Junior Rasmussen
Wedding dresses are often kept by brides for years, occupying valuable closet space or being boxed up in the attic, basement, or garage. While some brides may choose to hold on to their wedding dresses as a reminder of their special day, others may view it as clutter, especially considering the dress will likely never be worn again. Brides may also choose to sell or donate their wedding dresses, passing on the joy to another bride-to-be or supporting a charitable cause. Ultimately, the decision to keep, sell, or donate a wedding dress is a personal one, and factors such as sentimental value, practicality, and the desire for a clutter-free space will influence how long a bride chooses to keep her wedding dress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons to keep a wedding dress | Fond memories, passing it on to children, or simply liking the dress |
| Reasons to sell or donate a wedding dress | Takes up a lot of space, will not be worn again, photos can preserve memories, money can be saved or donated |
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What You'll Learn
Sentimental value
Deciding what to do with your wedding dress after your big day can be a difficult decision, especially if your dress holds a lot of sentimental value. It's completely normal to feel attached to your wedding dress and want to hold on to it. Many brides keep their wedding dresses for years, storing them at the back of their closets or in boxes in the attic, basement, or garage. Some brides even hang their dresses in their guest room closets.
However, it's important to consider that a wedding dress is not a small item. It can take up a lot of space, especially if it's a puffy, full, or long dress. If you're thinking of keeping your wedding dress, it's worth considering whether you have the space to store it. You could also consider getting it cleaned and preserved, especially if you plan on passing it down to your children.
On the other hand, if you're thinking of letting go of your wedding dress, it's completely understandable. Wedding dresses are usually not worn again, and if you ever remarry, you'll likely want a new dress. Fashions change quickly, and most young brides will want to choose their own style. You can sell your wedding dress or donate it to a charity or an organisation that gives them to babies born still. You could also use a service that turns your wedding dress into other pieces, such as "Unbox the Dress".
Ultimately, the decision to keep or let go of your wedding dress is a personal one. If you're not ready to part with it, that's okay. But if you feel that it's time to move on, there are many options available to you.
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Lack of space
If you're short on space, it's still possible to store your wedding dress, but you may need to get creative. Firstly, consider the weight of your dress. If it has heavy beading or multiple layers of fabric, it's best to store it flat in a breathable garment bag or wrapped in a cotton sheet. This can be placed on a shelf in a closet, under the bed, or in a spare room. If you do choose to hang your dress, avoid using a plastic bag, as this can trap moisture and lead to mould growth. Instead, opt for a breathable fabric garment bag that covers the whole dress. You can also purchase a wedding dress storage box, which will keep your dress flat and protect it from discolouration. These boxes are made from acid-free, lignin-free cardboard and come in various sizes to suit different gowns.
If you're really pressed for space, consider storing your dress in a local bridal boutique. This will ensure it's kept in optimal conditions and can be a good option if you don't have the necessary space at home. Another option is to donate or sell your dress after having it cleaned and preserved. This way, you can free up space while allowing someone else to enjoy the dress.
Proper wedding dress preservation is key to maintaining the gown's beauty and integrity, especially if you plan to pass it down to future generations. It's essential to clean your dress before storing it to remove any stains, dirt, sweat, and oils that could cause damage over time. Find a professional dry cleaner to help get your dress in pristine condition for storage.
Finally, if you're storing your dress at home, choose a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or guest room. Avoid attics, garages, basements, or storage units, as these can be too hot or damp and may damage the dress. Humidity control is crucial, so keep the dress away from heat sources, excessive moisture, and direct sunlight. Regularly inspect your dress every six months to check for any signs of damage or pests.
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Passing it on
Wedding dresses are often kept by brides for years, taking up space in closets, attics, basements, or garages. Some brides keep their wedding dresses with the hope of passing them on to their daughters. However, with rapidly changing fashion trends, younger brides may prefer choosing their own style. Pre-worn wedding dresses are usually considered outdated within five years, making it unlikely that future generations will wear them.
Instead of holding on to the dress, consider passing it on to someone else or donating it to a good cause. You can sell your wedding dress online or donate it to a charity or second-hand boutique. Another option is to use a service like Unbox the Dress, which transforms your wedding dress into various new pieces, allowing you to preserve parts of it.
Passing on your wedding dress can be an opportunity to create new memories for someone else. One option is to donate the dress to an organization that creates angel gowns for babies born still. This gesture can be especially meaningful if you have experienced the loss of a baby yourself. Alternatively, you can shorten the dress and wear it again for a special occasion, such as your wedding anniversary.
If you're unsure about letting go of your wedding dress, it's important to reflect on the emotions attached to it. For some, the dress may symbolize a desire to please others rather than make their own choices. By selling or donating the dress, you can gain a new perspective and realize that letting go of the dress doesn't affect your marriage. Instead of clinging to the past, you can embrace the present and look forward to the future.
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Selling it
Selling your wedding dress is a great way to recoup some of the costs of the wedding. Wedding dresses are expensive, and selling your gown will allow you to get back some of the money you spent on it. This is a popular option for brides who don't want to keep their dress but still want to get some value out of it.
If you're thinking of selling your wedding dress, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the condition of the dress. Has it been heavily altered? Gowns can only undergo so many changes before they lose their structural integrity, so a dress that has been significantly altered may not be as desirable to potential buyers. Less altered dresses are generally more marketable, as they can be altered to fit a new bride more easily. Additionally, it's important to remember that gowns are typically easier to size down than to size up. So, if you plan to sell your dress, it's worth considering that a bride who is smaller than you will have an easier time altering it to fit her.
Another thing to consider is the storage and transportation of the dress. If you're someone who relocates often, moving a large wedding dress can be a hassle. Selling your dress means you won't have to worry about storing it or taking it with you every time you move. However, if you do decide to keep your dress for a while before selling it, proper storage is key. Avoid hanging the dress for long periods, as this can cause the fabric to stretch over time. Instead, store it flat in a breathable garment bag or wrapped in a cotton sheet in a spare closet. Be cautious of heat sources and pets, and try to keep the dress in a stable and predictable environment.
Finally, if you're unsure about selling your dress right away, you can always hold onto it for a while and sell it later. This will give you more time to reconsider your options and ensure you're truly ready to part with it. However, keep in mind that once you sell your dress, it's gone forever, so it's a decision that shouldn't be taken lightly. If you do decide to sell, you can use a website or service that specialises in selling pre-owned wedding dresses, or you can donate it to a secondhand charity boutique.
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Donating it
Donating your wedding dress is a great way to extend the lifecycle of your dress and help cut down on textile waste. By donating your dress, you can give it a second life and help the environment by keeping it out of a landfill. Donating your dress can also free up storage space in your closet and allow another bride to wear it.
There are many organizations that accept wedding dress donations, and most of them have specific criteria for the dresses they will accept. Many organizations prefer dresses that are less than five years old, and some may have a three-year limit or only accept dresses that are in wearable condition. It is important to contact the organization in advance to ask about their specific needs, donation schedule, and protocols.
If your dress is older, you may want to consider organizations that accept outdated gowns, such as Cherie Amour, which has volunteer designers and seamstresses who can transform outdated dresses into contemporary styles. You can also check with your local community theater, as they may be able to use the dress for production costumes. Additionally, there are organizations that accept wedding dress donations to create burial gowns for infants who have passed away, such as the Emma and Evan Foundation and the NICU Helping Hands Angel Gown Program.
When donating your wedding dress, it is important to inspect the gown for any wear and tear, as some fabrics may develop mold when left in storage for too long. Most charities and shops offer to clean your donation items, but some may charge an extra fee for this service. It is also helpful to organize your donations by assembling items by type and size, labeling boxes or containers by season, and folding the clothing properly.
Donating your wedding dress is a generous act that can help a bride in need and support various charitable causes. It is a practical way to give your dress a new purpose while also benefiting the environment and those in need.
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Frequently asked questions
It is entirely up to you how long you keep your wedding dress. Some people keep theirs forever, while others donate or sell theirs soon after the wedding.
Keeping your wedding dress can be a lovely reminder of your wedding day. Some people also keep their dress with the hope of passing it on to their children.
Wedding dresses are usually large items that take up a lot of space. Getting rid of your dress can free up this space, and you can also make some money by selling it or do some good by donating it.
If you don't want to keep, sell or donate your dress, you could use a service like Unbox the Dress, which turns your dress into other items, preserving the fabric.
