Franklin Dean
Deciding what to do with a wedding gown after a divorce can be an emotional and challenging task. While some people choose to donate their dresses to charities or give them away to friends or family, others opt for more symbolic actions such as burning the dress or destroying it. Some individuals may also choose to keep their wedding gowns as a cherished memory or pass them on to future generations. The decision is deeply personal, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Keep it as a treasured keepsake | It can be a reminder of the joy and fashion sense you experienced on your wedding day |
| Transform it into a new piece of clothing | E.g. an evening gown, cocktail attire, a clutch, lingerie, a handkerchief, a pocket square, a crop top, a skirt, a christening gown, or Easter dress |
| Transform it into accessories | E.g. a clutch, a quilt, a handkerchief, a pocket square, or a tree skirt |
| Turn it into a work of art | E.g. a painting or sculpture |
| Donate it | E.g. to charities supporting brides-to-be who cannot afford a gown, or to the NICU Helping Hands Angel Gown Program, which transforms wedding dresses into baby gowns for newborns who don't make it out of the NICU |
| Sell it | E.g. on Facebook Marketplace, StillWhite, Nearly Newlywed, Preowned Wedding Dresses, or OnceWed |
| Give it to children to play dress-up | It can bring them joy and create new memories |
| Preserve it | Get it professionally preserved or use a Wedding Gown Preservation Kit |
| Recycle it | Dispose of it responsibly by recycling the fabric |
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What You'll Learn
- Donate to charities supporting brides-to-be who can't afford a gown
- Upcycle into an evening gown, cocktail attire, or accessories
- Transform into a christening gown or other formal clothing for children
- Sell it online via Facebook Marketplace, StillWhite, or Nearly Newlywed
- Preserve it as a keepsake or family heirloom
Donate to charities supporting brides-to-be who can't afford a gown
If you're looking for a way to give your wedding gown a new lease of life after your divorce, donating it to charity is a great option. There are several organisations that will take your pre-owned wedding dress and pass it on to brides-to-be who are unable to afford a gown.
One such organisation is Brides for a Cause, which has showrooms in Portland, Tacoma, Seattle, and Sacramento. They resell donated wedding dresses, with the proceeds going towards women-focused charities. Brides Across America is another option. They provide wedding dresses to military brides and first responders, giving away 2,000 dresses per year to those who register for their monthly giveaway events. To donate, your dress should be less than four or five years old and in wearable condition.
Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring is a nonprofit boutique in Rockville, Maryland, that sells reduced-price wedding gowns. All of its net proceeds go towards the Alzheimer’s Association, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and Johns Hopkins’ Suburban Hospital Breast Center. Adorned in Grace, with stores in Oregon and Arizona, is another bridal store that raises funds for charity. They sell wedding dresses, formal attire, and accessories, with profits supporting efforts to prevent and raise awareness of sex trafficking.
Donating your wedding dress is an eco-friendly way to give your gown a second life and help a bride in need.
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Upcycle into an evening gown, cocktail attire, or accessories
If you're looking to upcycle your wedding gown into an evening gown, cocktail attire, or accessories, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you could transform your wedding gown into a completely new design, either by working with a company that specializes in repurposing wedding dresses or by finding your own seamstress or designer. This way, you can create a unique evening gown or cocktail attire that holds sentimental value.
Another option is to keep the original design of your wedding gown but alter it to create a new look. For example, you could shorten the dress to create a chic cocktail dress or even turn it into a stylish skirt or top that can be paired with other items in your wardrobe. You could also use the fabric from your wedding gown to create accessories such as a clutch bag, hair accessories, or even a statement belt to pair with your upcycled attire.
If you're feeling creative and want to take on the project yourself, you can purchase a wedding gown upcycling kit that provides the tools and guidance needed to transform your dress. This option allows you to have complete creative control over the process and design something that truly reflects your personal style. You can also preserve any leftover fabric to create additional accessories or items in the future.
When upcycling your wedding gown, it's important to consider the fabric and style of your dress. Certain fabrics, such as lace or chiffon, may be more suitable for creating evening gowns or cocktail attire, while others might be better suited for accessories. You can also mix and match different fabrics or add new materials to create unique combinations.
Lastly, if you're looking for inspiration, platforms like Pinterest offer a wealth of ideas for upcycling wedding gowns. You can also connect with other people who have upcycled their wedding dresses and seek advice or feedback on your designs. Remember, upcycling your wedding gown is a sustainable and meaningful way to give your dress a new lease of life, allowing you to create something beautiful and unique to cherish for years to come.
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Transform into a christening gown or other formal clothing for children
Transforming a wedding gown into a christening gown or other formal clothing for children is a wonderful way to breathe new life into the dress. This option allows you to retain the sentimental value of the dress while creating a special heirloom for the future.
If you're feeling creative, you can attempt to make the christening gown yourself. The first step is to carefully take apart the wedding dress. Using a seam ripper to neatly separate the seams is recommended, although using scissors to cut closely along the seams is a faster option. Once the dress is deconstructed, you can sort through the fabric and choose the pieces you want to use for the christening gown. It is advisable to create a mock-up of the new garment to ensure a proper fit before cutting into the original fabric. You can find patterns and tutorials online to guide you through the process of constructing the christening gown.
Alternatively, you can commission a professional seamstress to create the christening gown for you. This option may be preferable if you want a more complex design or if you want to ensure a high-quality finish. Janice Martin Couture is one example of a business that creates custom christening and communion gowns from vintage fabrics and family wedding gowns. They can accommodate various gown types and sizes, including suits and gowns for preemies or older babies.
Transforming your wedding gown into a christening gown or other formal children's clothing is a meaningful way to repurpose the dress and create a cherished possession that will be passed down through generations. Whether you choose to do it yourself or enlist professional help, the result will be a beautiful new garment with a special significance.
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Sell it online via Facebook Marketplace, StillWhite, or Nearly Newlywed
Selling your wedding gown online is a great way to recoup some of the money you spent on it. There are many options for selling your dress online, including social media platforms and websites that specialize in selling used items. Here are some tips for selling your wedding gown online via Facebook Marketplace, StillWhite, or Nearly Newlywed:
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a popular platform for selling used items, including wedding gowns. To sell your gown on Facebook Marketplace, create a listing that includes detailed information about the dress, such as the size, color, and material. Be sure to include clear photos of the dress from various angles, and consider modeling it yourself or on a mannequin to show potential buyers how it looks when worn. You can set a price for the dress based on its condition and similar listings on the marketplace. When you receive inquiries from potential buyers, communicate promptly and be prepared to negotiate on the price.
StillWhite
StillWhite is a website that specializes in selling used wedding gowns. To sell your gown on StillWhite, create an account and follow their guidelines for creating a listing. They may have specific requirements for photos and descriptions, so be sure to review their instructions carefully. StillWhite may also provide additional services such as secure payment options and shipping assistance, making the selling process more convenient and secure.
Nearly Newlywed
Nearly Newlywed is another website that specializes in selling used wedding gowns and other wedding-related items. They have a slightly different process than StillWhite, so be sure to review their guidelines for creating a listing. Nearly Newlywed may also offer additional services to facilitate the selling process, such as providing pre-paid shipping labels and handling returns or exchanges.
General Tips for Selling Your Wedding Gown Online:
- Clean and preserve your gown: Before selling your wedding gown online, consider having it professionally cleaned and preserved to ensure it is in the best possible condition. This can increase its value and appeal to potential buyers.
- Accurate description and pricing: Provide an accurate and detailed description of your gown, including any alterations, damage, or unique features. Set a competitive price by researching similar gowns on the platform and considering the condition and original cost of your gown.
- Secure payment and shipping: When selling your gown online, use secure payment methods offered by the platform, such as PayPal or credit card processing. Clearly state your shipping policies, including who covers the shipping costs and whether you ship internationally.
- Respond promptly to inquiries: Be responsive to potential buyers' inquiries and questions to increase the likelihood of making a sale. Be prepared to provide additional photos or information if requested.
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Preserve it as a keepsake or family heirloom
If you want to preserve your wedding gown as a keepsake or family heirloom, there are several options to consider. Firstly, you could transform it into something new, either by altering the dress itself or using the fabric to create something different. For example, you could turn it into an evening gown, cocktail attire, or a trendy two-piece set for everyday wear. Alternatively, you could use the fabric to create keepsakes like quilts, scarves, clutches, handkerchiefs, or even a pocket square. You could also pass it on to a family member, such as a daughter or future daughter-in-law, who may want to wear it at their own wedding or another special occasion.
Another option is to preserve the dress professionally. This can cost up to $1,000, but it is a good option if you want to ensure the dress lasts and can be passed down through generations. When it comes to professional preservation, it is important to use a dress preservation specialist, as dry cleaning and preserving are not the same thing. There are services offered by companies like David's Bridal and The Wedding Gown Preservation Kit, which involve mailing the dress to them, having them clean and preserve it, and then mailing it back to you. If you choose to clean it yourself, be sure to read the label for special instructions and spot test a small, hidden portion of the fabric to ensure the cleaning agents do not react negatively. After cleaning, handle the dress with gloves to avoid any oils from your skin soaking into the fabric, and store it with acid-free tissue paper in a box, avoiding damp or harsh light and temperature conditions.
Preserving your wedding gown as a keepsake or family heirloom can be a meaningful way to cherish the memories associated with the dress and pass them on to future generations. It can also be a way to separate the dress from the memories of your ex-husband and instead associate it with your personal style, fashion sense, and the joy of shopping for it with your closest friends.
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Frequently asked questions
Some people choose to donate their wedding gowns to charities, give them away to friends or family, or sell them. Others opt for more symbolic actions, such as burning or destroying the dress.
Brides Across America donates wedding gowns to veterans and first responders. Adorned in Grace accepts wedding gowns that are no more than five years old and uses the proceeds to fight human sex trafficking. You can also donate your wedding gown to an organization that makes gowns for babies who were stillborn or died as infants, such as the Angel Gown Program.
You can repurpose your wedding gown by altering it for someone else's wedding, such as your daughter's or a friend's. You can also save it for your children to play dress-up with or turn it into costumes for grandkids.
If you're not ready to part with your wedding gown, you can store it out of sight for a few years until you're more emotionally detached from it. You can also preserve it by having it professionally cleaned and boxed.
Some people perform rituals with their wedding gowns to help them move on, such as burning the dress or using it as a prop in a post-divorce photoshoot. Others find it therapeutic to destroy the dress, such as by shooting it with a shotgun.
