Franklin Dean
So, the big day is over and you looked absolutely gorgeous in your wedding dress—but now you're wondering what to do with it. There are plenty of options to consider, whether you want to keep, repurpose, or get rid of your dress. You could get it professionally cleaned and preserved to pass it down as an heirloom, frame it as a piece of art, or repurpose it into something new, like a robe, a mini dress, or decor for your home. If you're looking to get rid of your dress, you could sell it, donate it to a good cause, or even trash it in a unique photoshoot. The options are endless, so get creative and give your wedding dress a new life!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Repurpose | Transform into a new garment, home decor, lingerie, christening gown, family keepsake, or donate to be made into an Angel Gown for stillborn infants |
| Preserve | Professionally, in a box, or as a display/artwork |
| Sell | On eBay, consignment shops, pre-owned wedding dress sales platforms, or dress shops |
| Donate | To a charitable organisation, Goodwill, or a bride in need |
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What You'll Learn
Repurpose it into a new garment
If you're looking to repurpose your wedding dress into a new garment, there are several options to consider. Firstly, you could transform it into a christening gown for your baby or a baptism gown for yourself. This is a popular choice for those who want to create new memories and pass down their dress to the next generation. You could also use the leftover fabric to create matching booties, a bonnet, or bib blankets.
Another option is to work with a tailor or seamstress to create a brand new piece of clothing that you can wear again and again. You could consider altering the dress and dyeing it a different colour to create a formal or party dress that you can wear to galas, weddings, or holiday parties. If you're feeling creative, you can even use the fabric to make small decor pillows or a quilt that can be passed down for generations.
If you're unsure about cutting up your dress, you can start small by repurposing parts of it, such as using the lace or buttons for other projects. You could also create a bridal robe or a floor-length veil to wear on your wedding day, incorporating a piece of your family's history into your special day.
There are companies like Unbox the Dress that can help you transform your wedding gown into new designs, modern bridal gifts, or family heirlooms. They offer custom restyling services to upcycle your dress, and you can work with their design team to decide on the new garment.
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Donate it to a charitable organisation
Donating your wedding dress to a charitable organisation is a great way to help others while also freeing up closet space. There are several organisations that accept wedding dress donations, each with a unique mission and focus.
One such organisation is Brides Across America, which provides free wedding dresses to military and first responder brides, including firefighters, EMTs, police officers, and paramedics. They accept almost all styles of wedding dresses as long as they are less than four years old and in good condition.
Another option is Every Girl's Dream in Michigan, which accepts wedding gowns and evening wear to help brides-to-be facing financial hardship. Operation Prom and Cinderella's Closet are similar organisations that accept wedding and bridesmaid dresses, as well as groomsmen tuxedos, to dress low-income students for their prom.
Brides for a Cause is a nonprofit organisation that collects and resells wedding dresses, with the proceeds going to various women-focused nonprofits. They have donated over $3 million to charities supporting women in areas such as poverty relief, health issues, and women's rights.
If you're interested in helping bereaved families, you can donate your wedding dress to organisations like Kennedy's Angel Gowns, which transforms wedding gowns into burial garments for infants who pass away during their hospital stay. Your wedding dress fabric can provide several infant burial gowns, wraps, or garments, offering comfort to grieving families.
These are just a few examples of the many charitable organisations that would gladly accept your wedding dress donation and give it a new purpose.
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Sell it to recoup some costs
If you're looking to recoup some of the costs of your wedding, selling your dress is an option. However, it's worth noting that you may not make back much of what you spent, and it may take a while to sell.
There are several online marketplaces where you can list your dress for sale, such as Stillwhite, Poshmark, and eBay. Stillwhite claims to be the best place to sell your wedding dress, with no commission or monthly fees, and various tools to help you sell. You can set your own price and accept secure payments online while keeping your contact details private. Similarly, Poshmark allows you to set your own price, and you may even receive offers from interested buyers.
Before you list your dress, consider having it professionally cleaned to ensure it's in the best possible condition. This will help you get the best price. When creating your listing, be sure to include photos and, if possible, a video to show how the dress moves and sparkles.
If you don't want to deal with the hassle of listing and selling your dress yourself, you could look into wedding consignment shops in your area. These shops will sell your dress on your behalf, taking care of everything from photos and listings to dealing with buyers. However, they will typically take a percentage of the selling price as their fee.
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Get it professionally cleaned and preserved
Wedding dresses are often intricate and delicate, and over time they can become damaged or discoloured, especially if not treated and stored properly. To prevent this, it's important to get your wedding dress professionally cleaned and preserved as soon as possible after your wedding day.
Professional wedding dress cleaning and preservation services use specialised techniques to treat and package your dress, ensuring it stays in excellent condition for years to come. This process involves removing stains, preventing future yellowing, and keeping the dress protected from damage. It's important to choose a reputable company that uses gentle, pure solvents for cleaning, as some dry cleaning chemicals can leave your dress with an unpleasant smell.
Once your dress is professionally cleaned, it will be placed in specialised packaging and shipped back to you. Store your dress according to the company's instructions, typically in a cool, dark, climate-controlled area, away from sunlight and humidity. Avoid storing your dress in plastic bags, as this can lead to moisture damage, and keep it separate from other clothing items to prevent acid transfer, friction, and staining.
By choosing to professionally clean and preserve your wedding dress, you can ensure that it remains in pristine condition, making it a cherished heirloom that can be passed down or upcycled into other gowns or accessories.
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Frame it or display it as art
Framing and displaying your wedding dress is a great way to preserve and commemorate your special day. It can also serve as a decorative piece of art in your home. Here are some steps and considerations to help you through the process:
Choose a Framing Method
There are two popular options for framing your wedding dress: using a bespoke framing service or creating a DIY shadow box. The traditional option of a framing service can be quite expensive, with prices often starting in the thousands. However, you can save costs by opting for a smaller frame that displays only half of the dress.
If you're handy and want to save money, creating a DIY shadow box is a great alternative. You can purchase a standard frame or box and mount your dress yourself. Artist Russell Collins, for example, offers a range of box sizes and price points, including a standard frame for £495 and an upgraded frame with UV-filtering glass for £930.
Prepare the Dress
Before framing, it is essential to have your wedding dress professionally cleaned and preserved to ensure it looks its best. This step may also involve repairing any minor damage or stains that occurred during your wedding. You can also choose to include accessories such as your veil, jewellery, and shoes to create a comprehensive display of your wedding ensemble.
Select a Framing Company
If you decide to use a professional framing service, research companies that specialise in dress framing and preservation, such as The Beautiful Frame Company and Outrageous Framing. These companies will work closely with you to select the appropriate frame type, size, and depth to showcase your dress perfectly. They will also help you choose the best angle and glazing options to enhance the display.
Displaying Your Dress
When choosing a display location in your home, opt for an area that doesn't receive direct sunlight and is cool and dry. This will help maintain the dress's colour and fabric over time. Ensure that you have a wall large enough to accommodate the frame and that you can safely fix the frame to the wall.
Additional Considerations
If you're short on space, consider a half-size frame where the skirt of the dress is folded up behind, with the bodice as the main focal point. You can also explore companies that offer dress preservation and transformation services, such as Unbox the Dress, if you're interested in repurposing your wedding dress into other decorative items or wearable garments.
Framing your wedding dress is a beautiful way to preserve your special day and create a unique piece of art in your home. By following these steps and considering your options, you can proudly display your dress for years to come.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several options for what to do with your wedding dress after the big day. You could repurpose it into a new garment, such as a mini dress, a two-piece set, or a robe. You could also donate it to a charity such as Brides Across America, which gives dresses to military brides-to-be, or Cinderella's Closet, which turns wedding dresses into low-cost prom dresses for students from low-income families. Alternatively, you could sell your dress to make some extra cash while giving another bride the chance to wear it.
If you're feeling crafty, you could repurpose your wedding dress into a family keepsake or a work of art. You could turn it into a christening gown or a Christmas tree skirt, or frame it and hang it on your wall. Companies like Unbox the Dress can help you transform your wedding dress into new designs.
If you want to keep your wedding dress as a treasured heirloom, it's important to get it professionally cleaned and preserved as soon as possible after your wedding. You can use a preservation company that seals your gown in a box, or you can store it in a bridal bag or storage box. Make sure to use acid-free tissue paper in your storage box and keep it away from direct sunlight, heat, humidity, and harsh light and temperatures.
