Lyla Dejesus
If you have an 80s wedding dress that you no longer want, there are several options to consider other than simply throwing it away. You could repurpose the dress into another garment, such as a christening gown, or use parts of the fabric to make accessories, home decor, or keepsakes. You could also sell or donate the dress to a local thrift store or a charity such as Angel Gowns, which makes funeral clothing for babies. Another option is to rent out your dress to budget-conscious brides through online services like SomethingBorrowedBridals or the By Rotation app.
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What You'll Learn
Alter the dress to modernise it
Altering an 80s wedding dress can be a great way to modernise it while retaining its sentimental value. Here are some ideas to update the style:
Remove or alter the sleeves
A defining feature of 80s fashion was puffy sleeves, which can make a dress look outdated. Consider removing the sleeves altogether for a strapless look, or replace them with longer, floaty sleeves with less detail for a more modern, elegant silhouette. This can also help to showcase jewellery or other accessories.
Update the skirt
The skirt of an 80s wedding dress can often be puffy and voluminous, which may not suit modern tastes. A popular option is to replace the skirt with a sleek, fitted style made from a more contemporary fabric such as crepe or satin. This can instantly give the dress a more timeless and classic feel.
Rework the lace and embellishments
Lace was a popular feature of 80s wedding dresses, but the style of lace has evolved over time. Consider updating the lace with a more modern pattern, or using it in a different way, such as creating a lace bodice or adding a dramatic lace overskirt. If there are other embellishments, such as beading or sequins, these can be removed or rearranged to create a more current look.
Add a layer of tulle
Adding a layer of tulle over the existing fabric can help to soften the overall look of the dress and create a romantic, ethereal feel. It can also be used to create a dramatic train or veil, adding a unique touch to the dress.
Consult a professional
When altering a wedding dress, it is important to consult a professional seamstress or designer who has experience with vintage gowns. They will be able to advise on the best way to modernise the dress while preserving its original charm.
Modernising an 80s wedding dress can be a creative and meaningful process, allowing you to pay homage to the past while making the dress your own.
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Cut the fabric and make accessories
If you have an 80s wedding dress that you want to repurpose, you can cut the fabric and create accessories or other items. It is recommended to work with a tailor or seamstress to create a new piece of clothing, such as a charming mini dress, a two-piece set, or a robe. You can even surprise your partner by wearing it on your first anniversary.
If you are looking to create smaller accessories, you can use the fabric to craft items such as pillows, tablecloths, table runners, or napkins. You can also create sentimental items such as baby blankets, bassinet covers, or christening gowns.
For unique accessories, you can make ornaments by putting flowers from your bouquet, parts of your wedding invitation, or pieces of the lace from your dress inside glass balls. You can also use the fabric to embellish other items, such as a shirt, a table runner, or a vase.
If you are looking for more ideas, you can check Pinterest and Etsy for endless DIY ideas and visuals. You can also consider working with a professional company like Unbox The Dress, which specializes in creating one-of-a-kind heirloom pieces from wedding gowns.
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Sell or donate the dress
If you're looking to sell your 80s wedding dress, it's important to act fast as most online marketplaces and consignment shops have limits on how old a dress can be. The majority of them won't accept a gown more than three to five years old, so you'll need to find a specialised reseller or a local consignment shop that deals with vintage clothing.
One option is to sell your dress online. Websites like Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, PreOwnedWeddingDresses, eBay, and Poshmark deal in wedding dresses, although you may not get as much value for your dress on the generic platforms. You could also try listing it on a site like SomethingBorrowedBridals, which lets you offer up old wedding dresses for rent.
If you're looking to sell your dress in person, your local consignment options are a great place to start. You could also try contacting vintage clothing stores, thrift stores, or bridal boutiques that deal in pre-owned dresses, such as Hand-Me-Gowns in New Jersey.
If you're considering donating your 80s wedding dress, there are many charities that would be happy to accept it. Brides Against Breast Cancer, for example, resells gently used wedding gowns to raise money for breast cancer awareness and early detection. Brides for a Cause is another option with locations across the US; they collect and resell wedding dresses to raise funds for various women-focused charities. Other organisations to consider include Cherie Sustainable Bridal, The Emma and Evan Foundation, and Brides Across America.
Donating your dress is a great way to support a good cause and free up space in your closet. It's also more environmentally friendly than throwing your dress away, as it ensures the dress doesn't end up in a landfill.
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Pass it down as an heirloom
Passing down a wedding dress as an heirloom is a beautiful way to preserve family history and create new memories. Here are some ideas and considerations for passing down an 80s wedding dress as a cherished heirloom:
Cleaning and Preservation:
It is important to have the dress professionally cleaned and preserved, especially if it has any stains or discolouration. A trusted tailor or specialist service can ensure the dress is properly cared for and stored to stand the test of time.
Alterations and Updates:
The style of wedding dresses evolves over time, and an 80s dress may not suit the taste or fashion of future generations. Consider working with a skilled seamstress or designer to make alterations or updates while preserving the essence of the original dress. This could include removing sleeves, adding a corset back, or making other changes to modernise the dress while retaining its sentimental value.
Family Heirloom Accessories:
In addition to the wedding dress, consider passing down other family heirlooms such as veils, jewellery, or handkerchiefs. These accessories can be paired with the wedding dress to create a unique and meaningful ensemble.
Transforming the Dress:
If future generations prefer a different style of wedding dress, consider transforming the 80s dress into other heirloom items. Companies like Unbox the Dress specialise in repurposing wedding dresses into new designs, keepsakes, and gifts. For example, a wedding dress can be transformed into a christening gown for a baby, creating a new tradition and memory.
Sharing the Story:
Passing down an 80s wedding dress as an heirloom is not just about the physical item but also the stories and memories attached to it. Share the history of the dress, the original bride's experience, and any meaningful details about the dress's journey through the family. This adds a layer of sentiment and significance to the heirloom.
Passing down a wedding dress as an heirloom is a heartfelt way to connect generations and celebrate family history. With proper care, alterations, and a dash of creativity, an 80s wedding dress can continue to bring joy and meaning to future brides in the family.
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Make it into a christening gown
Turning an 80s wedding dress into a christening gown is a creative and sentimental project that can be undertaken by anyone with a wedding dress they want to repurpose. It can be a delicate process, but it is not as hard as it seems.
First, it is important to plan. Take some time to sit and look at the wedding dress, considering the various ways it can be cut and altered to make the baby gown. The easiest way to use your wedding dress is to line up your cuts so that you can reuse the natural hem on the bottom of the skirt, as well as the hem on the ends of the sleeves. This way, you won't have to hem your new gown and it will look more professional. If there are elements of the dress that you want to incorporate, you can always cut the pattern over those elements and re-hem it.
Next, you can deconstruct the wedding dress. If the dress is very old, it may be worth getting it professionally cleaned first, but this can be expensive. If the dress is not overly soiled, you may prefer to deconstruct it first and then get the christening gown cleaned at the end of the project.
Now, you are ready to start sewing the christening gown. You can follow a pattern, but remember that each fabric is unique and may require some minor adjustments to stitch length and tension. It is a good idea 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.
Finally, you can add any embellishments. If your wedding dress has any bows, trim, buttons, brooches, etc. that you want to add to the christening gown, get creative with where you place them! The front centre is a good place for buttons or bows, and the waistline is great for flowers or brooches. You could also add trim along the bottom hem.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many options for what to do with an 80s wedding dress. You could choose to donate it, sell it, or repurpose it. Repurposing could include cutting it up to make headbands, bracelets, bags, cushion covers, pillow slips, or baby dresses.
You could modernise your 80s wedding dress by removing the sleeves, taking off the mesh, or cutting it to tea length. You could also add a layer of tulle over the satin, make it strapless, rework the lace, and add a corset back. It is recommended to find a good seamstress to help you decide what to do.
You could turn your mother's 80s wedding dress into a rehearsal dress for your wedding. This way, the dress can still have a special place on your big day without imposing your mother's style on you as the bride.
80s wedding dresses are typically characterised by big shoulders, gaudy adornments, and 3-dimensional "extras" like big bow sashes. They also tend to heavily feature lace and Victorian influence.
