Junior Rasmussen
There are many options for what to do with a wedding dress after the big day. Some brides choose to repurpose their dress, either by altering it into a new garment, such as a formal dress, or by using the fabric to create new items such as a christening gown, a quilt, or jewellery. Others opt to donate their dress to a charity, which may pass it on to another bride or use the fabric for a new purpose, such as burial gowns for infants. Some brides choose to sell their dress, either directly to another bride or to a reseller, while others decide to keep their dress as a sentimental reminder of their wedding day, either by storing it or displaying it as a work of art.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transform into a new design | Modern bridal gifts, family keepsakes, party dresses, formal dresses, christening gowns, etc. |
| Preserve | Pass it down to someone else, get it framed, or store it in a box |
| Donate | Brides Across America, Angel Gowns, Baby Gowns for Eternity, Brides for a Cause, Cherie Sustainable Bridal, The Emma and Evan Foundation, Brides Against Breast Cancer, etc. |
| Sell | Nearly Newlywed, etc. |
| Repurpose | Handmade quilts, jewellery, handbags, pillows, tote bags, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Donate it to a charity
If you're looking to give back to your community, donating your wedding dress to a charitable cause is a great way to do so. There are several organisations that accept wedding dress donations, which they then pass on to brides in need or resell to raise funds for various causes.
Brides Against Breast Cancer, for example, resells gently used wedding gowns to raise money for breast cancer awareness and early detection. Brides Across America is another organisation that accepts wedding dress donations. They pass on the dresses for free to military and first responder brides at Operation Wedding Gown events twice a year.
If you're looking to donate to a charity supporting women, Brides for a Cause is a nonprofit organisation that collects and resells wedding dresses to raise funds for women-focused charities. They accept donations from designers, manufacturers, and brides all over the country. Another organisation supporting women is The Brides Project, which raises money for programs and services at the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor.
Some organisations, like Angel Gowns or Baby Gowns for Eternity, turn wedding dresses into gowns for stillborn infants. The Emma and Evan Foundation, also known as The Eve Foundation, is another organisation that transforms donated wedding dresses into infant burial gowns, also called Angel Gowns, which are offered for free to grieving families.
Before donating your wedding dress, be sure to check the acceptance criteria of the organisation, as some may have requirements regarding the age and condition of the dress.
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Turn it into a christening gown
If you're handy with a sewing machine and want to give your wedding dress a new lease of life, you can upcycle it into a christening gown. This is a great way to create a family heirloom that will be cherished for generations.
You can either do this yourself or use a service such as Unbox the Dress, which transforms wedding dresses into christening gowns. If you want to take on the project yourself, you'll first need to plan your design and deconstruct the wedding dress. You can then follow a pattern to sew the christening gown, adding embellishments as you go.
If you're going down the DIY route, make sure to use the highest-quality materials you can afford. It's a good idea to clip some fabric samples from an inconspicuous area of the wedding dress to help you choose your materials. You can then plan out your christening gown design and get started on deconstructing the wedding dress.
When it comes to sewing, use smaller pins to avoid damaging the fabric and centre your pattern pieces if you're using a section of fabric with a specific design element. Cut each piece in a single layer to ensure everything is lined up correctly, and cut the overlay fabric longer than the lining to allow for hemming and gathering at the waist. Sewing sample swatches is also a good way to avoid making simple mistakes.
If you're using a service like Unbox the Dress, you'll first need to order a DressBox, which is a secure shipping container for sending in your dress. You'll then work with a designer to finalise your design plan and order your products. The process can take up to 15 weeks, so make sure to start the transformation process at least three months in advance of any specific event.
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Get it framed as a keepsake
If you want to preserve your wedding dress as a keepsake but don't want to hide it away in storage, consider getting it framed. Companies like The Beautiful Frame Company and Outrageous Framing will work with you to turn your dress into a stunning piece of art that you can hang on your wall. The cost might not be as high as you expect, especially compared to similar services. The Beautiful Frame Company, for example, offers dress framing services starting at £900. You can also display just your accessories or have a half-size frame, which will cost less.
The framing process typically involves several steps to ensure the perfect display. First, you'll have a consultation to discuss frame possibilities and visualize the ideal angle for your dress. Then, a mock-up will be created, and you'll talk through glazing options and where you want to display the dress. You can also add veils, buttonholes, jewellery, and other accessories to the frame so that your whole outfit is preserved.
If you're feeling creative, you might want to try framing the dress yourself. Artist Russell Collins provides DIY framing materials and guidance. This option may appeal to you if you're reluctant to part with your dress for several weeks while a professional frame is made.
When getting your dress framed, it's important to consider preservation techniques to ensure the dress lasts as long as possible. This includes maintaining the pH balance, using museum-grade UV protective glass, and stitching through seams to keep the dress in place. Ironbridge Fine Arts & Framing, a family-run business in Shropshire, specializes in these preservation methods to protect dresses from air pollutants, UV lighting, and other damage.
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Cut it into a shorter dress
One option for repurposing your wedding dress is to cut it into a shorter dress. This can make the dress more wearable for future events and remove the 'bridal' element that may make you hesitant to wear it again. There are several ways to do this, including cutting it to floor length, ankle length, midi length, or mini length. You can also remove the train to make the dress shorter.
When shortening your wedding dress, it is important to consider the type of dress you have. Shortening an A-line dress is different from shortening the hem of a chiffon gathered skirt. It is also important to decide on the desired length before making any cuts. One way to do this is to place a shorter dress of your preferred length directly on top of the wedding dress and trace the new length with marking chalk. It is important to leave an inch or two after tracing the hem to allow for hemming or folding.
There are both temporary and permanent methods for shortening a dress. A temporary method involves using hem tape, which is a double-sided, transparent, heat-sensitive tape that holds two sides of the fabric together. This method does not require scissors or a sewing machine. First, fold the dress at the line between the hemming allowance and the length, creating a small, inner one-inch fold at the end. Then, iron over the fold to mark the line and place the tape on the hem. Finally, fold the tape in and attach it to the inner part of the dress.
If you are unsure about how to shorten your wedding dress or want a more complex alteration, you can consider seeking the help of a professional seamstress. They will be able to guide you through the process and ensure that your dress is altered to your desired length and style.
By cutting your wedding dress into a shorter dress, you can give it a new lease of life and wear it to various events, styled up or down depending on your preference.
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Transform it into a quilt
Transforming your wedding dress into a quilt is a great way to repurpose your dress and create a keepsake that can be cherished for years to come. Here are some tips and ideas to get you started:
Finding a Quilter
If you don't have quilting experience, consider reaching out to a local guild or taking a quilt class. These resources can provide guidance and connect you with people who can offer opinions and mentorship. Additionally, you can explore online platforms, such as Reddit's r/quilting community, to seek advice and find individuals or companies that specialize in transforming wedding dresses into quilts.
Choosing a Design
When designing your quilt, you can opt for a simple pattern or incorporate various textures and fabrics. Consider including not only your wedding dress but also your husband's tux, bridesmaid dresses, or other sentimental fabrics in complementary colours. If you have access to multiple wedding dresses, such as those from different generations of your family, you can combine elements from each dress into a single quilt.
Practicing and Starting Small
Before cutting into your wedding dress, it's advisable to gain some quilting experience. You can start by learning how to quilt using scraps of fabric from a fabric store. This way, you can familiarize yourself with the process and build confidence before working with your actual wedding dress fabric.
Displaying and Using Your Quilt
Once your quilt is complete, you can display it as a wall hanging or use it as a throw blanket. Wedding dress quilts are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, adding a touch of comfort and sentiment to your home.
Remember, transforming your wedding dress into a quilt is a creative and meaningful way to preserve your wedding memories. Whether you decide to quilt it yourself or enlist the help of professionals, the process can result in a cherished heirloom that captures the essence of your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to repurpose your wedding dress. You can turn it into a christening gown, a formal dress, a cake table tablecloth, a quilt, a pendant necklace, a photo mat, or a variety of items like a bra, negligee, pillows, and a tote bag.
Unbox the Dress is a company that helps women transform their wedding gowns into new designs, modern bridal gifts, and family keepsakes. You can also turn to local tailors or friends who are good with a sewing machine.
Yes, there are many charities that accept wedding dress donations, such as Brides for a Cause, Brides Against Breast Cancer, and The Brides Project.
Yes, there are platforms like Nearly Newlywed that allow you to sell your preowned wedding dress. You can also look into consigning your dress at local bridal shops or thrift stores.
