Lyla Dejesus
Your wedding dress holds precious memories and sentimental value, but what happens to it after the big day? Some brides are happy to sell their dress or donate it to a charitable cause, while others may want to keep it as a family heirloom. If you're not sure what to do with your old wedding dress, there are several options to consider. You could repurpose it, pass it on to a family member, or store it safely to preserve its condition.
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What You'll Learn
Repurpose the dress
If you're not too attached to your wedding dress, you could sell it to make back some of the money you spent on it. However, if you'd like to keep your dress but give it a new purpose, there are several ways to repurpose it.
One option is to transform your dress into something you can wear again. You could dye it a new colour to create a formal gown for special occasions, or cut and stylise it into a party or cocktail dress. You could also turn it into a robe, allowing you to enjoy a piece of your wedding day every morning and night.
You could also use the fabric of your wedding dress to create a range of household items and accessories, such as pillows, tablecloths, napkins, bags, or even a lampshade. If you have children or grandchildren, you could use the fabric to make christening gowns, baby blankets, or bassinet covers, adding a sentimental touch to these items.
If you're feeling creative, you can find endless DIY ideas and visuals on Pinterest and Etsy. Alternatively, companies such as Unbox the Dress can transform your wedding dress into bespoke keepsakes, such as Christmas tree skirts, angel tree toppers, and ornaments.
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Donate to a charity
There are many reasons to donate your wedding dress to charity. Firstly, it will give you more closet space and a tax deduction. Secondly, you will be helping someone in need. Many non-profit organizations accept wedding dress donations, such as Brides Across America, which passes on wedding gowns to military brides in need. Brides for a Cause is another organization that accepts wedding dress donations. They sell the dresses and use the proceeds to raise money for various women-focused charities. Brides Against Breast Cancer is another option; they resell gently used wedding gowns to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and early detection. If you are crafty, you could transform your wedding dress into something else, such as baby blankets, bassinet covers, or christening gowns, and donate these items to hospitals, birthing centers, funeral homes, or directly to families in need.
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Keep it as a memento
If you're debating what to do with your old wedding dress, one option is to keep it as a memento. Wedding dresses are often imbued with sentimentality and hold special memories of a magical day shared with your significant other. Keeping your wedding dress can allow you to cherish and revisit those memories.
If you plan to keep your wedding dress, proper storage is essential to preserving its beauty and integrity. It is recommended to store your wedding dress in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or a guest room. Avoid storing it near heat sources, excessive moisture, or direct sunlight, as extreme temperatures can cause damage and discolouration. It is also important to keep the dress away from cooking or smoking odours, as these can permeate the fabric over time. Additionally, consider using a breathable garment bag or box specifically designed for wedding dress storage, avoiding plastic bags that can trap moisture and cause mould growth.
If you're feeling creative, you can transform your wedding dress into a range of unique items to cherish as mementos. You can cut and dye your dress to create a party dress or a cocktail dress for special occasions or milestone anniversaries. You can even turn it into a bridal robe, allowing you to relive your wedding day every morning and night. If you're handy with a sewing machine, you can use the fabric to craft sentimental household items such as pillows, tablecloths, or napkins.
For those with a more artistic flair, companies like Unbox the Dress can help transform your wedding dress into bespoke keepsakes. They work with you to create one-of-a-kind heirloom pieces, ensuring your wedding dress continues to hold a special place in your life.
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Sell it
If you're not too emotionally attached to your wedding dress, selling it is a great way to recoup some money after your wedding. Brides can expect to make back up to 60% or even 70% of the retail price. This can be especially useful if you're looking to pay for a honeymoon.
There are many online marketplaces that can help you sell your wedding dress, such as Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, and The Loop. These sites typically don't charge commission, so you can keep all of your sale. To increase your chances of selling, it's recommended that you showcase your dress with photos or videos and keep it in pristine condition.
If you're not interested in selling your dress online, you could also connect with local organizations that help brides-to-be undergoing financial hardship. For example, Brides Across America passes on wedding gowns to military brides in need, while Brides for a Cause sells dresses and uses the proceeds to support various causes.
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Store it for future generations
If you're thinking of keeping your wedding dress for future generations, it's important to first consider the proper way of storing it. Wedding dresses are delicate and highly receptive to changes in temperature and humidity. Therefore, it is crucial to store your dress in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or a guest room. Avoid storing it near heat sources, excessive moisture, or direct sunlight, as extreme temperatures can cause damage and discolouration.
It is also essential to clean your wedding dress before storing it. Removing any stains, dirt, sweat, and oils will prevent them from setting in and causing further damage. Find a professional dry cleaner to help clean your dress so it is in pristine condition for storage. Additionally, be sure to loosely fold the dress to avoid creasing or damaging the fabric. Keep the bottom half or train of the dress outside the box or bag, and avoid sharp folds, especially in delicate areas.
Use a breathable garment bag or box specifically designed for wedding dress storage, and make sure it is acid-free. Regularly check on your dress every six months to inspect for any signs of damage or pests. Proper storage will ensure that your wedding dress remains a cherished heirloom for future generations.
Some people choose to repurpose their wedding dresses into new items, such as christening gowns, baby blankets, or other keepsakes, which can then be passed down to future generations. For example, you could transform your dress into a christening gown for your baby, following the example of Nikki, who had her mother-in-law's wedding dress repurposed for this purpose. You could also create a new holiday tradition, like Pauline, who turned her dress into a Christmas tree skirt and other festive decorations.
Alternatively, you could keep the dress in its original form and pass it down to future generations, who may choose to wear it on their wedding day or incorporate parts of it into their wedding attire. This option allows future brides to feel connected to previous generations and creates a special bond between family members.
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Frequently asked questions
Your wedding dress holds special memories and sentimental value. Keeping your wedding dress allows you to cherish it as a reminder of your wedding day and can be passed down to future generations.
You can sell your wedding dress to recoup some money, donate it to a charitable organisation, or repurpose it into other items such as robes, christening gowns, pillows, or tablecloths.
It is recommended to store your wedding dress in 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.
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