Franklin Dean
The wedding dress is perhaps the most special piece of clothing a person will ever own. But what happens to it after the big day? Some brides are looking for new and creative ways to reuse, repurpose, or store their dress. One option is to have it professionally preserved, perhaps to pass it down to someone else. Another option is to alter it into a fun party dress that can be worn on special occasions, such as an anniversary. For those who are savvy with a sewing machine, the dress can be turned into something completely new, such as a throw pillow, quilt, artwork, or even a teddy bear.
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What You'll Learn
Repurpose your wedding dress into everyday clothing
There are many ways to repurpose your wedding dress into everyday clothing. You can either do it yourself or enlist the help of professionals.
If you are handy with a sewing machine, you can transform your wedding dress into a fun party dress or a cocktail dress. You can also dye or airbrush your wedding dress to switch up the look.
If you are looking for professional help, companies like Unbox the Dress™ can help you transform your wedding dress into everyday clothing. Their design team will work with you to create a bespoke keepsake that will be cherished for generations. The process can take up to 15 weeks.
- A tote or handbag for everyday use or special occasions
- Timeless jewellery pieces like necklaces, earrings or bracelets
- Lingerie, such as a silk robe or slip, with delicate lace and details from your gown
- Scrunchies for a fun twist to your everyday look
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Get your wedding dress framed
A wedding dress is perhaps the most special piece of clothing you'll ever own. Many brides choose to preserve their dresses, getting them dry-cleaned and then storing them safely in an acid-free box. Framing your wedding dress takes this one step further, turning your dress into a keepsake or piece of decor that you can display in your home.
If you have a large enough wall, displaying your dress can be a lovely thing to do. Framing companies can work with dresses of any shape and size, and you can work closely with them to decide on the type, size, and depth of the frame, as well as the perfect angle for your dress. You can also add veils, buttonholes, jewellery, and more so that your whole outfit can be displayed.
It is recommended to get your wedding dress framed by a professional to guarantee that the dress won't be damaged and the material won't fade or discolour due to pollutants or UV light. The Beautiful Frame Company, for example, offers dress framing services starting from £900. The price will be less if you choose to display just your accessories or have a half-size frame (where the bodice is the main focus and the skirt is folded up behind).
If you're looking for other options besides framing, you can rewear, repurpose, or store your wedding dress. You can alter your dress into a fun party dress that you can wear on a special date each year on your anniversary. You can also turn your wedding dress into works of art by dyeing or airbrushing them with different colours.
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Host a wedding dress party
There are many ways to repurpose your wedding dress after your wedding, and one fun idea is to host a wedding dress party. This is a great way to give you and your friends a chance to wear your wedding dresses again. It could be a fun event for a birthday, anniversary, or just for the joy of it!
If you're looking for an excuse to host a party, you could plan it around a special occasion, like a birthday or an anniversary. You could even make it an annual tradition, celebrating your wedding anniversary each year by wearing your wedding dress! It could be a small gathering with just your closest friends, or a larger event with a wider circle of guests.
When sending out invitations, be sure to include that it's a wedding dress party, so your guests know to come dressed in their wedding attire. You could even suggest that guests who don't have a wedding dress wear a special outfit, like a favourite party dress or something with a particular significance to them.
To make the event extra special, you could incorporate a theme or a fun activity. For example, you could have a professional photoshoot at the party, creating a unique memento of the occasion. You could even do a "trash the dress" shoot, taking photos in a setting that allows you to get the dresses a little dirty, like in water or in the woods. These can make for great stories and artistic shots, adding a unique twist to the party.
If you're feeling creative, you could even consider altering your wedding dress before the party. Many dresses can be altered to create great cocktail dresses or other unique clothing. You could also dye or airbrush your wedding dress to switch up the look, turning it into a work of art. These options present even more opportunities to re-wear your dress and can be a fun DIY project.
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Pass your wedding dress down to future generations
Passing your wedding dress down to future generations is a great way to honour your special day and continue a family tradition. Here are some tips to ensure your dress stays in pristine condition for years to come:
Cleaning and Preservation
Firstly, it is essential to clean and preserve your wedding dress properly. You can either do this yourself or opt for a professional preservation service, such as Wedding Dress Preservation by The Knot. If you choose to clean the dress yourself, use a mild detergent and water, or dry-clean it if it is too fragile for handwashing. Once the dress is clean, you can store it correctly, either by folding, hanging, or placing it in a box or garment bag if it is too delicate to be folded.
Storing
When storing your wedding dress, ensure it is kept in a safe, clean, and climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight. If you store your dress in a box or bag, check that it is not sitting in water or trapped in excessive moisture. It is also crucial to keep your dress free of dust before storing it, as dust can attract and trap dirt and grime over time.
Re-wearing and Repurposing
If you plan to pass down your wedding dress as a heirloom, consider altering it to create a more wearable garment that you can enjoy again and again. You can work with a tailor or seamstress to create a new piece, such as a charming mini dress, a two-piece set, or even a robe that you can wear on special occasions. You can also turn your wedding dress into artwork by getting it framed or dyed a different colour, creating a unique piece to display in your home.
Donating
If you are not planning to keep your wedding dress, consider donating it to a worthy cause. Organisations such as Brides Across America provide wedding dresses to military brides in need, while Every Girl's Dream in Michigan accepts wedding gowns for brides facing financial hardship. Donating your dress will allow someone else to create new memories while also reducing waste and cutting down on the ecological impact of buying a new gown.
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Donate or sell your wedding dress
Deciding what to do with your wedding dress after your big day can be tricky. Many brides want to keep their dress, but if you're looking to donate or sell your wedding dress, there are plenty of options.
Donating your wedding dress
Donating your wedding dress is a great way to give it a second life and help someone else. Many charitable organizations accept wedding dress donations, and you can choose a cause that is meaningful to you. For example, Brides Across America is a nonprofit that supports the military and first responders by providing free wedding gowns during their "Operation Wedding Gown Event." Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring is another nonprofit boutique that sells reduced-price wedding gowns, with proceeds going to various health-related charities. Brides for a Cause is another program that helps raise money for women-focused nonprofit organizations.
Most organizations have specific criteria for accepting donations, including the age of the dress (usually no more than four to five years old) and its condition. Some organizations may also require you to have the dress professionally cleaned before donating. You can usually ship your wedding dress to the organization or drop it off in person if you live nearby.
Selling your wedding dress
If you're looking to sell your wedding dress, be prepared for a bit of work. You'll likely need to have it professionally cleaned and mended, take high-quality photos, and wait for the right buyer. There are no guarantees that your dress will sell, but reselling can help you recoup some of the money you initially spent.
Other options
If you're not ready to part with your dress, you can have it professionally preserved to pass it down to someone else in the future. You can also turn your wedding dress into art by getting it framed or repurposing it into décor for your home, such as a throw pillow or quilt.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, your wedding dress can be your "something new". However, if you're looking for ways to repurpose your dress after your wedding, you can alter it into a fun party dress, a cocktail dress, or dye it a different colour.
You can either get it professionally cleaned and preserved, donate it, or sell it. You can also turn it into a decorative piece for your home, such as a throw pillow, quilt, or artwork.
There are a few ways to preserve your wedding dress. You can store it in a viewing box or frame it and display it as art. You can also pass it down to someone else in your family, or re-design it into a new style that you can wear every day.
