George Boyle
Deciding what to do with a wedding dress depends on a variety of factors, including its sentimental value, available storage space, and future use. Some brides choose to keep their wedding dresses as family heirlooms, while others opt to sell, donate, or repurpose them. Repurposing wedding dresses is a popular choice, with some transforming their gowns into jewellery, quilts, throw pillows, headbands, bracelets, bags, and christening gowns for babies. Donating wedding dresses to charitable organisations is another option, providing free wedding dresses to military members, first responders, and brides in need. Selling vintage wedding dresses on second-hand markets, online platforms, or consignment shops is also an option, especially if they are from renowned designers, well-known brands, or in excellent condition. Ultimately, the decision on what to do with a wedding dress depends on individual preferences and circumstances.
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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. Many charitable organizations accept wedding dress donations and use them to raise funds for various causes. One such organization is Brides for a Cause, a nonprofit that collects and resells wedding dresses to support women-focused charities. You can donate your dress by mailing it or dropping it off at one of their locations. Brides Against Breast Cancer is another charity that resells gently used wedding gowns to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and early detection.
If you're looking to donate your wedding dress to a military bride, Brides Across America is a great option. They accept donations of wedding gowns, veils, and jewelry and pass them on for free to military and first responder brides at their Operation Wedding Gown events. Another way to support bereaved families is by donating your wedding dress to be transformed into infant burial gowns, also known as Angel Gowns. Organizations like The Emma and Evan Foundation provide these gowns to hospitals, birthing centers, funeral homes, and grieving families at no charge.
Donating your wedding dress can also help raise funds for cancer programs and services. The Brides Project, based in Michigan, raises money for the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor through the resale of donated wedding dresses. Similarly, Brides for a Cause in the Northwest operates showrooms in several cities, reselling donated wedding gowns and distributing profits to organizations that assist women.
Unbox the Dress is another option for those looking to repurpose their wedding dress into something new, such as a christening gown for a baby or a bridal robe for a daughter's wedding day. They offer a safe and secure shipping service to send in your dress and work with you to create a unique design.
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Repurpose into home decor
If you're looking to repurpose your old wedding dress into home decor, there are several options to consider. Firstly, you can create decorative textiles such as cushion covers or pillow slips, or a chic bed canopy, adding a touch of romantic nostalgia to your bedroom decor.
Another idea is to transform your wedding dress into a wall tapestry, encapsulating your special day in an artful display. You can also repurpose the fabric into a handcrafted Halloween costume, adding a personal backstory to your spooky celebration.
If you're looking for something more functional, consider creating a purse or clutch from your wedding dress fabric. This way, you can add a touch of your special day to every outfit. You can even incorporate the fabric into a stylish iPad case or a jewellery roll, ensuring that your cherished memories are always close at hand.
For a more sentimental approach, you can repurpose your wedding dress into a baby blanket or a christening gown for a new addition to the family. This idea, as demonstrated by Shelley, whose grandmother's wedding dress turned out to be a gorgeous pink, can be a wonderful way to welcome the newest member of the family with a warm and meaningful gesture.
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Transform into jewellery
Wedding dresses can be transformed into jewellery in a variety of ways. One option is to repurpose the fabric of the dress into new items. For example, a wedding dress can be cut up and used to make headbands, bracelets, and other accessories for the wedding party. You could also use the fabric to create a photo frame or a strip for a major anniversary if you ever renew your vows. Another option is to use the fabric to create a christening gown for a new baby, which can be a special way to welcome a new member to the family. This could also be done for angel gowns for grieving parents to bury their babies in.
Alternatively, you can transform your wedding dress into jewellery by using a service like Unbox the Dress™. This company transforms wedding dresses into bespoke keepsakes that can be cherished for generations. The process typically takes up to 15 weeks and includes a design call with their team to discuss what you hope your dress will become. They also offer a DressVault storage service for professional safekeeping of your extra dress fabrics, allowing you to make additional heirlooms over time.
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Create a christening gown
If you're looking to create a christening gown from an old wedding dress, there are a few options to consider. You can either do it yourself or use a service that repurposes wedding dresses.
If you want to repurpose the wedding dress yourself, you can start by deconstructing the dress and creating a pattern for the christening gown. It is recommended to use smaller pins and only pin in the area of the seam allowance to avoid damaging the fabric. You should also cut each piece in a single layer to ensure everything is lined up correctly. If your dress has more than one layer on the skirt, cut the overlay fabric about 2 inches longer than the lining to allow for hemming and gathering at the waist. You can trim any excess fabric later.
Once you have your pattern and have cut out the pieces, you can start sewing. It is suggested to sew sample swatches first to check your stitch details and avoid simple mistakes. When attaching gathered sections to flat pieces, sew with the gathered side on top to prevent the fabric from jamming. It is also recommended to go slowly to avoid broken needles. After sewing the pieces together, you can add any final embellishments from the wedding dress, such as satin trim at the waist or sleeve binding.
If you prefer to use a service, companies like Unbox the Dress offer wedding dress transformation services. They provide a secure DressBox for shipping your dress and work with you to finalize your design plan. They can create a christening gown and other matching accessories, such as a bonnet or "lovey" blankets. The process can take up to 15 weeks, and they can usually work around slight discolourations or yellowed fabric in older wedding dresses.
Another option is to donate your wedding dress to be made into a christening gown for families who have lost a baby. These gowns are provided to grieving parents free of charge, offering a special way to wrap their little one in love.
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Sell on second-hand markets
Wedding dresses are often hard to sell, especially if they have any staining. However, there are still ways to sell your wedding dress on second-hand markets.
One option is to sell your dress online. Websites such as Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, and Unbox the Dress offer a platform for selling wedding dresses. These sites provide a large marketplace for connecting brides with dresses. Another option is to sell your dress on a general second-hand website such as Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay.
You could also try selling your dress in person. Some thrift stores, such as Goodwill, will buy wedding dresses, although it may be necessary to visit multiple stores to find one that is currently purchasing dresses. You could also try selling your dress at a local farmer's market or craft fair, as these events often include second-hand clothing vendors.
When selling your wedding dress, it is important to consider its condition and any alterations you may have made to it. Dresses that are in good condition and have not been altered are generally easier to sell. It is also helpful to provide detailed information about the dress, including measurements, fabric content, and any unique features, as this will make it easier for potential buyers to find your dress in their searches.
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Frequently asked questions
You can repurpose your wedding dress into something new, such as a christening gown, a keepsake, or a piece of jewellery. You can also sell your wedding dress, especially if it is from a well-known designer or brand, or donate it to a charitable cause.
You can repurpose your wedding dress by cutting the fabric and making decorative items such as cushion covers, pillowcases, headbands, bracelets, or bags. You can also transform your dress into a christening gown for your baby, or a bridal robe for a relative to wear on their wedding day.
You can donate your wedding dress to charitable organisations such as Brides Across America, which provides free wedding dresses to military members and spouses, or The Emma and Evan Foundation, which transforms dresses into burial gowns for infants who have passed away.
The value of your wedding dress depends on its sentimental and monetary worth. Vintage wedding dresses often reflect the fashion trends and cultural values of their era, and may hold deep emotional significance for you or your family. Used wedding dresses can also hold significant monetary value, especially if they are from renowned designers or in excellent condition.
