Rhiannon Hendricks
A wedding dress holds a lot of sentimental value, which is why it can be hard to decide what to do with it after the big day. One option is to repurpose the dress, either by altering it to be worn again or by using the fabric to create something new, such as a quilt. Another option is to donate the dress to a charity that uses the fabric to create clothing for stillborn babies, providing comfort to grieving parents. If you're looking to pass on a vintage wedding dress, you may also want to consider offering it to a local theatre group or vintage bridal shop, or selling it online.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Donate to a charity | Charities use wedding dresses to make tiny slips for stillborn babies |
| Sell | eBay, Vinted, vintage bridal shops |
| Pass down | Give to a family member |
| Upcycle | Make a quilt |
| Give to a local museum | For their main collection or learning department |
| Alter | Remove the puff sleeves, raw-edge the mesh neckline |
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What You'll Learn
Donate to a charity that makes tiny slips for stillborn babies
If you have a 70-year-old wedding dress that you no longer want, there are several options to consider, including selling it online, repurposing it, or donating it. Donating to charity is a popular option, and there are several charities that accept wedding dress donations to make tiny slips for stillborn babies.
One such charity is NICU Helping Hands, which has a program called the Angel Gown® Program. This program accepts wedding dress donations from brides worldwide and distributes them to their team of over 180 seamstresses across the United States. These seamstresses convert the wedding gowns into garments that families can use to wrap their stillborn babies for their final journey. NICU Helping Hands provides these Angel Gowns free of charge to any hospital or family that requests them.
Another charity is Little Angel Gowns, a 501(c)3 charitable organization founded in Indianapolis in 2014 by a career NICU nurse. Little Angel Gowns transforms donated wedding dresses into beautiful and practical infant burial attire, known as Angel Gowns or Angel Pods. These garments are provided free of charge to grieving families, offering them comfort and acknowledging their loss in a personal way. Little Angel Gowns has a network of dedicated volunteer seamstresses across the United States who create these Angel Gowns.
The Emma and Evan Foundation is another charity that accepts wedding dress donations to create keepsake items for families experiencing the loss of a baby. They have a dedicated board of directors and a network of volunteers from across the United States who work to provide comfort and support to grieving families. While they do not specifically mention creating tiny slips for stillborn babies, they may be another option to consider for donating your wedding dress to support bereaved families.
When considering donating a wedding dress to one of these charities, it is essential to check their specific guidelines and requirements. For example, some charities may have restrictions on the age or condition of the dress, or they may have preferences for certain styles or materials. It is also worth noting that some charities may be temporarily inundated with donations, as mentioned by the Cherished Gowns charity, so it is worth checking their current status before donating.
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Sell on eBay or Vinted
If you're looking to sell a 70-year-old wedding dress on eBay or Vinted, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to clean the dress and ensure it's in good condition. Consider having it professionally cleaned, especially if it has any stains or discolouration. You'll want to take clear, well-lit photos of the dress from various angles to showcase its features and current state. Consider including a video as well, to show how the dress moves and sparkles.
When creating your listing, provide detailed information about the dress, including its age, any unique features or history, and the materials it's made of. Be honest about any flaws or damage, as buyers will appreciate transparency. Set a competitive price by researching similar vintage wedding dresses on eBay and Vinted. Take into account the dress's condition, any alterations made, and any included accessories, like veils or jackets.
When it comes to shipping, be prepared to package and send the dress securely. You may want to offer tracked shipping to ensure its safe delivery. Finally, be responsive to potential buyers' queries and open to negotiations. Selling a vintage wedding dress can be a great way to pass it on to a new owner who appreciates its beauty and history.
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Offer to a local am-dram or theatre group
If you're looking for a new home for your 70-year-old wedding dress, consider offering it to a local amateur dramatics or theatre group. Am-dram groups are always on the lookout for new costumes, and a wedding dress could be the perfect addition to their collection.
There are a number of ways to find local groups. Try searching online for "local am-dram groups near me" or "local theatre groups near me". This should bring up websites that list groups in your area, such as Amdram Community. You can also try searching for "amateur dramatic society [your location]" or "amateur theatrical group [your location]".
Once you've found a few potential groups, reach out and ask if they're interested in the dress. You could offer to lend it to them for a specific production or donate it to their costume collection. Many groups have a contact email or telephone number listed online, so getting in touch should be straightforward.
When offering the dress, it may be helpful to include some photos and a description, including any unique features or details about the material. This will help the group decide if it would be a good fit for their needs. You could also suggest that the dress could be altered to suit a particular character or era if needed.
Donating your wedding dress to a local theatre group gives it a new lease of life and ensures it will continue to be appreciated and enjoyed. It's also a great way to support the arts in your community and get involved with local productions.
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Alter it to wear for your own wedding
Altering a 70-year-old wedding dress to wear for your own wedding is a wonderful way to honour your family and create a unique look for your special day. Here are some ideas and considerations to help guide you through the process:
Find a Skilled Seamstress or Tailor
The first step is to find a skilled seamstress or tailor who has experience in altering vintage gowns. They will be able to guide you through the process and ensure that the final product fits you perfectly. It is worth investing time in finding someone you trust and who understands your vision.
Preserve the Original Fabric and Design
Before making any alterations, it is important to carefully inspect the dress and identify any areas that may need repair or reinforcement. If possible, try to preserve as much of the original fabric and design as you can. This might include keeping the same silhouette or incorporating unique details, such as lace, beading, or buttons, into your new design.
Adjust the Silhouette and Sleeves
Consider adjusting the silhouette of the dress to suit your personal style and body type. For example, you could shorten the length to knee-length for a more modern look, especially if the original dress was floor-length. If the dress has puff sleeves, you might want to remove or alter them for a more contemporary style. Long dramatic sleeves with button closures can also be a stylish option.
Simplify or Modernise the Design
To make the dress feel less bridal and more versatile for everyday wear, consider simplifying the design. This could mean removing lace details, beading, or other embellishments. Alternatively, you could modernise the dress by creating a strapless bodice, adding a dramatic train, or incorporating on-trend elements that reflect your personality.
Transform It into a Two-Piece
Another option is to transform the dress into two separate garments: a top and a skirt. This gives you more flexibility to mix and match with other items in your wardrobe. You can wear the top with jeans, skirts, leather trousers, or shorts, and pair the skirt with a colourful silk cami, blouse, or oversized knit for a completely different look.
Accessorise to Complete the Look
Finally, don't forget the power of accessories! Layering with roll necks, jumpers, blazers, or jackets can help tone down the bridal feel and make the dress more wearable for various occasions. For a more formal event, pair the dress with heels, or go for boots for a more casual, relaxed vibe.
Altering a 70-year-old wedding dress requires careful consideration and a skilled hand. By working closely with a professional, you can create a stunning, one-of-a-kind wedding outfit that honours the past while celebrating your own style and personality.
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Make it into a quilt
If you're looking for a way to repurpose a 70-year-old wedding dress, one idea is to turn it into a quilt. This can be a meaningful way to preserve the dress as a keepsake and pass it down through the generations.
Making a quilt out of a wedding dress is a challenging and time-consuming project. It requires a high level of skill and a significant amount of time and materials. If you're new to quilting, it's recommended to start with simpler projects to build up your skills before tackling a wedding dress quilt. However, if you're up for the challenge, quilting can be a rewarding hobby.
To get started, you can reach out to your local quilting guild for support. They may be able to provide guidance or connect you with an experienced quilter who can help with the project. It's important to note that using non-traditional fabrics, such as slippery satin or delicate lace, can make the process more complex and costly.
When creating a quilt from a wedding dress, you can combine different fabrics and colours to create a unique design. Consider incorporating other special items, such as the groom's suit, a bridesmaid dress, or additional fabric in your wedding colours. This can add a special touch and help bring your vision to life.
If you prefer to have someone else make the quilt for you, there are businesses that specialize in transforming wedding dresses into quilts. These companies understand the sentimental value of your dress and will work with you to create a custom design. They will carefully handle your dress throughout the process, from initial design to the final delivery of your quilt.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several options for what to do with a 70-year-old wedding dress. You could donate it to a charity that uses wedding dresses to make tiny slips for stillborn babies, pass it down to a family member, sell it online, or give it to a local theatre group.
If you're planning a wedding, you could consider altering the dress to use for your ceremony. You can find tailors who specialise in historic alterations, and they can help you modify the dress while keeping it as close to the original as possible.
One example of a charity that accepts wedding dress donations is Cherished Gowns. They use the donated dresses to make tiny slips for stillborn babies, which are then delivered to maternity units.
You can sell your wedding dress on online marketplaces such as eBay or Vinted.
Local theatre groups often require costumes for their productions, so they may be interested in your wedding dress. Contact a local group to see if they would be able to use it.
