Lyla Dejesus
There are many options for what to do with a wedding dress after the big day. Some people choose to repurpose the dress, turning it into something new like a pillow, a clutch bag, a christening gown, a piece of art, or even a Christmas stocking. Others choose to donate their dress to a worthy cause, sell it, or pass it on to someone else to wear. If you're not ready to part with your dress, you can also store it away to keep it in good condition for years to come.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sell | Stillwhite, PreOwnedWeddingDresses, Nearly Newlywed, eBay, Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, consignment shops, private buyers |
| Donate | Adorned in Grace, Brides for a Cause, Angel Gown Program |
| Repurpose | Wall art, pillows, quilts, baby blankets, bassinet covers, christening gowns, tablecloths, table runners, napkins, bags, purses, jewellery, Christmas ornaments, stockings, clothing, curtains, cocktail dress, mini dress, two-piece set |
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What You'll Learn
Home accessories, like cushions, tablecloths, or napkins
If you're looking to upcycle your wedding dress into home accessories, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, decide whether you want to undertake the project yourself or enlist the help of a professional. If you're confident with a sewing machine and don't mind seeing your dress in pieces, you can create a range of accessories and homeware.
Cushions are a popular choice, and you can either make them yourself or use a service like Make Me a Cushion, which creates custom throw pillows from old wedding dresses. When making cushions, consider using plain material for the base and decorating the pillows with trim and embellishments from your dress for a beautiful finish. You could also use the fabric to create a unique piece of wall art. Frame a section of your dress, perhaps with added embroidery of your initials and wedding date, or create a collage of highlighted elements.
If you're looking for items to use during meals, you could make tablecloths and napkins from your wedding dress fabric. However, remember not to use ivory-coloured fabric when having guests over for dinner, as it may stain easily. You could also create a Christmas table setting with a table runner made from your dress fabric and matching napkins. For a more challenging project, you could attempt to make a tote bag or clutch purse, allowing you to carry a piece of your special day with you wherever you go.
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Clothing, such as a mini dress, two-piece set, or baby clothes
If you're looking to repurpose your wedding dress into clothing, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you could create a charming mini dress or a two-piece set from the fabric of your wedding dress. This option allows you to get creative and work with a tailor or seamstress to design a piece that you can wear again and again. You could even surprise your partner by wearing it on your first anniversary.
Another option is to transform your wedding dress into clothing for children. For example, you could create a customised christening gown or naming ceremony attire. This is a wonderful way to provide your children with a part of your special day. You could also use the fabric to craft baby blankets, bassinet covers, or clothing for older children.
If you're feeling creative and confident with a sewing machine, you can turn your wedding dress into a range of other garments. For instance, you could create a unique evening bag or clutch purse to wear on special occasions. Dyeing your wedding dress is also an option to consider, allowing you to wear it to various events. However, keep in mind that not all fabrics and embellishments take dye well, so it's best to consult a professional.
Before you begin any transformation, it's important to carefully consider the type of fabric you're working with and how much of it you have. It's also recommended to clean your wedding dress and store it properly to ensure it's in good condition before making any cuts or alterations.
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Art, either framed or with added embellishments
There are several ways to repurpose a wedding dress into art, either by framing it or adding embellishments. Here are some ideas:
Framing the Dress
If you want to preserve your wedding dress as a keepsake, consider framing a section of it. You can add embroidery with your initials and wedding date for a sentimental touch. Alternatively, create a collage of highlighted elements and embellishments from the dress, or frame the entire dress and put it on display as a statement piece. The Beautiful Frame Company and Outrageous Framing are two companies that specialise in this service.
Creating Accessories
You can also turn your wedding dress into accessories that you can wear every day. For example, save the lace trim to create a warm scarf for winter, or use the lace to make light spring scarves. You can even make a lace face mask to match your wedding dress.
Soft Toys and Keepsakes
If you're feeling crafty, use the fabric from your wedding dress to make soft toys such as teddy bears or puppies. These can be cherished keepsakes for children and grandchildren. You can also make a dress for a stuffed animal or doll, which could be a sweet gift for a flower girl or ring bearer.
Christmas Decorations
Upcycle your wedding dress into Christmas decorations, such as a Christmas tree skirt or ornaments. You can even turn your old veil into a Christmas ornament, following tutorials available online. This is a meaningful way to transform a family heirloom into something that can be enjoyed annually.
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Bags, including totes, clutches, or evening bags
Wedding dresses can be upcycled into various items, including bags. If you plan to upcycle your wedding dress, the first step is to cut it up, which can be a daunting task. It is important to decide what you want to make from your dress before cutting it to ensure that you cut it in a way that suits your purpose. You can use a seam ripper to take the dress apart at the seams.
Tote bags, handbags, and clutch purses can be made from wedding dresses. You can make these bags yourself or have them custom-made. Before you start, it is important to consider the ease of cleaning the fabric so that the bag does not require frequent dry cleaning. You can also make a beautiful quilt from your wedding dress, perhaps adding extra fabric, such as material from the groom's shirt or tie, or handkerchiefs used by family members.
If you are feeling creative, you can make a clutch purse for a night out from the lace of your wedding dress. You can also make a tote bag to get plenty of use out of your dress and see it every day. Consider the fabric and how you will clean it before you start making your bag.
If you are not confident in your ability to repurpose your wedding dress, you can leave it to professionals who specialise in making new items out of old wedding dresses. Alternatively, you can sell your wedding dress on local consignment or online via websites such as Stillwhite, PreOwnedWeddingDresses, Nearly Newlywed, eBay, or Poshmark.
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Donate it to a worthy cause, like the Angel Gown Program
Donating your wedding dress to a worthy cause, like the Angel Gown Program, is a beautiful way to give back and help others. The Angel Gown Program is a non-profit initiative that accepts wedding dress donations to create angel gowns for bereaved families. These gowns are provided to hospitals to dress babies who have passed away, offering a sense of comfort and dignity during a difficult time.
The program welcomes wedding dress donations of any age, as long as they are in good condition with minimal staining and no strong odours. There is no restriction on the colour or style of the dress, and even accessories like veils can be donated. You can choose to donate your dress to either the USA Program or the International Program, with a minimum donation of $100 to support their mission.
The process of transforming wedding gowns into angel gowns is intricate, and each gown is unique. You can include a keepsake portion of your dress, such as a piece of fabric or embellishment, to cherish your wedding memories. Alternatively, you can request to have your angel gowns returned to you for personal donation. The estimated time for gown completion varies, with a quicker turnaround for the US program compared to international donations.
The Angel Gown Program values the stories behind each wedding dress and believes in the power of sharing experiences of love, faith, and healing. They encourage donors to share their stories, creating a community of support and empowerment. This aspect of the program adds a special layer of meaning to the donation process, connecting donors with the families they are helping.
By donating your wedding dress to the Angel Gown Program, you become a part of a compassionate community. Your dress will be crafted into angel gowns, providing solace to grieving families and honouring the memory of their little ones. It's a way to extend the love and joy associated with your wedding day to those in need, creating a lasting impact that transcends the dress itself.
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Frequently asked questions
If you're handy with a sewing machine, you can turn your wedding dress into something new that you'll use and love. You can create a range of creative household items and accessories, such as:
- A mini dress or two-piece set
- A clutch purse or evening bag
- A Christmas stocking or Christmas tree skirt
- A baby blanket, bassinet cover, or christening gown
- A pillow or throw cushion
- A tablecloth, table runner, or napkins
- A wall art collage or framed display
- A pendant or earrings
If you're hesitant to cut up your wedding dress, you can send it to a professional service to repurpose it for you. Some ideas include:
- Dyeing the dress a new colour
- Altering the dress into a shorter garment
- Creating a customised christening gown
- Making a piece of art for your wall
- Designing a cocktail dress
If you're positive you won't wear your wedding dress again, you can pass it on to someone else. Some options include:
- Selling it online, at a consignment shop, or to a private buyer
- Donating it to a worthy cause, such as Brides Against Breast Cancer or the Angel Gown Program
- Giving it to someone in need or exchanging it at a swap meet
