Junior Rasmussen
Being a bridesmaid is a special honour, but it can also be an expensive one. The dress you wear might be beautiful, but it's often only worn once. So what can you do with a bridesmaid dress after the wedding? There are several options to consider. You could keep the dress and re-wear it, perhaps to another formal event, or get it altered so it's more suitable for other occasions. If you don't want to keep it, you could sell it online or via social media, donate it to a charity, give it away to a friend, or get creative and upcycle the fabric.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Keep the dress | Wear it to another formal event, or store it for a relative to wear |
| Alter the dress | Shorten it, add cut-outs, or change the neckline or back |
| Dye the dress | Use fibre-reactive dye for cotton, linen, and rayon, disperse dye for synthetics, or acid dye for silk |
| Sell the dress | Use auction sites like eBay, luxury resale sites, or Facebook Marketplace |
| Donate the dress | Charities such as DARE Formal Wear, Becca's Closet, or Oxfam Bridal |
| Upcycle the dress | Cut it up and use the fabric for other things, such as a quilt |
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What You'll Learn
Sell it online or on specialist sites
If you're looking to sell your bridesmaid dress online, there are several options to consider. Firstly, you can turn to auction sites such as eBay, where you can include all the details such as size, measurements, designer/brand, and clear images to attract potential buyers. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Snapchat also provide a convenient avenue for selling your dress. Simply upload clear photos and ask interested buyers to send you a direct message. Remember to accept payment before shipping the item to ensure a secure transaction.
Specialist sites that cater specifically to wedding-related attire, such as Borrowing Magnolia, are another great option. This platform charges a flat fee instead of a commission, so you know exactly how much you'll make from the sale. If your dress is a designer piece or has a luxury look, consider luxury resale sites like The RealReal, Dora Maar, Vestiare Collective, and 1st Dibs. To maximise your chances of a successful sale on these sites, it's recommended to save the original tags and packaging, know the style name, and have the dress professionally cleaned before listing it.
While selling your dress can be a great way to make some money, it's important to manage your expectations. It's uncommon to recoup the full amount you initially spent on the dress. Sites like Tradesy, Bridesmaid Trade, or Pre-owned Wedding Dresses are good options for selling your dress, but you'll likely only make a fraction of its original cost.
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Donate it to a charity or a friend
If you're not too attached to your bridesmaid dress and would rather give it to someone who will get more use out of it, donating it to charity or a friend is a great option.
There are plenty of charity boutiques that welcome bridal party style donations, including Barnardos Bridal and Oxfam Bridal. Charities appreciate all clothing donations, and some even run programs collecting formal dresses for disadvantaged girls. DARE Formal Wear, for example, accepts donated wedding and formal wear to resell, with all profits funding training and support in dealing with domestic abuse recovery and education. Becca's Closet and Fairy Godmothers Inc. are other organizations that give away dresses to women who need them. Donating your dress is a great way to support a charity and give your dress a second life.
If you'd rather give your dress to someone you know, you can always ask your friends if they would like it. You can also post on social media to see if anyone is in need of that style or color dress. This way, you can lend out your dress or give it away as a gift to a friend.
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Get it altered to wear again
If you're keen to wear your bridesmaid dress again, getting it altered is a great option. Many bridesmaid dresses can be transformed into cocktail dresses or evening wear with a few simple adjustments. Here are some ideas to consider:
Shortening the length: If your dress is floor-length, consider shortening it to a more manageable length. This is a relatively straightforward alteration that can give your dress a whole new look. You can then wear it to parties, dinners, or even on a night out with friends.
Adjusting the hemline: A shorter hemline can make your dress more versatile and easier to re-wear. It can also give it a more modern and trendy look.
Adding or removing details: Sometimes, a few small changes can make a big difference. Consider adding embellishments, accessories, or trim to give your dress a unique touch. Alternatively, you could make it sexier by adjusting the neckline or back or adding a split to the skirt.
Cutting it into two pieces: If you're feeling adventurous, you could cut your dress along the midsection to create two separate clothing items. For example, you could turn the top half into a blouse and the bottom half into a skirt, creating two versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched with other items in your wardrobe.
Making it more your style: If you don't feel comfortable wearing the dress as it is, consider having it tailored to better suit your personal style. Removing layers of fabric or adding some strategic cut-outs can give it a more contemporary look that you'll feel confident wearing again.
Remember, the key to successfully altering your bridesmaid dress is to find a skilled seamstress or tailor who can advise you on the best way to transform your dress. With their expertise, you can give your dress a new lease of life and enjoy wearing it for years to come.
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Dye it a different colour
If you're not a fan of the colour of your bridesmaid dress, you can always dye it a different shade. This is a great way to make the dress more wearable for future occasions. Before you start, make sure you do your research to determine which dye will work best with your dress's fabric. Fibre-reactive dye is suitable for cotton, linen, and rayon, while disperse dye works well on synthetic fibres like polyester. For protein fibres like silk, acid dye is a good option. If you're unsure, consult a professional, as some dry cleaners offer dyeing services.
When choosing a new colour, consider opting for a less traditional bridesmaid shade such as black or red, which will make the dress more versatile for future events. You can also get creative and experiment with different colours to achieve a unique look that reflects your personal style. Keep in mind that your colour choices may be limited depending on the fabric and finish of your dress.
Dyeing your bridesmaid dress is a fun way to give it a new lease of life and ensure it doesn't go to waste. By selecting the appropriate dye and choosing a colour that suits your taste, you can transform your dress into something you'll be excited to wear again.
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Cut it up and use the fabric
If you're feeling crafty, cutting up your bridesmaid dress and using the fabric for other projects is a great way to repurpose it. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Home Decor
The fabric from your bridesmaid dress can be used to create beautiful and unique home decor items. Consider using the fabric to make window treatments such as elegant curtains or a valance. You could also use the fabric to create table linens, such as a tablecloth or napkins, for a special occasion or to add a touch of elegance to your everyday dining. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try your hand at reupholstering a piece of furniture, such as a chair or a headboard, with the fabric from your dress.
Clothing
Depending on the amount of fabric and the style of your dress, you may be able to create new clothing items. For example, you could use the fabric to create a tube top or a skirt. If you're handy with a sewing machine, you could also use the fabric to create a new dress with a more wearable design that you can enjoy for years to come.
Accessories
The fabric from your bridesmaid dress can also be used to create stylish accessories. Consider using the fabric to create a matching clutch purse or a hair accessory such as a headband or hair scarf. You could also use the fabric to make a belt or a sash, adding a unique touch to your outfits.
Quilting
If you're attached to your bridesmaid dress and want to preserve it in a usable form, consider turning it into a quilt. You can combine the fabric from your dress with complementary fabrics to create a unique and sentimental quilt that you can use on chilly nights or display as a decorative piece.
Remember, when cutting up your bridesmaid dress, it's important to plan your projects carefully to ensure you have enough fabric. You may also want to consider reinforcing the fabric with interfacing or lining if necessary to give your projects more structure.
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Frequently asked questions
You could sell it on a site like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or a luxury resale site like The RealReal. Alternatively, you could donate it to a charity such as DARE Formal Wear or Oxfam Bridal.
You could get it altered to make it more wearable, such as by shortening it or adding embellishments. You could also dye it a different colour.
If you don't want to keep the dress in its original form, you could cut it up and use the fabric for other things, such as a quilt or tablecloth.
