Deborah Chan
Wedding dress preservation is a special cleaning and packaging process that ensures the garment retains its quality for years to come. Many brides choose to preserve their wedding dresses as a cherished memory to be shared with future generations. Some companies offer wedding dress preservation kits, which include gown tracking and insured shipping. Others provide a full service, including cleaning and restoration. If you're not interested in keeping your wedding dress, you can also choose to donate or sell it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding dress preservation companies | Wedding Gown Preservation Kit, Affordable Preservation Company |
| Wedding dress preservation methods | Dry cleaning, restoration, eco-friendly solvents, acid-free boxes, anti-yellowing and anti-staining guarantee |
| Wedding dress preservation timing | Best to send immediately after the wedding, but dresses over 20 years old can also be preserved |
| Wedding dress preservation cost | Affordable Preservation Company offers best price for top-quality gown preservation in the US |
| Wedding dress preservation results | Removal of yellowing and stains, restoration of original brilliance, cherished memories |
| Alternative options | Resell, donate to consignment shop, donate to be made into burial gowns for infants, repurpose into other items |
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What You'll Learn
Donate to a bridal store or consignment shop
Donating your wedding dress to a bridal store or consignment shop is a great way to give it a second life and help a bride in need. Many bridal stores and consignment shops accept wedding dress donations and provide them to new brides at an affordable price or give them away for free. This is a great option if you're looking to free up some closet space and help someone else create their own special memories.
One such bridal store is Brides for a Cause, a nonprofit organization with locations across the United States, including Portland, Tacoma, Seattle, and Sacramento. They accept wedding dress donations and use the profits to support various local and national women-focused charities. They have collected over 40,000 wedding dresses and raised over $3,000,000 for charities across the country. You can mail in your wedding dress donation or drop it off at one of their locations.
Another option is Adorned in Grace, a faith-based organization with locations in Oregon and Arizona. They accept wedding dress donations and use the proceeds to support efforts to prevent and raise awareness about sex trafficking. They provide wedding dresses and other formal attire to brides in need, as well as mother-of-the-bride dresses, flower girl attire, veils, shoes, and jewellery. You can drop off your donation in person or ship it to any of their locations following their online instructions.
Cherie Sustainable Bridal in Maryland is another bridal store that accepts wedding dress donations. They support Success in Style, a nonprofit that offers professional clothing and basic interview skills to clients in crisis. They stock a variety of designer gowns less than five years old and do not require professional cleaning of the gown before donation.
When donating to a bridal store or consignment shop, it is important to research the organization and ensure that it is reputable and benefits a charity or cause that you care about. You may also want to consider the age and condition of your wedding dress, as some organizations have specific criteria for accepting donations. By donating your wedding dress, you can not only gain more closet space and a tax deduction but also the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping someone else create their dream wedding.
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Give to organisations that make burial gowns for infants
Wedding dresses are often preserved as mementos or passed on to future generations. However, if you're looking to give away your preserved wedding dress, one option is to donate it to organisations that make burial gowns for infants. Here are some organisations that you can consider:
Little Angel Gowns Charity
Little Angel Gowns is a charitable organisation that creates burial attire for babies from donated wedding gowns. They work with hospitals, funeral homes, and individual families to provide this special service. The organisation has a network of dedicated volunteer seamstresses across the United States who transform wedding dresses into beautiful and practical burial gowns, known as "Angel Gowns." These gowns are suitable for infants from under one pound to over 13 pounds, with a modified tuxedo design available for boys. They also offer angel pods for infants too small for a gown and matching outfits for multiple births. Each gown is individually packaged with a matching bonnet and a keepsake heart memento.
NICU Helping Hands' Angel Gown® Program
The Angel Gown® Program by NICU Helping Hands began in 2013 to support families who lost a baby. They provide custom-made burial gowns for final photos and burial services, offering comfort to bereaved families. The program relies on donors and volunteers, many of whom have experienced the loss of a child or loved one. Brides from around the world donate their wedding gowns to this cause. NICU Helping Hands works with hospitals and families to ensure that their Angel Gown® garments reach those in need.
Donating your preserved wedding dress to organisations like Little Angel Gowns Charity or NICU Helping Hands' Angel Gown® Program can provide comfort and support to grieving families during their difficult time. Your donation can help affirm the importance of their child's life and offer a practical yet meaningful gift.
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Sell on Facebook Marketplace or a Facebook group for brides in need
If you're looking to sell your preserved wedding dress, Facebook can be a great platform to reach potential buyers. Here are some tips for selling on Facebook Marketplace or within Facebook groups for brides in need:
Creating Your Listing
When creating your listing on Facebook Marketplace, be sure to include detailed information about the dress. This should include measurements and sizing information, as well as any alterations or customisations you've made. Add multiple clear photos of the dress from different angles, showcasing any unique features or intricate details.
Pricing
Consider the original price of the dress and its current condition when setting a price. You can also research similar dresses on Facebook Marketplace or other online marketplaces to get a sense of the market value. If you're open to negotiation, you can indicate that the price is slightly flexible.
Try-ons and Viewings
Some buyers may request to try on the dress before purchasing. If you're comfortable with this arrangement, you can offer try-ons, but it's advisable to request a refundable deposit to protect yourself from potential damage or stains. Alternatively, you can politely decline try-ons and instead provide detailed measurements and additional photos to interested buyers.
Communication and Payment
Respond promptly to messages and be transparent about the dress's condition and your selling process. If possible, arrange viewings or meetups in a public place and bring a friend or family member for company and safety. It's generally recommended to accept cash payments to avoid any issues with online transactions.
Facebook Groups for Brides in Need
In addition to Facebook Marketplace, you can also explore dedicated Facebook groups where brides can donate or sell their wedding dresses at affordable prices. One such group mentioned by users is "Shared Dream Dresses". These groups provide an opportunity to connect directly with brides-to-be who may not be able to afford a brand-new dress.
Remember to dry clean or preserve your dress before selling it to ensure it's in the best possible condition, which will also help you fetch a better price.
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Repurpose into a ring bearer pillow or lingerie
Wedding dresses are often preserved to be reworn by future loved ones, but if you're looking for other ways to repurpose your preserved wedding dress, you can turn it into a ring bearer pillow or lingerie.
Ring Bearer Pillow
A ring bearer pillow is a simple yet beautiful way to repurpose your wedding dress. You can either make it yourself or use a service like Unbox the Dress. To make it yourself, you will need to ""harvest" fabric from your wedding dress. Cut two squares of fabric that are about 9" x 9". Then, cut a piece of lace and lay it on top of one of the squares, trimming the lace about 1" larger than the square. Stitch the lace to the square using a 1/4" seam allowance. Next, sew the two squares together, leaving an opening for stuffing. Stuff the pillow with fiberfill to your desired fullness and hand-stitch the opening closed. Finally, use satin cording or ribbon to attach the wedding rings and to create a decorative bow.
Lingerie
You can also repurpose your wedding dress into lingerie or cocktail attire. This option allows you to transform your dress into something new while still retaining the memories and sentimentality of your wedding day. You can either attempt to make the lingerie yourself or seek out a professional seamstress or tailor who can create custom lingerie using the fabric from your wedding dress.
Other Options
In addition to repurposing your wedding dress, you also have the option to donate, sell, or preserve it. Donating your dress to a consignment shop or an organization that makes burial gowns for infants is a thoughtful way to give back. Selling your dress, either locally or online, can also be a good option if you're not too sentimental. Finally, preserving your wedding dress involves professional cleaning and storage to prevent yellowing and fabric decay, allowing you to cherish your dress for years to come.
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Preserve with a specialist company
Wedding dresses are often made from delicate fabrics and embellishments, so it's important to trust a professional with their preservation.
Wedding Gown Preservation Kit
The Wedding Gown Preservation Kit is the only wedding dress preservation company with an industry-leading 100-year guarantee. Over 3 million brides have trusted the company since 1913. The company offers a Traditional Wedding Dress Cleaning + Preservation Kit for $325, and a Celebrity Wedding Dress Preservation Kit for $400. The kits include gown tracking and free two-way insured shipping.
Affordable Preservation Company
Affordable Preservation Company is America's #1 company on The Knot and WeddingWire, year after year. The company has been trusted by 3 million brides since 1913 and offers wedding dress preservation for $249, with free shipping. The company uses advanced delicate, 100% organic fabric cleaning and gown preservation technology, trusted by museums worldwide.
Trusted Wedding Gown Preservation
Trusted Wedding Gown Preservation has been trusted by 3 million brides since 1913. The company offers a Traditional Wedding Dress Cleaning + Preservation Kit for $325, and a Celebrity Wedding Dress Preservation Kit for $400. Both kits include gown tracking and free two-way insured shipping.
Wedding Dress Preservation, Cleaning & Restoration Service
This company has been preserving wedding dresses for over 100 years. The company offers a range of kits, including a Museum Quality Cleaning kit, which includes a white or silver preservation chest and gown tracking, and free two-way insured shipping.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several options for where to donate your wedding dress. You can donate it to a consignment shop, or there is a Facebook group called "Shared Dream Dresses" where brides can gift their gowns to brides who can't afford to buy their own. You can also donate your dress to an organisation that makes burial gowns for infants.
You can sell your wedding dress on Facebook Marketplace, or to a bridal store or second-hand store.
Wedding dress preservation companies offer cleaning and preservation services. These include Affordable Preservation Company, Wedding Gown Preservation Kit, and local dry cleaners who may send your dress to a wedding gown specialist.
Preserving your wedding dress will ensure that the magic and memories of your special day remain intact for years to come. Neglecting to preserve your wedding dress can lead to yellowing and stains, fabric deterioration, and pest infestation.
