't know what else to do with it. However, if you're looking to part with your dress, selling it is a great option. Here are some tips and things to consider when selling your wedding dress:
Sentimentality and Wearability
The decision to sell your wedding dress often comes down to sentimentality. If you don't foresee yourself passing down your dress to your children or wearing it again, selling it can be a practical choice. Additionally, consider the wearability of your ensemble. A simple white slip dress may be easier to re-wear for a future event, while a princess-like gown with a full skirt may be harder to repurpose.
Condition and Cleaning
To get the best price for your dress, ensure it is in pristine condition. Consider having it professionally cleaned by a trusted dry cleaner immediately after your wedding to remove any stains or marks. You may also want to wear a different dress for your wedding reception to keep your main gown in excellent condition.
Popular Resale Sites
There are several popular websites for reselling wedding dresses, each with its own fees and processes:
- Still White: A dedicated wedding dress resale site that charges a one-off fee of $25 or $35 for premium. You can list your dress, communicate with buyers, and choose your selling price. Still White also offers tools like video showcases and fraud monitoring.
- EBay: A well-known auction site that charges a commission of 15% for sales under $2000 and 9% for pricier items.
- Vestiare Collective: An online consignment site that allows direct communication with buyers and price setting. The seller only pays a 3% payment processing fee for sales from a list of 4000 brands.
- Kleinfeld: The famous bridal salon from "Say Yes to the Dress" offers a service that allows brides to list their dresses for resale, even if they weren't purchased at Kleinfeld.
Pricing and Expectations
When selling your wedding dress, it's important to manage your expectations. Second-hand wedding dresses typically sell for a fraction of their original price. You may also need to be patient, as dresses can sit on the market for a while before finding a buyer.
Consignment Shops
If the process of selling your dress seems overwhelming, consider consignment shops in your area. These shops will sell your dress on your behalf, handling all the logistics, but you'll only receive a percentage of the selling price, typically around 50%.
Remember, selling your wedding dress can be a sustainable and practical choice, allowing another bride to extend its lifespan and offset the resources needed to create a new dress.
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Frequently asked questions
It is up to you whether you throw away a wedding dress, but many people choose to keep theirs due to its sentimental value. There are also other options to consider, such as donating it to a charity shop or a friend, selling it, or getting it preserved.
Many people choose to keep their wedding dress due to its sentimental value. You may also want to keep it to show your children or grandchildren what wedding dresses used to look like.
If you don't want to keep your wedding dress, you could donate it to a charity shop, give it to a friend or family member, or sell it online. You could also get it preserved, either professionally or using a DIY preservation kit.
There are several organisations that accept wedding dress donations, including Brides Against Breast Cancer, Cherished Gowns for Angel Babies, and Wish Upon A Wedding. You could also donate your dress to an amateur dramatic society or a costume rental shop.
If you don't want to keep your wedding dress in its original form, you could get it redesigned or turned into a different type of clothing, such as a Halloween costume, a flower girl dress, or a christening dress. You could also use the fabric to create something crafty, such as a child's baptism outfit.
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