
Wedding dresses are often expensive, with the average cost ranging from $400 to $1,700 or more, according to WeddingWire. As such, many brides are choosing to donate their dresses to give someone else the opportunity to wear them, while also freeing up closet space and even getting a tax deduction. There are several places to donate wedding dresses in New York, including local options like Goodwill and Salvation Army, as well as groups that accept donations nationally, such as Brides Across America and Becoming a Cupcake. Brides for a Cause is another nonprofit that accepts donations from across the country and has locations in Portland, Tacoma, Seattle, and Sacramento.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Organizations | Brides for a Cause, Brides Across America, Becoming a Cupcake, Angel Gowns of the Capital Region, The Emma and Evan Foundation, The Salvation Army, Goodwill, The People's Place, The Brides Project |
| Causes | Women-focused charities, military members, first responders, healthcare workers, Ugandan women who have survived sex trafficking and forced marriages, burial gowns for babies, families touched by cancer |
| Accepted items | Wedding dresses, bridal accessories, bridesmaid dresses, flower girl dresses |
| Notes | Dresses should be 5 years old or newer, retain purchasing documentation for tax deductions |
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What You'll Learn
- Donate to an Angel Gown organisation, like Angel Gowns of the Capital Region, NY
- Donate to a local theatre company
- Donate to a local charity shop, like Goodwill or Salvation Army
- Donate to Brides Across America, which helps military members, first responders, and healthcare workers
- Donate to Brides for a Cause, which raises funds for women-focused charities

Donate to an Angel Gown organisation, like Angel Gowns of the Capital Region, NY
Donating your wedding dress to an Angel Gown organisation is a thoughtful way to support bereaved parents who have lost their baby. Angel Gown organisations are made up of volunteer sewers who craft burial gowns for babies who don't make it home from the hospital. These gowns are donated to hospitals, bereavement organisations, and funeral homes, offering parents a small gesture of comfort during their time of loss.
One such organisation is Angel Gowns of the Capital Region, NY, based in Albany. They accept donations of new or used wedding gowns and transform them into one-of-a-kind Angel Gowns. These gowns provide a special way to honour the precious lives of babies and offer love and support to grieving families.
If you're unable to donate to Angel Gowns of the Capital Region, there are other Angel Gown chapters across the country, such as Angel Gowns of Western New York. This chapter, founded by Missy Ray, also accepts wedding gown donations to create burial gowns for babies born through stillbirth or miscarriage.
When donating to an Angel Gown organisation, you may be asked to prepare your wedding dress according to certain instructions. For example, you might need to remove the crinoline or make other adjustments before mailing or dropping off your donation. By contributing to an Angel Gown group, you can ensure that your wedding dress finds a meaningful second purpose.
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Donate to a local theatre company
If you're looking to donate your wedding dress in New York, there are several options to consider, including local theatre companies. Here are some reasons and ways to donate your wedding dress to a local theatre company:
- Supporting the Arts: Local theatre companies rely on donations and support from the community to produce shows and engage in creative endeavours. By donating your wedding dress, you can help them create memorable productions and contribute to the arts in your area.
- Costume and Prop Enhancement: Wedding dresses can be used for costumes in various theatre productions. Your donation can enhance the costume design and provide a unique piece for actors to wear on stage. It can also be used as a prop, adding to the overall production value of the show.
- Versatility and Creativity: Theatre companies are known for their creativity, and your wedding dress donation can inspire innovative uses. It can be altered, redesigned, or deconstructed to fit the needs of a particular show. Whether it's a period piece, a modern adaptation, or a creative experiment, your dress can find a new life on the stage.
- Contacting the Theatre Company: To donate your wedding dress to a local theatre company, you can start by identifying local theatres in your area. Contact them to inquire about their donation policies and procedures. Some companies may have specific needs or preferences, so it's best to communicate directly with them.
- Other Donation Options: In addition to local theatre companies, there are other great options for donating your wedding dress in New York. You can consider organisations like Brides for a Cause, which collects and resells wedding dresses to support women-focused charities. Another option is Brides Across America, which provides gowns for members of the military, first responders, and healthcare workers. Becoming a Cupcake is an organisation that helps Ugandan women who have survived sex trafficking and forced marriages.
- Traditional Choices: If you're looking for more traditional donation routes, you can donate your wedding dress to local stores like Goodwill or the Salvation Army. The People's Place in Kingston, NY, is also a great local choice.
Remember, donating your wedding dress to a local theatre company can not only support the arts in your community but also give your dress a unique and creative second life on the stage!
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Donate to a local charity shop, like Goodwill or Salvation Army
If you're looking to donate your wedding dress in New York, one option is to consider a local charity shop, such as Goodwill or Salvation Army. These organizations accept donated clothing and goods and use the proceeds to support a variety of charitable causes. By donating your wedding dress to one of these organizations, you can not only clear space in your closet but also contribute to a worthy cause and help those in need.
Goodwill is a well-known nonprofit organization with a presence in New York and across the United States. They accept donations of clothing and other items, which they then sell at discounted prices in their thrift stores. The revenue generated from these sales helps fund job training programs, employment services, and community-building initiatives, all of which aim to empower individuals and strengthen communities.
The Salvation Army is another reputable charity with a long history of helping those less fortunate. They provide a range of social services, including assistance with basic needs such as food and shelter, as well as offering support for vulnerable individuals and families through their various programs. Donating your wedding dress to a Salvation Army thrift store can help fund these vital programs and services, making a direct impact on those in need in your local community.
In addition to these larger organizations, you might also consider donating to a smaller, local charity shop. The People's Place in Kingston, NY, for example, is one such option. Local thrift stores often support a variety of charitable causes and initiatives, and by donating your wedding dress to one of these shops, you can contribute directly to helping those in your own community.
When donating to any charity shop, it's a good idea to contact them beforehand to ensure they are currently accepting donations and to confirm any specific guidelines or requirements they may have. Additionally, be sure to inquire about receiving a donation receipt, which can be useful for tax purposes and also allows you to determine the fair market value of your donation.
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Donate to Brides Across America, which helps military members, first responders, and healthcare workers
If you're looking to donate your wedding dress in New York, there are several organizations that accept donations for varying causes. One notable option is Brides Across America, a non-profit organization that helps military members, first responders, and healthcare workers source wedding gowns. Here are some reasons why you should consider donating your wedding dress to Brides Across America:
- Supporting Those Who Serve: Military members, first responders, and healthcare workers dedicate their lives to serving others. Donating your dress to Brides Across America will help ensure that these dedicated individuals can have their dream weddings without financial strain.
- Giving Back to the Community: Your wedding dress donation will directly benefit members of your community. By supporting these essential professionals, you are contributing to the overall well-being of those around you and expressing your gratitude for their selfless service.
- Making Dreams Come True: A wedding dress is often a significant expense, and your donation can make someone's dream wedding a reality. Your dress can bring joy to another bride, allowing her to feel beautiful and special on her big day, regardless of her financial situation.
- Environmental Impact: Donating your wedding dress gives it a new lease of life, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. This eco-friendly approach ensures that the time, materials, and resources that went into creating your dress are not wasted.
- Tax Benefits: While this may not be the primary motivation for your donation, it's worth noting that donating to a non-profit organization like Brides Across America may qualify you for a tax deduction. Be sure to consult with a tax professional for guidance on applicable laws and regulations.
By donating your wedding dress to Brides Across America, you are not just giving away a dress; you are contributing to a larger cause. Your dress will become a symbol of gratitude, joy, and support for those who selflessly serve our communities every day.
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Donate to Brides for a Cause, which raises funds for women-focused charities
If you're looking to donate your wedding dress in New York, one option is Brides for a Cause. This nonprofit organisation collects and resells wedding dresses to raise funds for women-focused charities. Brides for a Cause accepts wedding dress donations from designers, manufacturers, and brides themselves. They've collected over 40,000 wedding dresses and given over $3,000,000 to charities across the country.
You can choose to mail in your dress or drop it off at one of their locations. They accept new and once-worn dresses that are less than five years old. Brides for a Cause has multiple locations, each with over 700 dresses, so your donation will contribute to a wide selection for brides-to-be to choose from.
Brides for a Cause also offers an affordable and sustainable option for brides-to-be to find their dream dress. With dresses organised by size, brides can easily browse and try on a variety of styles. In addition to wedding dresses, they also carry bridal accessories like veils, tiaras, and slips, which can also be donated.
By donating your wedding dress to Brides for a Cause, you can give your dress a second life while supporting a great cause. Your donation will help raise funds for women-focused charities and make a difference in the lives of those supported by these organisations. It's a wonderful way to pass on the joy of your wedding day to another bride while giving back to the community.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several organizations that accept donated wedding dresses for varying causes. Brides Across America, for example, helps source gowns for members of the military, first responders, and healthcare workers. Becoming a Cupcake is another organization that helps Ugandan women who have survived sex trafficking and forced marriages. You could also donate to your local Salvation Army or Goodwill store.
Yes, Brides for a Cause is a nonprofit organization that collects and resells wedding dresses to raise funds for charity. They have locations all across the country, including New York.
The Emma and Evan Foundation accepts wedding dress donations and transforms them into angel gowns or burial gowns for infants who have passed away. Angel Gowns of the Capital Region, based an hour north in Albany, NY, is another organization that does this.
Yes, you could donate your dress to a local theatre company. Alternatively, you could sell your dress at Adorned in Grace in Oregon and Arizona, which uses its profits to support efforts that prevent and raise awareness of sex trafficking.
Donating your wedding dress can help someone in need and free up space in your closet. You may also be able to get a tax deduction.











































