Lyla Dejesus
Wedding dresses often hold sentimental value, but they can also take up a lot of space in your closet. If you're looking to recycle your wedding dress, there are several options to consider. You can donate it to a charitable organization, such as Brides for a Cause, which raises funds for women-focused nonprofits, or Brides Against Breast Cancer, which resells wedding gowns to raise money for breast cancer awareness. You could also repurpose your dress by transforming it into a christening gown, a keepsake, or a new piece of clothing. Alternatively, you could sell your dress to a bridal store or donate it to a local theater department.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Donate to charity | Brides Against Breast Cancer, Brides for a Cause, NICU Helping Hands Angel Gown program, Cherie Sustainable Bridal, The Emma and Evan Foundation |
| Recycle into new products | Unbox the Dress offers a service to redesign wedding dresses into bespoke keepsakes, such as a christening gown, holiday decorations, or accessories |
| Sell | Etsy |
| Give to a local university's theater department |
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What You'll Learn
Donate to a charity
Donating your wedding dress to charity is a great way to give it a second life and support a cause that matters to you. Many brides struggle to afford their dream wedding, and your donation can help provide a dress to a bride in need. Here are some charitable organizations that accept wedding dress donations:
Brides Against Breast Cancer
This nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing early cancer awareness and detection programs, as well as reducing the environmental impact of wedding dress manufacturing. They accept wedding dresses up to five years old that are in excellent condition, as well as bridal accessories. You can use their donation form, email them, or contact their client service to receive shipping instructions.
Brides for a Cause
Brides for a Cause is another nonprofit that collects and resells wedding dresses to raise funds for various local and national women-focused charities. They accept new and once-worn dresses and offer multiple ways to donate, including mailing or dropping off your dress at one of their locations.
The Emma and Evan Foundation
The Emma and Evan Foundation transforms donated wedding dresses into Angel Gowns, which are burial gowns for infants who have passed away. These memorial gowns are offered to grieving families as a source of comfort. They accept donations year-round and provide details for mailing or dropping off your wedding dress.
Adorned in Grace
Adorned in Grace is a faith-based organization that works to fight human trafficking through awareness, prevention, and restoration in communities. They accept donations of wedding dresses, formalwear, mother-of-the-bride dresses, and accessories. You can drop off your donation in person or ship it to one of their locations following their online instructions.
Brides Across America
Brides Across America is a nonprofit that supports the military and first responders by gifting them weddings and wedding gowns. They accept donated wedding dresses and help reduce the cost of weddings for deserving military and first responder brides.
Remember to do your research and choose an organization that aligns with your values and interests. By donating your wedding dress, you can not only free up closet space but also make a positive impact on someone else's life.
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Transform into a christening gown
Transforming a wedding dress into a christening gown is a great way to repurpose the dress and create a lasting memento. Unbox the Dress is a company based in North Carolina that offers this service. The process typically takes up to 15 weeks, and customers can work with the design team to personalize the christening gown, down to the smallest lace detail.
If you're feeling crafty, you can also attempt to make a christening gown from a wedding dress yourself. First, decide on a design and create a vision board on Pinterest for inspiration. Then, clip some fabric samples from an inconspicuous area of the dress to help you choose materials. You can also use the fabric from the wedding dress, but be careful if it has beads, as these can break a needle when sewing. Consider using a pattern, such as McCall’s M6621, which includes a pattern for a matching bonnet.
When you're ready to start cutting the fabric, be mindful of the placement of the beads, and remove any from the seam allowance. For buttonholes, cut little slits to ensure correct placement. After sewing the garment together, use a handheld garment steamer on a delicate setting to finish it off.
There are many ways to repurpose a wedding dress into a christening gown, whether you do it yourself or use a service. Either way, it's a great way to create a cherished heirloom.
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Sell on Etsy
If you're looking to sell your wedding dress on Etsy, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, consider the condition of your dress and whether it needs any alterations or repairs to make it more appealing to buyers. You can also think about including any accessories or additional items that complement the dress to make it a more attractive package for potential customers.
When it comes to pricing your wedding dress, it's important to strike a balance. Wedding dresses do depreciate in value, so don't expect to get back what you paid for it. However, you can recoup some of the costs and make a reasonable profit. Research similar dresses on Etsy to get an idea of the average price point and consider the brand, style, and materials of your dress to determine its worth.
Before listing your dress, take the time to clean it and ensure it is presented in the best possible light. Consider investing in professional photography to showcase the dress from various angles and highlight any unique or intricate details. A good description is also essential. Include measurements, fabric composition, and any special features or alterations you've made. Be transparent about the dress's condition and provide clear information about shipping and return policies.
Utilize Etsy's advertising platform to promote your listing and increase its visibility. You can pay for ads that are targeted based on relevance and the number of clicks. Additionally, leverage social media platforms and wedding blogs to spread the word and attract potential buyers. With the right strategy and a bit of luck, you'll be able to sell your wedding dress and give it a new lease of life!
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Dye and modify for future use
Dyeing and modifying your wedding dress can be a great way to recycle it for future use. Here are some tips and ideas to get you started:
Firstly, not all fabrics and embellishments dye well. It is important to check the fabric of your dress before starting the dyeing process. Silk, for instance, usually takes dye very well, while lace is permeable and won't absorb colour. If you're unsure, it's best to consult a professional.
When dyeing your dress, you can attempt it yourself or seek the help of a professional. If you decide to do it yourself, choose a dye that is suitable for the fabric of your dress. For example, RIT liquid dye is not suitable for "dry clean only" fabrics. Always read and follow the instructions on the dye packaging. Test a small, inconspicuous area of the dress first to ensure the colour takes as expected. If you're happy with the colour, fill a sink with hot water, add the dye, and stir thoroughly before adding the dress.
After dyeing, you may need to seal" the colour by transitioning the dress into cold water. Be aware that some dyes may bleed in subsequent washes, so it is recommended to wash dyed items alone.
In terms of modifications, you can work with a seamstress or tailor to create a new piece of upcycled clothing. For example, you could transform your dress into a shorter cocktail dress or a gown for special occasions. You could also create something completely different, like a piece of jewellery or a bag.
If you're feeling creative, you can also recycle your wedding dress into home décor items such as throw pillows, tablecloths, table runners, or napkins. This way, you can showcase your dress in your home and give it a new purpose.
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Give to a theatre department
If you're looking to recycle your wedding dress by giving it to a theatre department, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to reach out and ask the theatre department if they are accepting donations. While some departments may be grateful for the offer, others may have limited storage space and may not be able to accommodate your donation.
When it comes to what type of wedding dress a theatre department might want, it's worth noting that modern clothing is less desirable as it is readily available in actors' closets and can be found at thrift stores. Instead, theatre departments tend to seek specialty items, vintage pieces, and unique accessories. For example, the Center Stage Theatre specifically seeks fabric, notions and trims, crinolines/hoop skirts/slips, men's suits, women's skirt suits (in large sizes), ladies' dressy clothing (in sizes over 12), and distinctive uniforms.
If your wedding dress fits the description of what a particular theatre department is looking for, it's a good idea to reach out and express your interest in donating. Some theatres, like the TDF Costume Collection, offer tax deductions for donations, so be sure to inquire about this as well.
It's also worth considering that if the theatre department is unable to accept your wedding dress, they may be able to connect you with another organization or individual who can put it to good use. For example, you could offer to loan your dress to a costume designer for them to study, or you could auction/sell the dress and donate the proceeds to the theatre's wardrobe fund.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to recycle your wedding dress. You could donate it to a charity such as Brides for a Cause, Brides Against Breast Cancer, or The Brides Project, which resell wedding dresses to raise funds for charity.
Some charities accept donations in person, while others may ask you to mail your dress to them. Brides for a Cause, for example, has showrooms in Portland, Tacoma, Seattle, and Sacramento, and also accepts mailed donations.
Charities such as Brides for a Cause and Brides Against Breast Cancer resell donated wedding dresses to raise funds for women-focused nonprofits. Brides Across America, meanwhile, passes on wedding dresses for free to military and first responder brides. Other charities, such as the NICU Helping Hands Angel Gown program, remake wedding dresses into gowns for bereaved parents to use during the burial of their infants.
You could repurpose your wedding dress by transforming it into a christening gown, a mother-of-the-groom dress, or a keepsake item. Alternatively, you could sell your dress on a site like Etsy.
