Franklin Dean
There are many reasons why someone may want to save their wedding dress. It is likely to be one of the most important pieces of clothing they will ever wear and a symbol of a very special day. Some people choose to preserve their dress, for example, by having it professionally cleaned and packaged, to save it for their child's future wedding or an anniversary vow renewal. Others may want to repurpose their dress, for example, by turning it into a formal gown, lingerie, or a christening gown for a baby. Some people may simply want to keep their dress as a souvenir or display it as a piece of art. However, there are also good reasons not to keep a wedding dress. Wedding dresses can take up a lot of storage space, and they may become damaged or discoloured over time, especially if they are not stored correctly. They can also be difficult to part with, and some people may regret not donating or selling their dress to someone who could have enjoyed wearing it.
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What You'll Learn
Repurpose your wedding dress
If you're unsure what to do with your wedding dress after your big day, you're not alone. Many brides wonder how to store their dress properly or whether they should repurpose it. Here are some ideas for repurposing your wedding dress:
Dye it a new colour
If you're certain you won't wear your wedding dress again but don't want to give it away or cut it up, consider dyeing it a new colour. This will transform your dress into a formal gown perfect for any special occasion. However, not all fabrics and embellishments are compatible with colour dyes, so it's best to trust a professional with this process.
Transform it into a christening gown
If you're planning to start a family, you could transform your wedding dress into a christening gown for your baby. This is a beautiful way to welcome a new member of your family and create lasting memories.
Turn it into a work of art
If you wish to admire your wedding dress every day, you can turn it into a stunning art piece to hang on your wall. Companies like The Beautiful Frame Company and Outrageous Framing will work with you to frame your wedding gown.
Donate it
If you're looking to part ways with your wedding dress, consider donating it to an organisation that accepts wedding dress donations. For example, Brides Across America provides wedding dresses to military brides in need, while Every Girl's Dream in Michigan accepts wedding gowns for brides-to-be facing financial hardship.
Create a keepsake quilt
Transform your wedding dress into a handmade quilt that incorporates parts of your veil and/or train. This way, you can display your dress in a unique way and cherish it for years to come.
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Preserve your wedding dress
Your wedding dress is a precious garment that holds profound sentimental value. Preserving it is a way to cherish and relive the memories of your special day whenever you desire. Here are some tips to help you preserve your wedding dress:
Professional Preservation Services:
If you want your wedding dress to remain in pristine condition for years or even decades, professional preservation is key. These services include meticulous cleaning, treating, and packaging your dress using museum-quality techniques and materials. Professionals will carefully inspect and treat your dress, creating a customised treatment plan for any type of stain, be it invisible or visible. They will also repair any broken hems, beading, or missing embellishments. Your dress will then be packaged using highly specialised materials, typically acid-free tissue and boxes, to ensure long-term physical and chemical stability.
Choosing a Reputable Company:
When selecting a company for preservation, opt for those with decades of experience and industry-leading preservation techniques. Companies like The Knot, Happily Ever After Preservation, and Wedding Dress Preservation by The Knot are well-known for their expertise and offer lifetime warranties and insurance for your peace of mind.
At-Home Storage:
If you choose not to use a professional preservation service, proper at-home storage is essential. Avoid using plastic dress covers or regular cardboard boxes as they can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to discolouration. Instead, store your dress in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or a guest room. Ensure the location is away from heat sources, excessive moisture, direct sunlight, and cooking or smoking odours, as these can damage the fabric over time.
Regular Inspections:
Even with proper storage, it is crucial to inspect your dress regularly, ideally every six months. This allows you to detect any issues, such as damage or pests, early on and take the necessary steps to address them. Remember to always handle the dress with clean hands or wear white gloves to prevent oils from transferring onto the gown.
Preserving your wedding dress is a beautiful way to honour the memories of your wedding day and ensure that your gown remains in excellent condition for years to come.
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Store your wedding dress
Your wedding dress is one of the most important items of clothing you will ever wear, so knowing how to store it properly is key. Here are some tips for storing your wedding dress:
Firstly, it is essential to get your dress professionally cleaned by a trusted bridal dry cleaner before storing it. Even if it appears clean, there may be dirt or bacteria that can cause yellowing or discolouration over time. A professional will use specialised techniques to remove any stains and ensure your gown is in pristine condition. After cleaning, be sure to have clean hands or wear white gloves to prevent any oils from getting on the dress. Check your gown for any loose threads, embellishments or missing buttons, and fix these before storing to prevent further damage.
When it comes to storing your dress, avoid using plastic dress covers or cardboard boxes, as these can trap moisture and bacteria. Instead, store your dress in a breathable garment bag or box specifically designed for wedding dress storage. If you choose to hang your dress, opt for a large garment bag with enough space, and use the hanger straps inside the gown instead of the garment straps or sleeves, which can stretch over time. Wedding dresses are heavy, so hanging them can cause strain on the straps. If you have the space, it is better to lay the dress flat, taking the pressure off the fabric.
The location of your stored dress is also important. Keep it in a cool, dry, dark place, such as a closet or guest room. Avoid storing it in the basement, garage, or attic, as these can be damp or too hot. Humidity control is key, so avoid heat sources, excessive moisture, or direct sunlight, as extreme temperatures can cause damage and discolouration. Keep your dress away from cooking or smoking odours, which can permeate the fabric. It is best to store your dress somewhere it won't be disturbed frequently, reducing the risk of accidental damage.
Finally, remember to check on your dress regularly. Every six months, inspect it for any signs of damage or pests, and refold the dress to prevent permanent creases. If you want extra assurance that your dress will stay in mint condition, consider professional preservation services, which involve cleaning, treating, and packaging your dress using museum-quality techniques and materials.
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Donate your wedding dress
Donating your wedding dress is a great way to give it new life and support a good cause. Many brides struggle to afford their dream wedding dress, and your donation can help provide a dress for a bride experiencing financial hardship. Donating your wedding dress can also help reduce your carbon footprint. The production of new clothes and textiles uses hundreds of gallons of water and contributes to global carbon emissions.
There are several organizations that accept wedding dress donations. Brides Against Breast Cancer, for example, resells gently used wedding gowns to raise money for breast cancer awareness and early detection. The Brides Project in Michigan raises money for programs and services at the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor. Brides Across America gives free wedding dresses to military and first responder brides. The NICU Helping Hands Angel Gown program accepts wedding dresses, which seamstresses remake into gowns for photos and burial services for infants of bereaved parents. Cherie Sustainable Bridal in Maryland supports Success in Style, a nonprofit that offers professional clothing and interview skills to clients in crisis. The Emma and Evan Foundation transforms wedding dresses into Angel Gowns, or burial gowns for infants who have passed away, providing comfort to grieving families.
If you're unsure about donating your wedding dress, there are other options to consider. You can have your dress professionally preserved to save it for your child's future wedding or an anniversary vow renewal. You can also pass it down to someone else or display it as a piece of art by getting it framed. Another option is to dye your wedding dress a new color, transforming it into a formal gown perfect for special occasions.
Ultimately, the decision to donate your wedding dress is a personal one. If you choose to donate, you can feel good knowing that you're helping someone in need and reducing your environmental impact.
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Sell your wedding dress
If you're considering selling your wedding dress, there are a few options to explore. Firstly, decide whether you want to sell it online or through a physical store. Selling your dress online provides more flexibility and can reach a wider audience. Websites like Stillwhite offer a platform to sell wedding dresses of all shapes, sizes, and colours. You can set your selling price, communicate with buyers, and receive secure payments while maintaining your privacy. Enhance your listing with photos or even a video to showcase the dress's movement and sparkle.
Alternatively, you can explore local wedding consignment shops that can guide you through the selling process. If you decide to sell your dress, it's recommended to do so as soon as possible, as bridal styles evolve, and newer styles tend to sell faster.
Before listing your dress, ensure it's in good condition. Consider getting it professionally cleaned and treated for any stains to guarantee its long-term preservation. You can also explore options to repurpose your dress, such as dyeing it a new colour to transform it into a formal gown for special occasions. However, keep in mind that not all fabrics and embellishments are compatible with colour dyes, so consult a professional before proceeding.
If you're unsure about selling, there are other options to consider, such as professionally preserving your dress for future generations, donating it to organisations like Brides Across America, or even turning it into a framed artwork to display as a sentimental reminder of your wedding day.
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Frequently asked questions
It's up to you! If you want to keep it for sentimental reasons, you can have it professionally preserved, or you can turn it into a piece of art by getting it framed.
Wedding dress preservation is a special cleaning and packaging process that ensures the garment will retain its quality for years to come. It involves removing stains, repairing any damage, and housing the dress in an acid-free box with special lofting tissues to support all folds.
Look for a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or a guest room, to keep your dress safe. Avoid storing it near heat sources, excessive moisture, or direct sunlight, as extreme temperatures can cause damage and discolouration.
You can donate your dress to an organisation that gives wedding dresses to brides in need, such as Brides Across America, which provides dresses to military brides. You could also sell your dress, repurpose it into décor, or dye it a new colour and wear it to special occasions.
You can turn your wedding dress into lingerie, a short dress, or a christening gown for a baby. You could also cut it up and use the fabric for crafts or as part of a new dress.
