Deborah Chan
There are many options for what to do with an old wedding dress. Some people choose to repurpose their dresses into decorative items, such as pillows, quilts, or framed artwork. Others may opt to sell their dresses online or at consignment shops, or donate them to organizations such as Angel Gowns, which creates outfits for babies who did not make it home from the hospital. For those who want to keep their dresses in the family, passing them down as heirlooms or altering them to be worn again is an option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Donate | Angel Gowns, Brides Across America, Brides for a Cause, Operation Prom, Cinderella's Closet, local theatres, vintage clothing stores, museums, secondhand stores, consignment shops |
| Repurpose | Pillow, quilt, jewellery, bra, negligee, tote bag, display on a mannequin, frame, christening gown, party dress, family heirloom, accessories, decor |
| Sell | Brides for a Cause, consignment shops, eBay, Etsy, online marketplaces |
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What You'll Learn
Donate to a charity shop or vintage clothing store
If you're looking to donate your wedding dress to a charity shop or vintage clothing store in Canada, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you could reach out to local charity shops or vintage clothing stores directly and inquire if they accept wedding dress donations. Some second-hand stores, vintage clothing stores, or thrift stores may be happy to take your wedding dress off your hands and give it a new lease of life.
Another option is to donate your dress to a charity or organisation that specifically deals with wedding dress donations. For example, The Brides' Project in Toronto accepts wedding dress donations and uses the proceeds to fight cancer. Similarly, Brides for a Cause is an organisation that resells wedding dresses, with profits going towards charities supporting women's issues and groups.
If you're open to a broader range of options beyond just charity shops and vintage clothing stores, there are several other avenues to explore. You could consider donating your wedding dress to a theatre group, as it could be used as a costume piece. Alternatively, you can donate your dress to a nonprofit organisation like Brides Across America, which provides wedding gowns to first responders, veterans, and their partners.
Before donating your wedding dress, it's a good idea to have it cleaned and preserved to ensure it's in the best possible condition for its new owner. This step may increase the chances of your dress being accepted by the charity shop or vintage clothing store of your choice.
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Repurpose into decorative items or accessories
If you're looking to repurpose your old wedding dress into decorative items or accessories, there are several options to consider. Firstly, you could create decorative elements such as throw pillows or custom shams for your bed. Skirts lend themselves perfectly to pillows, and you can use different fabrics like tulle, silk, or lace to create a romantic display in your home. You could also create an heirloom quilt using your wedding dress fabric and other memorable elements from your wedding, such as fabric from your partner's outfit or handkerchiefs used by your family members. Another idea is to frame a piece of your wedding dress as a work of art. Cut a good equal square from your dress, perhaps a section with three-dimensional components like bows or beading, and place it in a shadow box frame.
If you're feeling creative, you could take it a step further and make various items like a bra, negligee, tote bag, or even a tooth-fairy pillow. You could also use parts of the dress as family heirlooms. For instance, you could pass down the lace or buttons from your gown to be used in another family member's wedding dress or flower girl dress. Additionally, if you have children or are planning to, you could fashion a christening gown from your bridal wear, creating a touching legacy for your family. These are just a few ideas to get you started on repurposing your old wedding dress into decorative items or accessories.
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Frame or display as a work of art
Framing your wedding dress is a great way to preserve and display it as a work of art. It can add class and beauty to your space and serve as a lasting reminder of your special day. Here are some tips to help you frame your wedding dress:
Choose the Right Frame:
Select a frame that complements the dress and suits your style. You can choose between a full-size frame, which displays the entire dress, or a half-size frame, where the skirt is folded behind the bodice. Consider the space you have available and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve.
Select a Display Method:
Decide how you want your dress to be displayed within the frame. You can choose to display it on a mannequin or mount it on a board. If you have accessories like veils, jewellery, or shoes, you can include them in the frame to create a complete look.
Find a Professional Framer:
Consider hiring a professional framer who specialises in wedding dress framing. They will have the expertise to handle delicate fabrics and ensure proper preservation. Professionals like The Beautiful Frame Company and Russell Collins Art offer dress framing services and can guide you through the process.
Consider Preservation Techniques:
To ensure the longevity of your dress, it's essential to use preservation techniques. This includes maintaining the pH balance, using museum-grade UV-protective glass, and stitching through seams to secure the dress. These methods will protect your dress from air pollutants, UV light, and other potential damage.
Choose the Right Location:
When deciding where to display your framed wedding dress, select an area that receives minimal direct sunlight and has a cool, dry environment. This will help prevent fading and maintain the condition of the dress. Additionally, choose a location where you can safely fix the frame to the wall, ensuring its stability.
By following these steps, you can transform your wedding dress into a stunning work of art that you can cherish and admire for years to come.
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Sell online or at a consignment shop
If you're looking to sell your wedding dress online or at a consignment shop, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's a good idea to have the dress professionally cleaned and preserved to ensure it's in pristine condition before selling it. This can help you recoup some of your investment and pass on the beauty and sentiment of your dress to another bride. Websites like Brides for a Cause provide platforms for selling pre-owned wedding dresses online or at consignment shops.
When selling your wedding dress, consider creating a detailed listing that includes high-quality photos and a description of the dress's condition, any alterations made, and any included accessories. Be honest and transparent about any stains, tears, or other flaws so that potential buyers have accurate information. You can also include your measurements to help buyers determine if the dress will fit them.
If you're selling your dress at a consignment shop, research reputable shops in your area that specialize in wedding dresses. Call ahead to inquire about their consignment process, commission structure, and any requirements they may have for the dresses they accept. Some shops may have specific guidelines regarding the dress's style, age, or condition.
Selling your wedding dress can be a great way to recoup some of the costs while knowing that your dress will be cherished by another bride. It's important to set a reasonable price, be responsive to inquiries, and be open to negotiation to ensure a smooth and successful sale.
Lastly, if you're hesitant to part with your dress entirely, consider selling pieces of it, such as the veil, train, or excess fabric. You can also repurpose parts of the dress into decorative items, such as pillows, quilts, or even jewellery, to keep a piece of your special day with you.
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Pass down as a family heirloom
Passing down your wedding dress as a family heirloom is a wonderful way to preserve the memories of your special day. Here are some ideas on how to do this:
Pass Down the Entire Dress
If you plan to pass down your wedding dress to your child or grandchild, it is important to take proper care of it. Get the dress professionally cleaned and stored in a box with tissue paper to preserve its shape. You can also hang it in a garment bag in a cool, dark place to prevent discolouration. Avoid storing it in a plastic bag, as plastic can trap moisture and cause discolouration or mould.
Create Heirloom Accessories
You can transform your wedding dress into accessories that can be passed down through generations. For example, you can use the fabric to create a garter, veil, or jewellery pieces. These items can be worn by future generations on their wedding day as their "something old."
Create Christening Gowns
Another option is to turn your wedding dress into a christening gown for future grandchildren. This creates a touching legacy and gives new life to your dress. You can either do this yourself or seek out a professional service that specialises in repurposing wedding dresses.
Pass Down Parts of the Dress
If you are open to altering the dress, you can pass down parts of it to family members. For example, you can use elements of your dress to create a flower girl dress for a future niece or granddaughter. This way, you can preserve parts of the dress while also creating new memories.
Create Decorative Elements
You can also create decorative elements such as pillows, quilts, or wall art to be passed down through generations. These items can be made from the fabric of your wedding dress and displayed in your home or given as gifts to family members. They serve as a constant reminder of your special day and become cherished family heirlooms.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many options for what to do with an old wedding dress. You could donate it to a charity shop, vintage clothing store, or a theatre group, or pass it on to a budget-conscious bride. Alternatively, you could repurpose the dress into something else, such as a decorative pillow, a quilt, or a christening gown.
You could cut pieces of fabric from your wedding dress and place them in an album, frame, or a shadow box. You could also create decorative elements such as pillows, a tooth fairy pillow, a tote bag, or a keepsake like a piece of jewellery.
You could donate your wedding dress to The Brides' Project in Toronto, which passes on dresses to brides who can't afford them and contributes to fighting cancer. You could also donate to Adorned in Grace, which helps in the fight against human sex trafficking, or Brides Against Breast Cancer, which is a nonprofit that resells donated dresses and donates the proceeds to breast cancer research.
Selling your wedding dress is a good way to ensure it continues to be loved and to recoup some of your costs. Websites like Brides for a Cause and By Rotation provide platforms where preowned wedding dresses can be sold online or at consignment shops.
