Deborah Chan
There are several options for what to do with a wedding dress after the big day. Some people choose to sell their dress, either online or through a specialist seller of preowned wedding dresses. Others donate their dress to a charity shop or a specific organisation, such as a group that makes outfits for stillborn children to be buried in. Some people hang on to their dress, getting it cleaned and boxed or framed, while others alter their dress so that they can wear it again.
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What You'll Learn
Selling your wedding dress
To create an attractive listing, ensure that you have clear, full-length photos of the dress from every angle. If there are intricate details, be sure to include close-up shots of those. You can also include photos of yourself wearing the dress, so potential buyers can see how it fits. A detailed description of the garment, including accurate measurements and information on any wear and tear, is also important. If you're including accessories with the sale, list them separately to avoid inflating the price of the dress.
If you're looking to sell your dress locally, you can consider giving it to a local consignment salon or thrift store. You can also donate your dress to charity and allow a local bride-to-be to purchase it at a lower price. Donating your dress to organizations such as Brides Across America, which gives dresses to military brides in need, is another option if you're not interested in making a profit.
Before selling your dress, consider getting it cleaned to ensure it looks its best for its second life. With the right platform, attractive listing, and perhaps a professional clean, selling your wedding dress can be a seamless process.
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Donating to charity
Donating your wedding dress to charity is a great way to ensure that your dress continues to spark joy for someone else. There are several charities that accept wedding dress donations. Brides Across America, for instance, passes on wedding dresses for free to military and first responder brides. Brides for a Cause is another charity that accepts wedding dress donations and resells them to raise funds for women-focused charities. The Brides Project, based in Michigan, is yet another option. They raise money for programs and services at the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor.
If you're looking for a way to directly help grieving families, you can donate your wedding dress to charities such as Angel Gowns or Baby Gowns for Eternity, which turn wedding dresses into gowns for stillborn infants. The Emma and Evan Foundation is another organization with a similar mission. They transform donated wedding dresses into infant burial gowns and offer them for free to hospitals, birthing centers, funeral homes, and grieving families.
Additionally, you can consider donating your wedding dress to a local thrift store or a specific boutique in your town that sells donated wedding dresses. This way, you can support a good cause while also ensuring that your dress finds a new owner who will cherish it.
Before donating, it is recommended to get your wedding dress cleaned to remove any stains or smudges. This will ensure that your dress looks its best for its second life and can bring happiness to someone else.
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Framing as art
Framing your wedding dress as a piece of art is a great way to preserve and display your dress. It can add class and beauty to your space, serving as a lasting reminder of your special day.
There are several companies that offer wedding dress framing services, such as The Beautiful Frame Company, Outrageous Framing, and Framemyfrock. These companies can work with dresses of any shape and size and offer different framing options, such as full-length shadow box framing or half-size framing, where the skirt is folded behind the bodice. You can also choose to display your dress on a mannequin or mountboard and add accessories such as veils, jewellery, and buttonholes.
The cost of framing your wedding dress can vary depending on the company and the type of frame you choose. The Beautiful Frame Company's dress framing services start at £900, while a standard frame from another company can cost around £495.
When choosing a location to display your framed wedding dress, consider an area that doesn't receive a lot of direct sunlight and is cool and dry. This will help ensure that your dress stays in pristine condition for years to come.
Framing your wedding dress is a wonderful way to preserve it as a sentimental keepsake and create a unique piece of art in your home.
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Storing for later use
If you're planning on storing your wedding dress for later use, there are a few things you should consider doing to keep it in good condition. Firstly, it's important to get your dress cleaned to remove any stains or smudges from the wedding celebrations. This will ensure your dress looks its best when you decide to take it out of storage. You can then choose to have your dress professionally preserved, which will allow you to pass it on to someone else down the line.
Another option is to store your dress in a box or bag. Many people choose to do this, keeping their dress in an airing cupboard, attic, or under the bed. You can also hang your dress in a protective zipped covering in a closet or on a bedroom door. If you're planning on storing your dress for a long time, it's a good idea to vacuum seal the bag to prevent dust and dirt from getting to it.
Some people choose to keep their wedding dress for sentimental reasons, with the hope that a family member will wear it in the future. Others plan to wear it again themselves, perhaps on a wedding anniversary. If you have the space and the inclination, storing your wedding dress for later can be a great way to preserve the memories of your special day.
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Repurposing into décor
If you're looking to repurpose your wedding dress into décor, there are several options to consider. You can turn your dress into a stunning art piece by getting it framed and hanging it on your wall as a sentimental reminder of your special day. Companies like The Beautiful Frame Company and Outrageous Framing offer this service.
Another idea is to transform your dress into a unique quilt or comforter for your bed, adding a touch of elegance and romance to your bedroom. You could also create decorative pillows or cushion covers from the dress fabric, adding a personal touch to your living room or bedroom décor.
If you're feeling creative, you could also use the fabric from your dress to make elegant lampshades or even a delicate table runner for a dining table or side table. Imagine hosting a romantic dinner for your loved one, with the soft glow of a lamp shaded in your wedding dress fabric creating a magical atmosphere.
For a more subtle approach, consider using small details or embellishments from your dress to enhance your home décor. For example, you could frame a beautiful lace sleeve or a beaded bodice as a work of art, or display a detachable train as a unique wall hanging. These ideas allow you to preserve and admire your wedding dress in a whole new light.
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Frequently asked questions
Some people choose to sell their wedding dress, either online or to a preowned wedding dress seller. Others choose to donate their dress to a charity, either to be resold with the proceeds going to charity, or to be turned into gowns for stillborn infants. Alternatively, you could repurpose your dress into a piece of art or décor, or simply keep it in storage.
You can sell your dress online, either on a platform such as Nearly Newlywed, or on a Facebook group such as Shared Dream Dresses. You could also sell your dress to a preowned wedding dress seller such as Nearly Newlywed, who will clean your dress as part of the selling process.
Brides Across America gives wedding dresses to military brides in need, Every Girl's Dream in Michigan accepts wedding gowns and evening wear for brides facing financial hardship, and Operation Prom and Cinderella's Closet accept wedding and bridesmaid dresses. You could also donate your dress to a local thrift store, or to a charity shop, which may be in need of a white gown. There are also several charities that will accept donations of wedding dresses to be turned into gowns for stillborn infants, such as Angel Gowns, Baby Gowns for Eternity, and the Angel Gown Program.
You could get your dress framed and hang it on your wall as a piece of art. Alternatively, you could get your dress professionally preserved, either to pass on to someone else in the future, or to keep for sentimental reasons. You could also repurpose your dress into a formal dress for different occasions, by dyeing it and altering the skirt.
