Lyla Dejesus
So, the wedding was a success, but now you're wondering what to do with the dress. Well, you're not alone. Many brides are opting to repurpose their dresses into various items, from robes to decor, or even works of art. Some choose to donate their dresses to charities, such as Brides Across America, which gives dresses to military brides, or Cinderella's Closet, which turns them into low-cost prom dresses for students from low-income families. Others decide to sell their dresses, either via resale or consignment services, or directly to another bride-to-be. If you're keen to keep your dress, you could get it professionally cleaned and preserved, or even framed, to hang on your wall as a unique piece of artwork.
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What You'll Learn
Donate to charity
Donating your wedding dress to charity is a great way to give back to the community and help those in need. There are several charitable organizations that accept wedding dress donations, each with a unique and impactful mission.
One such organization is Brides Against Breast Cancer, which resells gently used wedding gowns to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and early detection initiatives. This is an excellent option for those looking to support a critical health cause and potentially save lives.
Brides Across America is another commendable charity that accepts wedding dress donations. They provide free wedding dresses to military personnel, first responders, and their spouses, ensuring that those who serve our communities and country can celebrate their special day in style.
If you're specifically interested in supporting women-focused charities, Brides for a Cause is an excellent choice. They collect and resell wedding dresses, with proceeds going to various local and national charities supporting women. This organization has distributed over $2.5 million to worthy causes and has showrooms in several cities, including Portland, Tacoma, Seattle, and Sacramento.
For those who wish to support grieving families, The Emma and Evan Foundation accepts wedding dress donations and transforms them into beautiful infant burial gowns, also known as Angel Gowns. These gowns are offered free of charge to hospitals, birthing centers, funeral homes, and directly to bereaved families, providing a small measure of comfort during an incredibly difficult time.
Donating your wedding dress to charity is a selfless and impactful act that can benefit numerous worthy causes. It is a wonderful way to extend the joy and love embodied in your wedding dress to those who need it most.
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Sell it online
Selling your wedding dress online is a great way to recoup some of the costs of your big day. There are many online marketplaces that cater specifically to the resale of wedding dresses, such as Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, and Unbox the Dress. These platforms allow you to connect directly with buyers, keeping your contact details private, and offer secure payment methods.
When creating your listing, be sure to include detailed information about the designer and style of the dress, any alterations you made, and your measurements. It is also important to include multiple photos, and even a video, to showcase the dress's movement and sparkle. You may also wish to include any accessories, such as a veil or hairpiece, in the sale, but be prepared for buyers to opt-out of purchasing these additional items.
Before selling, it is recommended to have your dress professionally cleaned to remove any stains or smudges. This will ensure your dress is in the best possible condition and can help you achieve a higher selling price.
Selling your wedding dress online is a wonderful way to give your dress a new life and allow another bride to find joy in wearing it on their special day.
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Repurpose into home decor
If you're looking to repurpose your wedding dress into home decor, there are several options to consider. Firstly, you could transform it into a handmade quilt, incorporating parts of the dress, veil, and/or train. This creates a sentimental keepsake that can be cherished for years and displayed in your home.
Another idea is to turn your wedding dress into Christmas decorations, such as a Christmas tree skirt, angel tree topper, or ornaments. This approach allows you to incorporate your wedding dress into your holiday traditions and create new memories.
You can also explore more unique options, such as using the fabric from your wedding dress for home decor items like iPad cases or even turning the dress into a robe or clutch to enjoy a piece of your wedding day every day.
Additionally, you can get creative and use the fabric from your wedding dress to craft decorative items that hold special meaning for you. Displaying these items in your home will remind you of your wedding day and the joy it brought.
Repurposing your wedding dress into home decor is a sustainable way to give your gown a new life and ensure that it remains a cherished part of your living space.
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Wear it on your first anniversary
Wearing your wedding dress on your first anniversary is a fun way to celebrate and relive your wedding day. It is a great opportunity to get creative and surprise your partner.
If you are worried about the practicality of wearing a wedding dress, consider repurposing it into a more wearable garment. You can fashion a charming mini dress or a two-piece set from the fabric of your wedding dress. You could even create a robe from your wedding dress, allowing you to enjoy a piece of your wedding day every morning and night.
If you are attached to the idea of wearing the full gown again, there are ways to make the experience more manageable. You could plan a special night in, enjoying a romantic dinner and creating memories in the comfort of your own home. Alternatively, you could follow the example of one couple, who, along with their friends, went out for a fun night on the town, wearing their wedding attire to a restaurant and bowling alley.
Before wearing your wedding dress again, it is important to get it cleaned, especially if you plan to repurpose it. Stains could set or be exacerbated in the dyeing process, so it is recommended to talk to a trusted cleaner before proceeding with any alterations.
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Turn it into a family heirloom
If you're looking to turn your wedding dress into a family heirloom, there are several options to consider. You could repurpose the dress into a shorter, more contemporary version of your original gown, which you could wear to celebrate your 10-year anniversary. Alternatively, you could create a mini dress or two-piece set from the fabric of your wedding dress, which you could surprise your partner with on your first anniversary.
If you're looking for something a little different, you could turn your wedding dress into a robe, allowing you to enjoy a piece of your wedding day each morning and night. You could even create a whole new holiday tradition with your dress, like one customer who turned her dress into Christmas tree decorations.
If you're looking to pass your wedding dress on to the next generation, you could transform it into a christening gown for your baby. You could also create a bridal bouquet wrap, a ring bearer pillow, a wedding handkerchief, or a garter for your daughter to wear on her wedding day. You could even save some of the fabric to create a new item when a baby joins the family.
If you're not quite ready to repurpose your dress, you could have it professionally preserved. Experts will carefully clean, treat, and package your gown in a preservation box, protecting it from the environment and ensuring it remains a cherished memento.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several options for what to do with a wedding dress after the big day. Some people choose to repurpose their dress into another garment, such as a mini dress, a two-piece set, or a robe. Others choose to donate their dress to a charity or nonprofit, such as Brides Across America, which gives dresses to military brides-to-be. Some people choose to sell their dress, either through a resale or consignment service or directly to another bride. If you want to keep your dress, you can get it professionally cleaned and preserved, or you can frame it and hang it on your wall as a piece of art.
There are several ways to repurpose a wedding dress. One option is to work with a tailor or seamstress to create a new garment, such as a mini dress or a two-piece set. Another option is to use the fabric to create a robe or other keepsake items, such as a clutch or Christmas tree skirt. You can also pass your dress down to a family member to wear or repurpose for their wedding.
There are several organizations that accept wedding dress donations, including Brides Across America, Brides for a Cause, and Cinderella's Closet. You can also donate your dress to a local theater or costume shop, or to your local Goodwill.
There are several options for selling your wedding dress. You can use a resale or consignment service or you can sell it directly to another bride. If you choose to sell it directly, you can list it on a platform that specializes in wedding dresses, or you can find a buyer through word of mouth.
To preserve your wedding dress, it's important to get it professionally cleaned and preserved as soon as possible after your wedding. You can use a dress preservation specialist or a company that seals your gown in a box. If you plan to pass your dress down to a family member, they will need to repeat the preservation process when they receive the dress.
