Deborah Chan
Your wedding dress is likely to be the most expensive and special piece of clothing you will ever buy, so it's understandable that you might not want to part with it after your big day. There are several options to consider when deciding what to do with your wedding dress after the wedding, each with its own pros and cons. You could sell it, donate it, have it preserved, or repurpose it into something else.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Repurpose | Convert into a christening gown, custom robes, short anniversary dresses, handkerchiefs, pillows, lingerie, a garment, a summer dress, a skirt, dolls' clothes, a blanket, art, etc. |
| Donate | Give to charity shops, organisations, or a bride-to-be |
| Sell | Sell via consignment or online sites such as Nearly Newlywed, Sell My Wedding Dress, or Facebook groups like Shared Dream Dresses |
| Preserve | Clean, treat, and package in a preservation box or frame |
| Store | Hang in the wardrobe, store in a box, or stuff in a cupboard |
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What You'll Learn
Repurpose it into a new garment
Repurposing your wedding dress into a new garment is a great way to extend the life of your dress and create something new that you can wear and enjoy. Here are some ideas and tips to guide you through the process:
- Assess your dress and decide on the new garment: Consider the style and fabric of your wedding dress and think about what new garment you would like to create. Do you want to transform it into a shorter dress for your anniversary, as some brides have done? Or perhaps you'd like to turn it into a charming mini dress, a two-piece set, or a robe that you can wear on special occasions? You could even create multiple new garments from your wedding dress, like a friend who turned her wedding dress into a summer dress, then a skirt, and eventually a short skirt and doll clothes for her daughter.
- Find a skilled tailor or seamstress: Working with a professional is essential to ensure that your wedding dress is transformed skillfully and according to your vision. Look for a tailor or seamstress who has experience in altering wedding dresses or creating new garments from them. They should be able to guide you through the process and provide suggestions based on their expertise.
- Collaborate on the design: Share your ideas and vision for the new garment with your chosen tailor or seamstress. They may offer a virtual or in-person consultation to discuss the transformation. Be open to their suggestions and input, as they can guide you on what is feasible and how to create a look that feels fresh while still holding sentimental value.
- Consider the alterations needed: Depending on the style and fabric of your wedding dress, certain alterations may be required to create the new garment. For example, you may need to shorten the skirt, remove sleeves, or add new details. Discuss the specific alterations needed for your project with your tailor or seamstress.
- Preserve any leftover fabric: If you have leftover fabric from your wedding dress after creating the new garment, consider saving it for future projects or keepsakes. You could use the leftover fabric to create smaller items such as handkerchiefs, pillows, or lingerie, or even a christening gown for your future children.
Repurposing your wedding dress allows you to extend the life of a garment that holds so much sentimental value. By following these steps, you can create a new garment that you can cherish and wear, continuing the story of your wedding dress in a fresh and meaningful way.
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Get it cleaned and boxed
Wedding dresses are often exposed to stains, dirt, and other blemishes during the festivities. To ensure your dress stays in pristine condition, it is recommended to get it cleaned and boxed. This is a popular option for those who want to preserve their dress and protect it from the environment.
There are professional services that offer wedding dress cleaning and preservation. They will meticulously clean your dress, removing any stains or smudges, and then treat and package it in a preservation box. This box will keep your dress safe from damage and environmental factors.
Some preservation boxes include a clear peek-a-boo window, allowing you to admire your dress and recall wedding memories whenever you wish. This option is ideal for those who want to safeguard the beauty and sentimental value of their gown.
You can also choose to have your dress cleaned and then boxed for long-term storage. This option is suitable if you are not yet sure what to do with your dress but want to ensure it stays in good condition. You can later decide to repurpose, donate, or display your dress, knowing it has been well-maintained.
Cleaning and boxing your wedding dress is a thoughtful way to honour the memories of your special day and ensure the longevity of your gown.
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Sell it online or in-person
Selling your wedding dress online or in person is a great way to recoup some of the money you spent on it, and it can be an easy process. There are many online sites to sell your wedding dress, such as Nearly Newlywed, or you can look for local consignment shops. You can also sell your dress on sites like Sell My Wedding Dress, which also lists shoes, bridesmaid dresses, and other bridal accessories.
Before selling your dress, it's a good idea to get it cleaned to remove any stains or smudges. Some resale sites include cleaning as part of the selling process. You can also use dress cleaning services that will dry clean and return your dress neatly boxed and ready for long-term storage.
Selling your wedding dress can be a difficult decision, as many people have an emotional attachment to it. However, it can be a great way to give your dress a new life and help another bride create their dream wedding on a budget.
If you're not ready to part with your dress, you could consider loaning it to a friend, family member, or even a stranger. That way, you can still recoup some of the cost while knowing that your dress will be returned to you to cherish forever.
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Donate it to a charity shop
Donating your wedding dress to a charity shop is a great way to give back and allow another bride to experience the magic of your dress on their special day. Many brides are opting to donate their dresses to organisations such as The Brides Project, or to Facebook groups like Shared Dream Dresses, where dresses are passed on for free. Donating your dress can make a significant impact, as it allows another bride to wear a beautiful gown that she may not have been able to afford otherwise.
There are many charity shops that will gladly accept wedding dresses and give them a second life. By donating your dress, you can also free up space in your wardrobe and avoid the cost of storing a gown that may never be worn again. It is a wonderful feeling to know that your dress will bring joy to another person and contribute to a meaningful cause.
Before donating your wedding dress, it is a good idea to have it cleaned and preserved. This will ensure that the dress looks its best and can be enjoyed by another bride. There are dress cleaning services available that will dry clean and neatly box your dress, ready for donation.
If you are considering donating your wedding dress, it is worth checking with the charity shop or organisation beforehand to ensure they are currently accepting donations. There may be a waiting list, but if you are not in a rush to part with your dress, this can be a rewarding option.
Donating your wedding dress is a beautiful way to spread joy and give back to your community. It allows another bride to experience the magic of your dress and create their own special memories.
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Transform it into a keepsake
Wedding dresses are often a big deal for many brides, with a lot of time, money, and emotions invested in them. So, it's no surprise that many brides want to transform their wedding dresses into keepsakes after their wedding day. Here are some ideas to transform your wedding dress into a cherished memento:
Christening Gown or Blanket
A popular choice for brides is to repurpose their wedding dress into a christening gown or blanket for their future children. This allows the dress to be reused and passed down through generations, creating a beautiful family heirloom. If you don't plan on having children, you can also donate your wedding dress to a charity that provides christening gowns to families in need.
Custom Robes or Lingerie
Another option is to transform your wedding dress into custom robes or lingerie that you can wear on special occasions or even daily. This way, you can enjoy a piece of your wedding day every day and create a lasting reminder of your special day.
Short Anniversary Dress
You can also shorten your wedding dress to create a more contemporary version to wear on your wedding anniversaries. This way, you get to relive the joy of wearing your wedding dress and create new memories with it.
Display or Frame It
If you want to admire your wedding dress every day, consider displaying it in a shadow box or having it professionally framed. This way, you can showcase the dress as a work of art and recall your wedding memories each time you see it.
Pillow or Handkerchief
Transform your wedding dress into a comfortable pillow or a sentimental handkerchief that you can use or display in your home. These items will remind you of your special day whenever you see or use them.
Before transforming your wedding dress into a keepsake, consider having it professionally cleaned and preserved to remove any stains or blemishes accumulated during your wedding festivities. This will ensure that your dress looks its best and lasts for years to come.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many options for what to do with your wedding dress after the big day. You could repurpose it into other items, such as a christening gown for your children, a short anniversary dress, a robe, or even a piece of art. You could also sell it, either online or at a local consignment shop, or donate it to a charity shop or another bride. Other options include getting it professionally cleaned and preserved, or simply storing it in a box or your wardrobe.
Whether or not you should sell your wedding dress depends on your emotional attachment to it. Selling your dress can be a good way to recoup some of the money you spent on it and give another bride the chance to wear it. However, if you are very attached to your dress, you may regret selling it and wish you had kept it as a family heirloom.
There are many ways to repurpose your wedding dress. You could turn it into a new garment, such as a short dress, a two-piece set, or a robe. You could also dye it and wear it on another occasion. Alternatively, you could turn it into a keepsake item, such as a handkerchief, pillow, or lingerie.
