George Boyle
Deciding what to do with your husband's ex's wedding dress can be a tricky situation. Some people choose to donate the dress to organisations such as Goodwill, the Salvation Army, or local thrift shops, which can also provide a tax write-off benefit. Others opt to sell the dress on platforms like Stillwhite, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace, or even rent it out to brides. In some cases, individuals choose to transform the dress into something new, either for themselves or for a good cause, such as burial garments for babies. Alternatively, some people decide to keep the dress, especially if it holds sentimental value beyond the marriage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Keep it | As a treasured keepsake, or to re-wear, or to pass on to someone else to wear |
| Donate it | To a charity supporting brides-to-be who can't afford a gown, or to a local thrift shop, or to a hospital program that makes burial garments for babies |
| Rent it out | To earn some money |
| Sell it | On an online consignment shop, or Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or a dedicated app |
| Repurpose it | Dye it, shorten it, or transform it into an evening gown, cocktail attire, or keepsakes like quilts or scarves |
| Give it away | To a bride-to-be, or to a local church that lends out formal wear |
| Destroy it | Burn it, tear it up, or use it for DIY |
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What You'll Learn
Donate to a charity that repurposes dresses for a good cause
Donating your husband's ex-partner's wedding dress to charity is a thoughtful way to give the dress a new lease of life and support a good cause. Wedding dresses are often only worn once, so donating the dress can ensure it is put to good use, rather than gathering dust in the back of a closet.
There are several charities that repurpose wedding dresses to support a variety of causes. For example, Brides Against Breast Cancer is a nonprofit organisation that resells pre-owned wedding dresses at affordable prices, with the proceeds going towards breast cancer awareness, early detection, and reducing the environmental impact of wedding dress manufacturing. Brides for a Cause is another nonprofit that collects and resells wedding dresses, with the profits going towards various women-focused charities.
If you're looking to support a cause that helps grieving families, there are organisations such as NICU Helping Hands Angel Gown Program and The Emma and Evan Foundation, which transform wedding dresses into burial gowns for infants who have passed away. These memorial gowns are then offered to families as a source of comfort.
Donating the dress to a charity of your choice can be a meaningful way to give back and support a cause that is important to you. It allows the dress to bring joy to someone else and gives you the opportunity to help a bride in need, or support a family going through a difficult time.
Before donating, it is a good idea to check with the charity to ensure they are accepting donations and that the dress meets any specific criteria they may have, such as the age or condition of the dress.
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Keep it and rewear for special occasions
Keeping and rewearing your husband's ex-wedding dress for special occasions is a great way to honour the memory of your husband's previous marriage and celebrate the new chapter in your life. Here are some ideas on how to do this:
Firstly, it's important to give yourself time and space before deciding to rewear the dress. It might be a good idea to keep the dress out of sight for a while and allow yourself to heal and accept your husband's past. Once you feel ready, you can take the dress out of storage and start planning how you'd like to rewear it.
If you have sewing skills, you could alter the dress to fit your style and personality. Consider dyeing it a new colour, shortening it, or adding some unique details. You could even transform it into a cocktail dress or evening gown, perfect for a special night out. If sewing isn't your forte, you can always enlist the help of a professional seamstress to ensure the dress is tailored to your liking.
Another option is to keep the dress as is and rewear it for a significant event, such as an anniversary or a special date night. You could style it with different accessories or a jacket to give it a modern twist. Rewearing the dress can be a powerful way to embrace your husband's past and present, and it might even become a cherished tradition in your new marriage.
If you're feeling adventurous, you could host a charity fashion event where you showcase the reworked dress. This way, you can also raise money for a cause close to your heart and give back to the community while celebrating your love.
Remember, the decision to keep and rewear your husband's ex-wedding dress is a personal one. Do what feels right for you and embrace the unique journey that led you to where you are now.
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Upcycle it into a new garment
If you're looking to upcycle your husband's ex-wedding dress into a new garment, there are several options to consider. Firstly, you can alter it into a more wearable garment, such as a charming mini dress, a two-piece set, or even a modern wedding jumpsuit like Kyra Prosser, who wore her mom's old wedding dress at her rehearsal dinner. You can also create a cocktail dress, a costume (fairy, zombie bride, princess, or witch), or a robe that you can enjoy each morning, reminding you of your wedding day.
If you're feeling creative and have some sewing experience, you can transform the wedding dress into a completely new garment. You can check Pinterest, Etsy, and YouTube for endless DIY ideas and tutorials. You can also work with a tailor or seamstress to create a unique piece of clothing.
If you're open to more sentimental options, you can upcycle the wedding dress into a christening gown for a baby, as seen in Moni Cox's work. You can also craft baby blankets, bassinet covers, or other keepsakes like pillows, tablecloths, table runners, or napkins.
Another option is to dye the wedding dress into a new color, turning it into a formal gown perfect for special occasions. However, not all fabrics and embellishments are compatible with color dyes, so it's essential to consult a professional before proceeding.
Lastly, if you're looking for a unique way to preserve the dress, consider transforming it into a Christmas tree skirt, ornaments, or a clutch purse. You can also ship the dress to companies like Unbox the Dress, which specializes in creating one-of-a-kind heirloom pieces from wedding gowns.
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Destroy it—burn or go swimming in it
If you are looking for ways to get rid of your husband's ex-wife's wedding dress, one option is to destroy it by burning it or going swimming in it.
Burning the wedding dress is a popular option for those seeking a symbolic ritual to help them move on from their marriage. Some people choose to do this in their backyard burn pile, while others spread the ashes in a meaningful location, such as the garden of their wedding venue. However, it is important to note that burning synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, can release toxic fumes, so it may be safer to consider other methods of destruction.
Another option is to go swimming in the wedding dress. This can be done as part of a "trash the dress" photo shoot, where brides deliberately ruin their dresses in the name of art. These shoots can take place in swimming pools, lakes, or rivers, and the results can be serene and otherworldly. However, caution should be exercised when attempting to swim in a wedding dress, as large, heavy dresses can be dangerous and even lead to drowning.
If you are considering destroying the wedding dress, it is important to think carefully and ensure that you are making a decision that feels right for you. While it may be tempting to act impulsively, especially if you are feeling angry or hurt, it is worth considering the potential risks and consequences of each method of destruction.
Additionally, if you are looking for alternative ways to part with the dress, you could consider donating it to a bride-to-be or an organization that accepts wedding dress donations for various causes, such as creating burial garments for babies or wedding dresses for cancer patients.
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Sell it online or rent it out
One option for what to do with your husband's ex-wedding dress is to sell it online. There are several websites that allow you to list your wedding dress for sale, such as Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, and Nuuly. When creating your listing, be sure to include as many details as possible, such as the designer, style, alterations, fit, and any accessories that may be included. You can also include photos and videos to showcase the dress and its features. These websites typically do not charge any commission, but there may be transaction fees for payments received through PayPal.
Another option is to rent out the wedding dress online. Nuuly and Rent the Runway are two popular dress rental websites that offer a range of designer gowns at more affordable prices. By renting out the wedding dress instead of selling it, you can potentially earn a recurring income from it. However, keep in mind that renting out the dress may involve more logistics and maintenance, such as handling returns, dealing with stains, and ensuring the dress is in good condition after each rental.
Before deciding to sell or rent out the wedding dress, it may be worth considering your own emotional attachment to the dress and whether you would prefer to keep it, donate it, or pass it on to someone else who can wear it on their special day. Ultimately, the decision of what to do with your husband's ex-wedding dress is a personal one, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many options for what to do with your husband's ex-wife's wedding dress. You could donate it to a charity that repurposes wedding dresses, such as NICU Helping Hands, which turns wedding dresses into baby gowns for grieving families who have lost a newborn. You could also donate it to a local thrift shop, such as Goodwill or the Salvation Army, or list it for rent on an app such as By Rotation (if you're in the UK) or Stillwhite.
If you're feeling creative, you could transform the wedding dress into something else entirely. You could dye it, turn it into a new dress, or use the fabric for sewing projects. Alternatively, you could follow in the footsteps of Kevin Cotter, who turned his ex-wife's wedding dress into over 100 different items, including a kite, Halloween costume, hammock, oven mitt, and jump rope.
Whether or not you should keep your husband's ex-wife's wedding dress depends on your personal preferences and the memories associated with the dress. Some people may view the dress as a representation of their ex-spouse and choose to get rid of it, while others may have fond memories of shopping for the dress with their friends and choose to keep it as a memento. Ultimately, the decision is yours, and there is no right or wrong answer.
