Junior Rasmussen
Wedding gowns are often cherished mementos that hold a lot of memories and can be difficult to part with. However, there are several options for what to do with a used wedding gown, including selling, donating, repurposing, or storing it. Some brides choose to sell their gowns online or at consignment shops, while others opt to donate them to various organizations or charities. Repurposing a wedding gown can involve transforming it into decorative elements, such as pillows or quilts, or even a christening gown for a child. Storing a wedding gown can be an option for those who want to keep it as a memento, but it may not be the most sustainable choice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Store it | Keep it as a memento |
| Sell it | Recoup some of your investment, pass on the joy of your special day |
| Donate it | Support charitable causes, give it a new life, support brides who can't afford a new gown, fund cancer research, or close the gender gap in technology |
| Repurpose it | Dye it, turn it into a christening gown, a flower girl dress, a decorative item like a pillow, a quilt, or a piece of jewellery |
| Rent it out | Earn money by renting it out to other brides |
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What You'll Learn
Donate to a charitable cause
Donating your wedding gown to a charitable cause is a great way to give back to the community and support those in need. It is also an eco-friendly alternative to throwing away your dress, which can contribute to landfill waste and carbon emissions. Here are some ways to donate your wedding gown and make a difference:
Brides for a Cause
Brides for a Cause is a nonprofit organization that accepts wedding dress donations from designers, manufacturers, and brides across the country. They resell the dresses to raise funds for various local and national women-focused charities. Since its founding, Brides for a Cause has collected over 40,000 wedding dresses and distributed more than $3,000,000 to charities across the nation. They accept new and once-worn dresses up to five years old.
Brides Against Breast Cancer
Brides Against Breast Cancer is another worthy cause that accepts gently used wedding gowns. They resell the dresses to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and early detection programs. By donating your dress to this organization, you can help make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.
The Brides Project
Based in Michigan, The Brides Project raises funds for the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor. They accept gently used and new wedding dresses and resell them to support various programs, including support groups, counselling services, and nutrition workshops. Your dress donation can directly impact the lives of those affected by cancer.
Bride Across America (BAA)
Bride Across America is a nonprofit organization that supports military members and first responders. They accept wedding dresses less than five years old, accessories, engagement rings, and wedding favours. Through their monthly giveaway events, they provide free wedding dresses to military members and first responders. Your dress donation can help make someone's wedding dreams come true while supporting those who serve our community and country.
Adorned in Grace
Adorned in Grace, with locations in Oregon and Arizona, offers wedding dresses, formal attire, and accessories at affordable prices. Their profits are used to support efforts to prevent and raise awareness of sex trafficking. By donating your wedding gown, you can help make a difference in the fight against this heinous crime.
Before donating your wedding gown, it is important to inspect it for any wear and tear, as charities may not be able to accept dresses in poor condition. It is also considerate to wash or dry clean the gown before donating, especially during the pandemic. Donating your wedding gown is not only a practical way to create more closet space but also an opportunity to support a worthy cause and make a positive impact in the world.
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Repurpose the fabric
Clothing
You can work with a professional service or a seamstress to create a new piece of clothing. For example, you can transform your wedding gown into a beautiful cocktail dress, a christening gown, or a new dress for another special occasion. You could even dye the fabric a new colour, although it is important to note that not all fabrics and embellishments dye well.
Accessories
Use the fabric to create accessories such as scarves, earrings, or a dressing gown. You can even create a bridal robe to gift to a family member on their wedding day.
Home Decor
Transform your wedding gown into decorative elements for your home, such as pillows, curtains, or an heirloom quilt. You can even frame intricate lace or beadwork from your dress to showcase as a piece of art.
Keepsakes
Create petite keepsakes such as jewellery pieces or memory bears to gift to family members. You can also save parts of the dress as family heirlooms to pass down to future generations.
Charitable Causes
Donate your wedding gown fabric to a charitable cause such as the Angel Gown Program, which creates funeral gowns for stillborn babies. Alternatively, you can volunteer your fabric to organisations such as Angel Gowns, which creates gowns for babies who will not be returning home from the hospital.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to repurposing your wedding gown fabric. Whether you choose to create a new piece of clothing, accessory, home decor, or a charitable donation, you can give your wedding gown a second life and cherish the memories it holds.
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Sell online
If you're looking to sell your wedding dress online, there are several options to consider. Firstly, you can opt for resale platforms like eBay, which is a well-known site for buying and selling a variety of items, including wedding gowns. Another similar option is Poshmark, which has been recommended by several users looking to sell their wedding gowns. However, it's important to note that Poshmark charges a 20% commission fee, which can be a significant amount if you're selling an expensive dress.
If you're looking for websites that specialize in wedding gowns, there are a few options to consider. Stillwhite, for instance, is a popular choice and has been recommended by several users. Stillwhite charges a modest listing fee, starting at $20, and does not charge any additional commission. They also offer a mobile app that allows you to manage and accept sales from anywhere. Nearly Newlywed is another website that specializes in buying and selling wedding gowns. They handle all buyer interactions and shipping, saving sellers time and stress. They do, however, require sellers to submit measurements, a wedding dress description, and photos of the gown.
When selling your wedding dress online, it's important to present it in the best light possible. Take clear, full-length photos of the dress from every angle, and don't forget to capture any intricate details or embellishments up close. Consider including photos of yourself wearing the dress to give buyers an idea of how it fits. Additionally, provide a detailed description of the garment, including accurate measurements and information on any wear and tear.
Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are also options for selling your wedding dress online. These platforms are free to post on, but there may be less likelihood of finding a serious buyer. However, since there is no cost to list, it doesn't hurt to give it a try. Finally, there are other websites like SellMyWeddingDress.org, which charges a $25 listing fee, where you can also consider listing your wedding gown.
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Dye and rewear
Dyeing your wedding gown is a great way to make it more wearable outside of your wedding. This method is also a good way to save some cash and stretch your bridal fashion budget. You can dye your wedding dress any colour you like, but it is important to choose a colour that you will be able to rewear. You can also cut off a piece of the original white dress and add a little loop of the original fabric on the inside of the dress as a memento.
If you want to dye your wedding dress using plants and flowers, you can look into local and sustainable options. You can also have your dress professionally dyed, but make sure to have an idea of the colour you want beforehand as the variety of shades can be overwhelming. You can also dye your dress at home, but it is important to only use a steel sink or plastic container, not a ceramic sink or bathtub, as ceramic is extremely porous and will absorb the dye. You should also wear rubber gloves and mix the dye according to the instructions on the label.
If you are looking for a unique, beautifully dyed wedding dress, you can create one yourself for just the cost of the dye and fixatives. Dyeing your wedding dress can be a fun and sustainable activity that allows you to preserve precious memories and make practical use of your dress.
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$13.99 $17.49
Store for nostalgia
Wedding dresses are often cherished mementos that hold a lot of memories and can be very meaningful to the wearer. If you're not ready to part with your wedding gown, there are several ways to store it for nostalgia's sake.
One option is to have it cleaned and preserved. This will ensure that your dress stays in pristine condition and can be passed down to future generations. You can either clean it yourself or use a professional service. If you choose to clean it yourself, you can wash it in a bathtub, hang it up to dry, and then store it in a dress bag.
Another option is to repurpose your wedding dress into something that you can use again. You could, for example, turn it into a christening gown for your baby, or a flower girl dress. You could also use the fabric to create decorative elements such as pillows, cushion covers, or an heirloom quilt. If crafting isn't your forte, there are professional services that can help you redesign your wedding dress into something new.
If you're feeling creative, you could also turn your wedding dress into sustainable home decor. For example, you could transform it into tablecloths, table runners, curtains, or napkins. This way, you can be reminded of your special day each time you use them.
Lastly, if you're looking for a unique way to store your wedding dress, you could turn it into a piece of jewellery. This way, you can keep the memories of your wedding day close to your heart, literally.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several options for what to do with a used wedding gown. You could repurpose it into something else, such as a christening gown, a decorative quilt, or a set of cushion covers. You could also donate it to a charitable cause, such as the Angel Gown Program, which provides outfits for babies who don't make it home from the hospital. Alternatively, you could sell your gown online or at a consignment shop.
To sell your wedding gown, you can use online marketplaces such as Stillwhite, PreOwnedWeddingDresses, Nearly Newlywed, eBay, or Poshmark. Before selling, it's a good idea to clean and preserve your dress to ensure it's in pristine condition and remove any stains or imperfections. You could also share your love story in your listing, as buyers often appreciate the emotional connection that comes with a dress that has been part of a real love story.
There are several organizations that accept wedding gown donations, such as Brides for a Cause, Brides Against Breast Cancer, and the Angel Gown Program. These organizations sell second-hand wedding dresses and donate the profits to various causes, such as supporting brides who cannot afford a new gown, funding cancer research, or closing the gender gap in technology. You can also donate your gown to local thrift stores such as the Salvation Army or Goodwill.
If your wedding gown is a classic white or off-white, you could try dyeing it to make it more wearable outside of a wedding. You could also transform it into a new garment, such as a christening gown, flower girl dress, or a fancy occasion dress. If you're feeling creative, you could turn it into sustainable home decor items such as tablecloths, table runners, curtains, or homemade napkins.
