Deborah Chan
Wedding dresses are often cherished mementos that hold a lot of memories and can be challenging to part with. However, if you have a 1950s wedding dress that you no longer want, there are several options to consider. Firstly, you could sell it to a vintage clothing store or online through platforms like Stillwhite, PreOwnedWeddingDresses, Nearly Newlywed, eBay, or Poshmark. Alternatively, you could donate it to charities such as Brides Across America, which provides dresses to military brides, or Angel Gowns, which turns wedding dresses into gowns for stillborn infants. You could also get creative and repurpose the dress into something new, such as home décor, a christening gown, or even a holiday tradition. Whatever option you choose, it's important to take your time and consider the sentimental value of the dress before making a decision.
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What You'll Learn
Sell it online or in a vintage clothing store
If you're looking to sell your 1950s wedding dress online, it's important to act quickly as most online marketplaces have limits on how old a dress can be. Many won't accept gowns more than three to five years old, so be sure to check the policies of any sites you're considering.
There are many online sites to consider when selling your wedding dress. eBay is a classic option, charging a 15% commission for items under $2000 and 9% for anything pricier. Stillwhite is another option, which allows you to set your selling price and only charges a small one-off fee. Nearly Newlywed charges a $25 listing fee and a 20% commission fee for standard listings, while Poshmark takes a 20% flat commission fee for sales over $15. Vestiare Collective is an online consignment site that allows you to message directly with buyers and choose your prices, with only a 3% payment processing fee. Kleinfeld, the famous bridal salon, also has a service that allows brides to list their dresses for resale, with a subscription-based format that charges per month or a flat rate.
When listing your wedding dress online, it's important to have plenty of high-quality photographs so that potential buyers can see exactly what the dress looks like. Consider including a video to showcase how the dress moves, as well as clear photos of the front and back, and any signs of wear. Be sure to include sizing information as well, so potential customers can immediately know if it's the right size.
If you're looking to sell your 1950s wedding dress in a vintage clothing store, consignment shops are a great option. These stores will take care of the hard work of selling your dress, but they will also take a cut of the purchase price. When choosing a consignment shop, be sure to understand its specific policies, such as whether they request exclusivity with your gown or have set rates. You may also want to consider selling your dress to a vintage bridal salon, such as Happy Isles, which offers one-of-a-kind vintage wedding dresses.
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Donate it to a charity
Donating your 1950s wedding dress to charity is a great way to give it a second life and support a good cause. Here are some benefits of donating your wedding dress:
- Help a bride in need: Your donated dress can bring joy to another bride who may be struggling financially to afford her dream dress. Many brides-to-be are unable to pay for their wedding dresses, and your donation can make a significant difference.
- Support a worthy cause: Various charitable organizations accept wedding dress donations and use the proceeds to support different causes. You can choose an organization that aligns with your values, such as cancer research, disaster relief, human rights, or environmental protection.
- Free up closet space: Wedding gowns tend to be bulky and take up valuable storage space. Donating your dress frees up that space for other items or simply creates a more organized and clutter-free environment.
- Tax benefits: Donating your wedding dress to a federally certified charity can result in tax deductions when filing your taxes. A receipt for your charitable contribution can be used to claim this benefit.
- Eco-friendly alternative: Donating is an environmentally conscious choice. Instead of discarding the dress, which could contribute to landfill waste and the release of toxins, your dress can be reused or recycled.
When considering where to donate your 1950s wedding dress, here are some reputable organizations to explore:
- Brides for a Cause: This nonprofit organization collects and resells wedding dresses to raise funds for women-focused charities. They accept dresses that are no more than five years old and offer multiple donation options, including mailing and in-person drop-off at their locations.
- Brides Across America: This charity supports military and first responder brides by providing free wedding gowns. They accept wedding dresses, veils, tiaras, and accessories that are no more than four years old. Donations can be shipped according to the guidelines on their website.
- Adorned in Grace: Adorned in Grace is a faith-based organization fighting human trafficking through awareness, prevention, and restoration. They accept wedding dresses, formalwear, mother-of-the-bride dresses, and accessories. Donations can be dropped off in person or shipped to their locations.
- The Emma and Evan Foundation: This 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.
- Local donation sites: Popular local donation sites such as Goodwill and Salvation Army also accept wedding dress donations. These organizations often support various causes and can be easily accessed in your community.
Remember to research the organizations before donating to ensure they are reputable and align with your values. By donating your 1950s wedding dress, you can not only declutter and help a worthy cause but also give your dress a new purpose and bring joy to someone else.
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Turn it into art by framing it
Framing your 1950s wedding dress is a great way to preserve it and create a lasting reminder of your special day. It can also add class and beauty to your space. If you have a large empty wall, framing your dress is a perfect way to fill it.
There are a few options for framing your dress. You can either do it yourself or get it done by a professional. If you choose to do it yourself, you will need to order a custom frame due to the size of the dress. You will also need to mount the dress and seal the frame. You can also add veils, buttonholes, jewellery, and other accessories to the frame. Doing it yourself can be challenging and costly, so it is recommended to wait for a sale at a frameshop to reduce costs.
If you decide to go with a professional, there are a few companies that offer wedding dress framing services. The Beautiful Frame Company, for example, offers hand-crafted frames tailored to the style of the dress and the couple's home. They also carefully preserve the dresses to ensure they last as long as possible, using techniques such as maintaining the pH balance and using museum-grade UV protective glass. Another option is Ironbridge Fine Arts & Framing, which offers a four-step process that includes a consultation, visualisation, mock-up, and guided talk through glazing options. Artist Russell Collins also offers a wedding dress framing service in Milton Keynes and can provide materials for those who want to mount their dresses themselves.
When choosing a place to display your framed dress, it is important to select an area that doesn't receive a lot of direct sunlight and is cool and dry. This will help ensure that your dress stays in good condition for longer. You should also consider choosing a space where you can safely fix the frame to the wall.
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Dye it a different colour
Dyeing your 1950s wedding dress can be a great way to make it more wearable and give it a new life. It can be an enjoyable and sustainable activity that allows you to continue cherishing the dress and the fond memories associated with it.
Before dyeing your vintage wedding dress, it is essential to clean and prepare it, especially if it has any stains or discolouration. Start by removing any metal parts such as eye-hooks, buttons, snaps, or zippers, as these could rust during the cleaning process and potentially tear the fabric. Next, address any stains on the dress, keeping in mind that the cleaning method will depend on the type of fabric. Silk and satin, for instance, are very reactive to chemicals, while polyester may be more durable. You can try soaking the dress in lukewarm water with a gentle detergent, or apply a mixture of baking soda and vinegar directly to discoloured areas. If there are buttons on the dress, keep in mind that they may react adversely to water and restoration chemicals, so consult a professional if necessary.
Once your dress is clean and ready for dyeing, it is important to determine the direction of your project. Do you want a deep, dark colour, a wash of colour, or a dip-dye effect? The exact vision for your dress will dictate the supplies and techniques needed. For instance, if you're aiming for a dark shade, you'll likely need more dye. Additionally, consider the type of fabric your dress is made of, as this will determine the best type of dye to use. Cellulose fibres like cotton, linen, or rayon typically work well with fibre-reactive dyes, while protein fibres like silk, wool, angora, and cashmere respond best to acid dyes. Synthetic fibres and blends will generally react well to dispersed dyes, but be sure to research the specific type of synthetic fabric you're working with.
Before diving into the dyeing process, it is recommended to test the dye on a small piece of fabric. If you have any scrap fabric leftover from alterations, this would be perfect for testing. If not, you can carefully snip out a small swatch from an out-of-sight area near the seams. Once you're satisfied with the test results, it's time to dye your dress. Follow the instructions for your chosen dye, ensuring that you have all the necessary materials and a protected workspace. Stir your dye bath slowly and continuously to avoid splotching, and refer to fabric-specific guidelines for how long your dress should remain in the dye.
Dyeing your 1950s wedding dress can be a fun and rewarding project, allowing you to transform a cherished item into something new and wearable while also embracing the concept of "Sartorial Sustainability".
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Pass it down to future generations
Passing down a wedding dress to future generations is a beautiful way to honour your family and your heritage. It is a way to share your love and happiness with those closest to you and allow them to experience the joy you felt on your wedding day. Here are some tips to ensure your 1950s wedding dress stays in pristine condition for future generations:
Cleaning and Preservation
Firstly, it is important to clean and preserve your wedding dress. Wedding dresses are delicate and intricate, and over time, they can yellow, or become damaged by oxidation and other forms of damage, especially if not stored correctly. Professional preservation is the best way to guarantee the long-term preservation of your dress. This process involves an experienced specialist assessing your dress and creating a unique treatment plan according to the fabric, stitching and details of your dress. They will also repair any stains, tears or damage.
Storage
Once your dress has been cleaned and preserved, it is important to store it correctly. Avoid using plastic covers or cardboard boxes, as these can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to mould or mildew. Instead, use acid-free tissue paper and store the dress in an acid-free, lignin-free box designed for wedding dresses. Lignin is an organic substance found in wood pulp that can damage the fabric of your dress. You can also use a cloth garment bag. Store the box in a cool, dark place, such as a closet or under a bed, and avoid attics or cellars, as these areas are prone to temperature fluctuations and leaks.
Reconstruction and Repurposing
If you would like your wedding dress to be worn again by future generations, consider having it altered by a tailor or seamstress. They can create a new garment, such as a mini dress or two-piece set, that can be worn again and cherished. You could also turn the dress into other keepsakes, such as baby blankets, bassinet covers, christening gowns, pillows or tablecloths. These items will still hold the sentimental value of your wedding day and can be cherished by future generations.
Display
If you would like to display your wedding dress, you can get it framed by a professional company. This way, you can admire your dress every day and pass it down as a decorative heirloom.
Passing down your 1950s wedding dress to future generations is a wonderful way to share your happiness and create new memories. With proper care and preservation, your dress will remain in pristine condition for many years to come.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several options to get rid of your 1950s wedding dress. You can sell it online, at a consignment shop, or to a private buyer.
Some websites that buy and sell used wedding dresses are Stillwhite, PreOwnedWeddingDresses, Nearly Newlywed, eBay, and Poshmark.
You can dye your wedding dress a different colour, shorten and hem it, or turn it into a pillow or a Christmas tree skirt.
You can donate your wedding dress to The Salvation Army, Goodwill, thrift stores, or charities like NICU Helping Hands Angel Gown Program, Brides Across America, and Adorned in Grace.
Yes, you can rent it out to other brides or frame it and hang it on your wall as a sentimental reminder.
