Deborah Chan
There are countless ways to repurpose a wedding dress. For those who are crafty, a wedding dress can be transformed into a new garment, such as a mini dress, a two-piece set, or a robe. It can also be cut and made into various items, such as a bra, negligee, pillows, or a tote bag. For those who are not interested in altering the dress themselves, there are services that can transform a wedding dress into a new design or family keepsake. For those who are not interested in keeping the dress, it can be donated to organizations such as Brides Across America, which gives wedding dresses to military brides in need, or sold at a discount on wedding dress resale sites.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Clean the dress | To remove stains and smudges |
| Donate the dress | To military brides in need, brides facing financial hardship, low-income students for prom |
| Alter the dress | Into a more wearable garment, such as a mini dress, two-piece set, or robe |
| Reconstruct the dress | Work with a tailor to incorporate the original design into a fresh look |
| Transform the dress | Into a new design, modern bridal gifts, or family keepsakes |
| Repurpose the dress | Create items such as a pillow, tree skirt, handkerchief, or pocket square |
| Preserve the dress | Store the dress in a display box or frame |
| Sell the dress | Use a wedding dress resale site |
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What You'll Learn
Donate it to a good cause
Donating your wedding dress is a great way to support a good cause. Brides Against Breast Cancer is a popular charity that accepts wedding dress donations. The charity resells gently used wedding gowns to raise money for breast cancer awareness, early detection, research, and legislation efforts. Brides for a Cause is another nonprofit organization that collects and resells wedding dresses to raise funds for women-focused charities. They accept donations from designers, manufacturers, and brides and have given away over $3,000,000 to various charities.
Other organizations with unique missions include The Emma and Evan Foundation, which transforms wedding dresses into angel gowns or burial gowns for infants, and Cherie Sustainable Bridal in Maryland, which supports Success in Style, a nonprofit that offers professional clothing and interview skills to clients in crisis.
When deciding where to donate your wedding dress, it is important to research the organization and confirm the charity it benefits. You may also want to consider a cause that has significance to you as a couple. Additionally, some organizations have specific criteria for accepting donations, such as the age and condition of the dress.
Donating your wedding dress not only supports a good cause but also offers several benefits. It gives your dress a second life, reduces waste and pollution, and frees up storage space. Additionally, as a taxpayer, you may be able to claim your charitable contribution as a tax deduction. Overall, donating your wedding dress is a meaningful way to help others while also gaining practical advantages.
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Get it altered into a new garment
If you want to get your wedding dress altered into a new garment, it is recommended to work with a tailor or seamstress to create a new piece of clothing. You could fashion a charming mini dress, a two-piece set, or a robe from the fabric of your wedding dress. You could also remove the train or shorten the length to make it more wearable. By stripping back some of the details, such as lace, beading, or sleeves, you can create a simpler silk design that can be styled in multiple ways.
It is important to note that not all fabrics and embellishments are compatible with colour dyes. For example, lace is permeable and won't absorb colour, while silk typically takes dye well. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a professional cleaner and dyer to avoid any issues.
When it comes to wedding dress alterations, there are standard adjustments that are commonly made. These include adjusting the bust, taking in the waist, and altering the hips to ensure the gown stays in place. Additionally, creating a bustle is a common alteration for gowns with a train, allowing the bride to pin it up for the wedding reception and enjoy the dance floor.
The cost of wedding dress alterations can vary depending on the service provider. Some salons charge per service, such as shortening the gown or resewing seams, while others charge a flat fee that covers all the necessary alterations. On average, professionals estimate the cost of alterations to be between $650 and $1200.
It is worth noting that the number of fittings required will depend on the style and size of the original dress, as well as the extent of the desired changes. Typically, a bride can expect to attend two to three fittings before the ensemble is ready to be worn.
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Transform it into home decor
Wedding dresses are often very special to those who wear them, and many people want to keep them long after the big day. If you're looking to transform your wedding dress into home decor, here are some ideas to keep the memories of your special day alive in a meaningful and creative way:
Framing
Get your wedding dress, veil, and garter framed to create a one-of-a-kind work of art. You can hang it on your wall as a stunning piece and a sentimental reminder of your wedding day. Framing can be done professionally or as a DIY project.
Table Decor
Transform your wedding dress into table decor items such as tablecloths, table runners, or homemade napkins. You can also create unique holiday-themed items, such as a Thanksgiving tablecloth, Christmas tree skirt, heart-shaped Valentine's Day doilies, or everyday items like curtains.
Bed and Bath Linens
Create bed and bath linens, such as pillows, quilts, or a bedspread, to bring a daily reminder of your wedding day into your private space.
Accessories
Turn your wedding dress into accessories such as a clutch or lingerie. You can also create keepsakes like teddy bears or Christmas ornaments.
Baby Clothes
If you're planning to start a family, consider transforming your wedding dress into baby clothes, such as a christening gown, onesies, or a special outfit for your child's first birthday.
There are endless possibilities for transforming your wedding dress into home decor or other sentimental items. Whether you choose to DIY or seek professional help, you can create unique pieces that will remind you of your special day for years to come.
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Preserve it as a keepsake
Wedding dresses are often regarded as precious heirlooms, regardless of their financial value. If you're considering passing your wedding dress on to future generations, preserving it as a keepsake is a great idea.
Wedding dress preservation is a special cleaning and packaging process that ensures the garment retains its quality for years to come. This process involves cleaning, treating, and packaging the dress using highly specialised materials and techniques to protect it against ageing factors like light, humidity, and insects. It's important to note that this is different from standard dry cleaning, which may not adequately protect your dress.
To preserve your wedding dress, start by having it professionally cleaned as soon as possible. Choose a dry cleaner that uses gentle, pure solvents to avoid leaving strange smells on your dress. After cleaning, wrap your dress in acid-free paper and seal it in a bridal box designed for archival storage. Replace the storage box and paper every three years.
When storing your boxed dress, find a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or guest room. Avoid storing it near heat sources, excessive moisture, or direct sunlight, as extreme temperatures can cause damage and discolouration. It's also important to keep your dress away from cooking or smoking odours, as these can permeate the fabric over time. While long-term storage is intended to preserve your dress, remember to check on it regularly.
By following these steps, you can effectively preserve your wedding dress as a cherished keepsake for future generations.
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Pass it down as an heirloom
Passing down a wedding dress as an heirloom is a beautiful way to honour a family member and keep them close on your wedding day. If you plan to pass down your wedding dress as an heirloom, it is important to get it cleaned and preserved to ensure it stays in the best condition. This can be done through services such as Wedding Dress Preservation by The Knot, which offers packages to clean and preserve your dress.
Once your dress is cleaned, you can store it safely until you decide to pass it down. There are services that offer professional safekeeping of your dress, such as DressVault by Unbox the Dress. This company also offers dress transformation services, allowing you to turn your wedding dress into a new heirloom, such as a veil, robe, bouquet wrap, or even a christening gown for a new baby.
If you are crafty, you can also choose to transform the dress yourself or with the help of a tailor or seamstress. You can create a new garment, such as a mini dress, a two-piece set, or a robe that you can wear on special occasions or pass down to a family member. You can also use the fabric to create smaller items, such as a clutch, ornaments, or a tree skirt for the holidays.
Passing down a wedding dress as an heirloom allows you to create new memories and traditions with the dress. Whether you choose to transform it into something new or pass it down as is, it can be a special way to honour your family and create a unique connection on your wedding day.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to repurpose your wedding dress. You can get it altered into a more wearable garment, such as a mini dress, a two-piece set, or a robe. You can also transform it into a christening gown, a Christmas tree skirt, pillowcases, a handmade quilt, or a photo mat.
You can get your wedding dress professionally cleaned and preserved to remove any stains and smudges. You can then store it away in a display box or frame that you can hang.
You can display your wedding dress by framing it and hanging it on a wall. You can also create a miniature replica of your wedding dress to display as a keepsake.
If you don't want to keep your wedding dress, you can consider donating it to organizations such as Brides Across America, which provides wedding dresses to military brides in need, or selling it at a discount on online wedding dress resale sites.
