Rhiannon Hendricks
Many mothers dream of their daughters wearing their wedding dress on their big day. However, this is not always the case, and mothers may be left wondering what to do with their old wedding dress. There are several options for mothers in this situation, including repurposing the dress into a new item, such as a christening gown, a bridal robe, or a handkerchief for their son's wedding. Alternatively, mothers can choose to preserve the dress, donate it, or even trash the dress by hiring a photographer to capture unique pictures of the dress in an unusual setting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transform the wedding dress into an outfit for a baby | Christening gown, hair bow, communion dress, outfit to go home from the hospital |
| Transform the wedding dress into items for adults | Robe, pocket squares, ties, tree skirt, pillowcases, throw pillow covers, nightgowns, handkerchiefs, coasters, picture frames, hair accessories |
| Transform the wedding dress into items for children | --- |
| Transform the wedding dress into art | Framed art, resin art |
| Store the wedding dress | Preservation box, display box, frame |
| Dress code for children at weddings | Comfortable, formal, breathable clothing; collared shirt, bow tie, dress shoes, suit jacket, cardigan, sweater, flip-flops |
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What You'll Learn
Transform it into a christening gown for a baby
Transforming your wedding dress into a christening gown for your baby is a creative and sentimental project. It is a wonderful way to repurpose your wedding dress and create a cherished heirloom. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Planning and Preparation:
Begin by sitting down with your wedding dress and taking some time to plan. Examine the dress for any design elements, such as bows, trim, buttons, or broaches, that you want to incorporate into the christening gown. Consider the amount of fabric available and the specific cut of the dress. Create a vision board on Pinterest or sketch out some ideas to help you visualize the final gown.
Deconstruction:
The next step is to carefully take apart your wedding dress. Use scissors to cut along the seams, and if there are any embellishments like beads, be careful to remove them without breaking the needle. You can also use a seam ripper to neatly separate the dress, but this can be a time-consuming process. Once the dress is deconstructed, organize the fabric pieces, and decide which parts you want to use for the christening gown.
Pattern and Construction:
Choose a basic dress pattern that is easily customizable, such as the McCall's M6621 pattern, which includes a pattern for a matching bonnet. You can also find free patterns online or create your own. When cutting the fabric, use smaller pins and pin only in the area of the seam allowance to avoid damaging the fabric. Line up your cuts to reuse the natural hem on the bottom of the skirt and sleeves for a more professional look. If you want to get creative, you can experiment with different skirt styles, such as an A-line or high-low skirt.
Final Details:
Complete any final embellishments and hand-stitching. Add buttons, snaps, or a zipper for closure. Keep any scratchy elements away from areas that will touch the baby's delicate skin. Consider adding a matching bonnet, cap, or other accessories. Finally, steam press the gown using a delicate setting to ensure it looks perfect for the christening day.
Remember to plan your timing carefully, as babies grow quickly, and you want to ensure the gown fits well for the special occasion. Enjoy the process of creating a cherished family heirloom that can be passed down for generations!
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Turn it into framed art
If you want to turn your wedding dress into framed art, there are a few options available to you.
Firstly, you can use a company such as The Beautiful Frame Company or Outrageous Framing, who will work with you to frame your wedding gown. They will clean, restore, and preserve your dress before placing it within your chosen frame. You can then hang it on your wall as a stunning art piece and a sentimental reminder of your wedding day.
Secondly, you can opt for full-length shadow box framing. This process ensures your dress looks perfect, just as it did on your wedding day. It will preserve the memory of your special day and create a bespoke piece of art.
When choosing a place to display your framed wedding dress, consider an area that doesn't receive a lot of direct sunlight and is cool and dry. You should also make sure it is safely fixed to the wall.
Turning your wedding dress into framed art is a great way to preserve it and create a lasting reminder of your special day.
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Make it into a bridal robe
If you're looking for something to do with your wedding dress for your son's wedding, consider repurposing it into a bridal robe for yourself! This way, you get to cherish the memories of your special day while also creating a beautiful, personalised keepsake to cherish forever.
First, you'll need to evaluate your wedding dress. Take note of its fabric, lace, and any decorations. Determine if the current textiles will do or if you need to source new ones, such as a new lining. Pick a style that appeals to you, whether it's a basic, elegant robe or something more ostentatious. You can also decide if you want to incorporate specific features like the sleeves or embellishments into the robe design.
Next, you'll need to carefully cut the cloth in accordance with the pattern, ensuring you preserve any intricate details like lace or embroidery. If you're working with vintage treasures like your wedding dress, it's normal to feel nervous. Take your time to analyse the dress and gather ideas for what parts you want to use. Figure out where each piece will be cut and where you might need to seam rip. The length of the robe will depend on the amount of fabric available and the bride's preferences.
To create the bridal robe, you'll need a robe pattern that fits the bride's measurements. You can draft your own pattern or use an existing one. Additionally, you'll require a sewing machine and basic notions like needles, thread, and pins. If you're working with delicate fabrics like silk, satin, or lace, it's helpful to familiarise yourself with specific sewing techniques for those materials.
Repurposing your wedding dress into a bridal robe is a sustainable and emotional project. It allows you to blend the past, present, and future, creating a cherished gift that can be passed down through generations.
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Cut it down to wear on anniversaries
If you want to cut down your wedding dress to wear on your anniversaries, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the structure and style of the dress will determine whether it can be cut and altered. If your dress is very elaborate, it may be difficult to alter without compromising its original beauty. In such cases, you might consider having a professional seamstress or designer assess the dress and provide their expert opinion.
If your dress is simple, it is more likely that you can successfully cut it down and alter it to create a new look. You could consider cutting the dress to a shorter length, as many brides have done, to create a fun and practical party dress that can be worn again. This can be a liberating decision, freeing you from the burden of heavy fabric and allowing you to dance and move freely.
You could also consider dyeing the dress a different colour so that it no longer looks like a wedding dress. This can be a fun way to experiment with a new style while still cherishing the memories associated with the original dress. If you are hesitant to make permanent changes to your wedding dress, you might opt for a removable option, such as an overskirt that can be worn over a short dress, providing two looks in one.
Alternatively, you could repurpose your wedding dress into other commemorative items. For example, you could transform it into a bridal robe or a floor-length veil to be worn by yourself or future generations on their wedding day, passing down a piece of your history. You could also create other heirlooms, such as a christening gown for a new baby, a wedding garter, or even a quilt, all made from the fabric of your original dress.
Whatever option you choose, it is important to carefully consider your decision, as wedding dresses often hold sentimental value. You might seek the assistance of a professional designer or seamstress to ensure that any alterations or transformations are done skillfully and with care.
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Store it in a display box
If you're looking to store your wedding dress in a display box, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure it stays in good condition. Firstly, it's important to choose a sturdy box that can protect your dress from insects, sunlight, and dust. Avoid using plastic as it can trap moisture and cause mould; instead, opt for a box made of specially formulated heavy-duty cardboard that is acid-free to prevent discolouration and deterioration of the fabric. You can also wrap your dress in acid-free muslin for added protection.
Make sure the box is large enough to lay your dress completely flat, as creases and folds can damage the fabric, especially over time. If you can't find a box big enough, consider hanging your dress in a garment bag made of natural fibres like cotton or linen and storing it in a dark, dry closet.
There are preservation companies that provide appropriate boxes to store your wedding dress, or you can purchase archival storage boxes designed for this purpose. One example is the DressBox by Unbox the Dress, which includes their DressVault storage service for professional safekeeping of your dress and any extra fabric. They offer guidance on repurposing your wedding dress, with the transformation process taking up to 15 weeks.
Additionally, consider including desiccant packs or silica gel packets in the box to absorb any moisture and prevent mould growth. You can also drape a white sheet over the dress to protect it from absorbing odours or discolouring due to sunlight exposure.
By following these steps, you can safely store your wedding dress in a display box, preserving it for years to come and perhaps even passing it down to future generations.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to repurpose a wedding dress for your son. You could have it made into a handkerchief or pocket square for him to wear at your vow renewal or when he gets married. You could also repurpose it into a tree skirt, pillowcases, throw pillow covers, or nightgowns.
If your son has a child, you could have your wedding dress made into a christening gown, hair bow, or outfit for the baby to wear when they leave the hospital.
If you want to repurpose your wedding dress for yourself, you could have it turned into a robe, a floor-length veil, or a bridal bouquet wrap. You could also shorten the dress and wear it on your anniversaries.
