Bridesmaid Dresses: Creative Ways To Reuse And Repurpose

Bridesmaids' dresses are often expensive, so it's understandable if you're hesitant to throw them away after the wedding. If you're looking for ways to repurpose your dress, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can alter the dress to make it less formal, allowing you to wear it more often. You can also dye it a different colour, or add some accessories to change up the style. If you're feeling creative, you could even turn it into a Halloween costume or a fun dress-up outfit for kids. Alternatively, you could sell the dress online or donate it to a charity.

Sell it online

If you have a bridesmaid dress that's taking up space in your closet, you might want to consider selling it online. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Know Your Options

There are several online platforms that cater to buying and selling used clothing, including bridesmaid dresses. Popular options include eBay, Poshmark, ThreadUp, Depop, and Facebook Marketplace. You can also explore pre-owned clothing websites and apps specifically for wedding attire, such as Tradesy, Forever the Bridesmaid, and Queenly.

Provide Detailed Information

When listing your dress, be sure to include all the relevant details. This includes the size, measurements, designer or brand, colour, style, and any alterations that have been made. It's also important to include several clear images of the dress so potential buyers can see exactly what they're getting.

Set a Competitive Price

Consider the original price of the dress and its condition when setting a price. If you're listing on a platform where you choose the price, do some research to see what similar dresses are going for. Keep in mind that you may need to be flexible on the price, as buyers often look for a bargain when shopping second-hand.

Utilise Social Media

Don't underestimate the power of social media when it comes to selling online. Share your listing on your social media profiles and ask your friends to share it as well. You can also join Facebook groups dedicated to buying and selling wedding attire or groups specific to your local area.

Consider Consignment

If you're not interested in handling the sale yourself, you could look into local consignment shops that buy and sell used clothing. Call ahead to see if they accept bridesmaid dresses and what their buying process entails. Some shops may offer cash, while others may give you store credit.

Explore Wedding Websites

In addition to general pre-owned clothing sites, look into wedding websites that have message boards or classified sections where people buy, sell, or swap wedding-related items. Wedding Bee is one example of a site that caters to this.

Selling your bridesmaid dress online is a great way to recoup some of the costs associated with being a bridesmaid while also giving your dress a new lease of life. So, if you're ready to part with it, give these tips a try and see how much interest your dress generates!

Alter the dress

Altering your bridesmaid dress is a great way to ensure it fits you like a glove and makes you feel confident and comfortable on the big day. Here are some tips and tricks to guide you through the process:

Common Bridesmaid Dress Alterations

The most common alterations include hemming the length, taking in the sides, adjusting the straps, and altering the bust, waist, or hips. These adjustments will give your dress a custom look and ensure you feel like a superstar. Here are some specific alterations you can make:

• Hemming the length: Adjust the length of your dress according to your height and the height of the heels you plan to wear. Most bridesmaid dresses are designed with a standard length, so hemming ensures your dress is the perfect length for you.
• Taking in the sides: This alteration can make your dress smaller in the bust, waist, or hips, giving you a custom fit. It's easier to take in a dress than to let it out, so opt for a larger size if you're between sizes.
• Shortening the straps: Many bridesmaid dresses have longer straps to accommodate various body shapes and heights. Shortening the straps will ensure a snug fit and prevent them from sliding off your shoulders.

Cost of Bridesmaid Dress Alterations

The cost of alterations can vary depending on several factors, including the type of alteration, the fabric and design of the dress, your location, and the expertise of the tailor. On average, bridesmaids can expect to pay between $50 and $240 for alterations. Here are some cost estimates for common alterations:

• Hemming: $45 to $90
• Taking in the bust, waist, or hips: $150 or more
• Adjusting straps: $25 to $55
• Replacing the zipper: $30 to $45

Timeline for Bridesmaid Dress Alterations

It's recommended to start your alterations within two weeks to a month before the wedding to ensure an accurate fit. Straightforward alterations like shortening straps or hemming can be done in about 1-2 weeks, while more complex alterations like altering the bodice can take up to 3 weeks. It's also important to schedule fittings to ensure the perfect fit, which can add to the timeline.

Preparing for Your Alteration Appointment

To ensure a smooth alteration process, there are a few things you should bring to your appointment:

• The dress itself: Don't forget to bring your dress to the appointment!
• Shoes: Bring the shoes you'll be wearing on the big day, as their height will determine the perfect hem length and impact your posture.
• Undergarments: Your choice of bra, underwear, and shapewear can affect how your body fits the dress, so wear these to the appointment.
• Hair and makeup: Consider having your hair and makeup done for the appointment to boost your confidence during the fitting process.

Remember, alterations are key to making your bridesmaid dress fit your unique body perfectly. Embrace the process, schedule those fittings in advance, and let your tailor work their magic!

Reuse the fabric

If you're feeling attached to your bridesmaid dress, you can always reuse the fabric to create something new. Take a deep breath and rip the dress apart, then use the fabric to create other textile items.

You could cut the dress along the midsection to create two separate clothing items that can be seamlessly mixed and matched into your wardrobe. Alternatively, you could create some strategic cut-outs on the original dress to design a piece that's both original and trendy.

If you're feeling confident about your design capabilities, you could also try redesigning the dress. This could be anything from changing the neckline to altering the fit. Take a strapless dress and add some matching fabric to create a chic halter neckline. Or, turn a flowy, A-line gown into a tighter, pencil-fit dress. The only limit is your imagination!

If you're not keen on the colour, you could also try dyeing the fabric. Your colour choices may be limited depending on the fabric and finish, but a quick dye job can help you create an entirely new dress for a fraction of the cost.

Dye the dress

Dyeing your bridesmaid dress can be a great way to transform it into something you can wear again. If you're concerned that the colour of your dress is too "bridesmaid-y", you can dye it a less traditional colour such as black or red. However, it's important to do your research first and select the right type of dye for your dress's fabric. Fibre-reactive dye is good for cellulose fibres such as cotton, linen and rayon, while disperse dye works well on synthetic fibres such as polyester. Acid dye is suitable for protein fibres like silk. If in doubt, ask a professional – some dry cleaners offer dyeing services.

Before you start dyeing, make sure you have enough dye to colour the fabric to your desired shade. You should also protect your workspace by spreading out a drop cloth, plastic sheeting or several layers of newspaper. It's also a good idea to wear old clothes and gloves to avoid getting dye on your skin.

If you're dyeing a cotton or linen garment, soak your dress in warm water first so that the dye will be absorbed evenly. Then, fill a bucket or stainless steel sink with very hot water and add the recommended amount of dye, stirring thoroughly. Add ¼ cup of salt for each gallon of water to help the dye adhere to the fabric. For wool or silk garments, add ¼ cup of vinegar instead of salt for each gallon of water.

Once your dye bath is ready, carefully submerge your dress in the mixture, ensuring that all the fabric is completely covered. Stir the mixture constantly for 10 to 25 minutes to ensure even dyeing. The length of time you leave your dress in the dye will depend on the colour you are trying to achieve. When it's ready, remove the dress from the bucket or sink and rinse it until the water runs clear, starting with hot water and gradually moving to cold. Finally, hang the dress up to dry.

Donate it to charity

Donating your bridesmaid dress to charity is a great way to give your dress a new lease of life and help those in need. Here are some options to consider:

Prom dress drives

Many organisations collect dresses for teenage girls who cannot afford to buy a dress for their prom. Becca's Closet and Operation PROM are examples of non-profits that provide free prom dresses to high school girls in financial need. Donating your bridesmaid dress to one of these organisations can help make a young girl's prom night extra special.

Dress for Success

Dress for Success is an international non-profit with branches in the UK, Australia, South Africa, Guatemala, and beyond. They accept formal clothing donations to help clothe and prepare women for job interviews. Donating your bridesmaid dress to Dress for Success can help a woman in need feel confident and empowered as she takes steps towards employment.

DARE Formal Wear

DARE Formal Wear accepts donations of wedding and formal wear, reselling them and using the profits to fund training and support for domestic abuse recovery and education. Donating your bridesmaid dress to DARE can help support underprivileged women and make a difference in their lives.

Local charities

In addition to these larger organisations, there are likely local charities and second-hand clothing stores in your area that would gladly accept a bridesmaid dress donation. These may include charity boutiques, women's shelters, or local programs collecting formal dresses for disadvantaged individuals. Contact organisations in your community to find out what their specific needs and requirements are.

Remember, donating your bridesmaid dress to charity is not only a way to support those in need, but it's also a sustainable option that reduces waste and gives your dress a new purpose.

Frequently asked questions