George Boyle
The wedding reception is a chance for the newlyweds to let loose and celebrate their union, and what better way to do that than with a wardrobe change? From sleek satin gowns to playful minis, there are endless options for the bride to experiment with a new style. Whether you're looking to rent a glamorous dress or invest in a statement piece, there is a wide range of options to suit every bridal style and budget. So, if you're planning to dance the night away, read on to discover the perfect after-party outfit to keep the celebrations going long after you've said I do.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Style | Casual, sleek, sophisticated, glamorous, festive, frilly, or heavy |
| Fabric | Satin, lace, organza, or sequins |
| Design | Backless, statement side slit, tassels, off-the-shoulder, cutouts, sleeveless, puff sleeves, or strapless |
| Length | Mini, midi, or maxi |
| Color | White, rose gold, silver, or floral |
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What You'll Learn
Alter it into a new outfit
If you're looking to get more wear out of your wedding dress, altering it into a new outfit is a great option. This way, you can continue to enjoy your wedding dress for years to come and create new memories with it.
One idea is to transform your wedding dress into a shorter dress. You can work with a tailor or seamstress to create a charming mini dress or a two-piece set. You could even turn it into a cocktail dress, perfect for special dates or an anniversary celebration. If you're feeling creative, you could also make a top and skirt set, allowing you to mix and match with other pieces in your wardrobe.
Another option is to repurpose the fabric into multiple items. You could create a bra, negligee, pillows, or a tote bag. If you're feeling sentimental, you could even use the fabric to create a christening gown for your future child or a special outfit for your future daughter's wedding day.
Before altering your dress, be sure to research the fabric and its compatibility with dyes. Some fabrics, like silk, typically take dye well, while others, like lace, may not absorb the colour. It's also important to get your dress cleaned before colouring to avoid stains setting or becoming more noticeable.
By altering your wedding dress, you'll give it a second life and create a brand new outfit that you can cherish and wear on many special occasions.
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Dye it a new colour
Dyeing your wedding dress is a great way to give it a new lease of life and ensure it doesn't end up tucked away in storage forever. It's also a good option if you want to hide any stubborn stains that won't come out in the wash.
Before you begin, it's a good idea to test out the dye on a small piece of fabric. If you have any scrap fabric leftover from alterations, you can use this. Alternatively, you can check near the seams on the inside of the dress to see if there's an out-of-sight area that could be snipped out and used as a swatch.
Once you're happy with the colour, it's time to dye your dress. Add your wet garment to the dye bath and stir slowly and continuously for ten minutes to avoid splotching. The exact amount of time your dress should remain in the liquid will depend on the fabric, but an hour is usually the maximum.
After dyeing, you'll need to add a fixative and rinse your dress in cool water until the water runs clear. Finally, wash the dress with mild detergent and warm water, then rinse and hang to dry.
There are many reasons why you might want to dye your wedding dress. Perhaps you're aiming for a specific colour that you haven't seen on the market, or maybe you want to wear your dress again for a special occasion. Dyeing your dress is a unique way to update your gown and can be a more budget-friendly option than buying a new one.
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Donate it to charity
Donating your wedding dress is a great way to help someone in need while freeing up closet space and even getting a tax deduction. There are many charitable organisations that accept wedding dress donations.
One option is to donate to a bridal store that raises funds for charity, such as Brides for a Cause, which has showrooms in Portland, Tacoma, Seattle, and Sacramento. They resell donated wedding gowns and distribute the profits to organisations that provide services and assistance to women. Brides Across America is another organisation that accepts donations and passes on the dresses for free to military and first responder brides.
You can also donate your wedding dress to organisations like The Emma and Evan Foundation, which transforms the dresses into angel gowns or burial gowns for infants who have passed away. These memorial gowns are offered to grieving families as a source of comfort and remembrance. Angel Gowns or Baby Gowns for Eternity is another organisation with a similar mission, turning wedding dresses into gowns for stillborn infants.
If you're looking for local options, you can inquire at your nearest thrift store or charity shop, which may be in need of wedding dress donations. You can also consider donating to community theatres or high school drama departments, which often welcome wedding dresses for their costume departments. Women's shelters are another option, as some transitional housing programs help women plan weddings with limited budgets.
Before donating, be sure to check the requirements of the organisation, as some may have specific criteria regarding the age and condition of the dress. Additionally, request a receipt for your records, as wedding dress donations are often tax-deductible.
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Sell it
If you're not particularly attached to your wedding dress, selling it can be a great option. Wedding dresses are often expensive, so selling yours could help you recoup some of that investment. Current or recent season dresses can sell for up to £1000, and most second-hand wedding dresses go for 40% to 60% of their original retail price, depending on their condition, age, and designer.
There are several online platforms and consignment services dedicated to reselling wedding dresses, such as Nearly Newlywed, where you can even get your gown cleaned as part of the selling process. You could also consider donating your dress to a charity shop, which will then sell it and use the profits to support a good cause. Brides Across America, for example, gives wedding dresses to military brides in need, while Cherished Gowns UK transforms donated wedding dresses into burial gowns for babies.
Before selling your dress, be sure to disclose any flaws, stains, or damage. You may also want to consider getting it cleaned, as this can increase its value. If you're feeling creative, you could even repurpose your dress before selling it. For example, you could work with a tailor or seamstress to turn it into a shorter dress or two-piece set that you could wear on your first anniversary or other special occasions.
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Frame it as art
Framing your wedding dress is a great way to preserve and display your gown, turning it into a stunning piece of art. Full-length shadow box framing is a popular method, allowing you to showcase your dress as a unique wall hanging in your home.
There are several companies that specialize in wedding dress framing, such as The Beautiful Frame Company and Outrageous Framing. They work with you to design a frame that will complement your dress and transform it into a work of art. This option is ideal if you want to display your dress openly and create a statement piece in your home.
When choosing a location to display your framed wedding dress, consider areas that do not receive direct sunlight, as sunlight can damage the fabric over time. Opt for a cool, dry environment, and ensure the frame is securely fixed to the wall.
Additionally, you can enhance the preservation of your dress by incorporating UV-protective glass or acrylic into the frame. This will further protect your dress from the fading and deterioration that sunlight can cause.
Framing your wedding dress is a beautiful way to commemorate your special day and create a lasting reminder that you can enjoy for years to come. It adds a touch of elegance and sentimentality to your living space, allowing you to relive the memories of your wedding whenever you glance at it.
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Frequently asked questions
You could repurpose your wedding dress into a new garment, such as a mini dress, a two-piece set, or a robe. You could also get it framed and hang it on your wall as a stunning art piece and a sentimental reminder of your wedding day. Alternatively, you could donate, sell, or preserve your wedding dress.
You can work with a tailor or seamstress to create a new piece of clothing that you can wear again. You could also dye your wedding dress to transform it into a formal gown perfect for special occasions. However, not all fabrics and embellishments are compatible with colour dyes, so it is important to do your research first.
Many organisations accept wedding dress donations. For example, Brides Across America gives wedding dresses to military brides in need, while Every Girl's Dream in Michigan accepts wedding gowns and evening wear for brides-to-be facing financial hardship. You could also donate your dress to a local thrift store.
You can either sell your wedding dress yourself or use a company that will help you find buyers and handle the packing and shipping process. Selling your wedding dress yourself will save you money on commission fees, but you will have to do all the work yourself.
You can get your wedding dress professionally preserved by a company such as Wedding Dress Preservation by The Knot. You could also put your wedding dress in a box or frame it and hang it on your wall.
