Junior Rasmussen
There are many options for what to do with your old wedding dress. You could repurpose it, either by altering the dress yourself or getting a professional to transform it into a new design. Alternatively, you could donate it to a charitable organisation, such as Brides for a Cause, Brides Against Breast Cancer, or Bride Across America. You could also sell your wedding dress on a specialised platform like Still White or Nearly Newlywed, or a more generalist clothing resale app like Vinted or Depop.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Repurpose | Dye the dress, create keepsakes, or upcycle into new garments |
| Sell | Still White, Nearly Newlywed, Vinted, Depop |
| Donate | Bride Across America, Brides for a Cause, Cherie Sustainable Bridal, The Emma and Evan Foundation, Brides Against Breast Cancer, The Brides Project, Adorned in Grace |
| Storage | Unbox the Dress, DressBox |
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What You'll Learn
Donate to a charity
Donating your wedding dress to charity can be a great way to give it a second life and help someone in need. Many charities accept wedding dress donations, which they either pass on to brides who cannot afford a dress or resell to fund their activities. Here are some organizations you can consider donating to:
Brides for a Cause
Brides for a Cause is a nonprofit organization that collects and resells wedding dresses to raise funds for women-focused charities. They accept donations from designers, manufacturers, and brides and have collected over $3,000,000 for various local and national charities across the country since 2012. They accept wedding dresses that are no more than five years old and in good condition. You can mail your dress or drop it off at one of their locations.
Brides Across America
Brides Across America is a nonprofit organization that provides wedding dresses and weddings to military personnel and first responders. They accept wedding dress donations and pass them on to brides at no cost. Since 2008, they have outfitted more than 28,000 women with wedding dresses. They accept dresses that are less than four years old and in wearable condition. You can donate by filling out their online form and shipping the dress.
Adorned in Grace
Adorned in Grace is a faith-based organization that works to fight human trafficking through awareness, prevention, and restoration. They accept wedding dress donations and provide them to brides at a discount. The profits are used to support anti-trafficking efforts and mentoring for youth. They accept dresses that are no more than five years old and accept donations by mail or in person.
The Emma and Evan Foundation
The Emma and Evan Foundation transforms donated wedding dresses into angel gowns, which are burial gowns for infants who have passed away. These memorial gowns are offered to grieving families free of charge as a source of comfort. They accept wedding dress donations by mail or in person.
When donating your wedding dress, it is important to inspect the gown for any wear and tear and ensure it is in good condition. It is also helpful to wash or dry clean the dress before donating. Most charities accept dresses that are relatively new, usually no more than five years old. Donating your wedding dress is a meaningful way to support a cause and help a bride in need.
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Resell on a specialised platform
One option for what to do with your old wedding dress is to sell it on a specialised platform. This is a great way to make back some of the money you spent on the dress, as well as being more environmentally friendly by extending the lifespan of the dress and offsetting the resources needed to make a new one.
There are several online platforms dedicated to the resale of wedding dresses, including Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, and The Loop. Stillwhite is the largest global marketplace for preowned wedding dresses, with over 96,908 wedding gowns for sale. It offers designer wedding dresses at affordable prices, and provides a secure messaging platform for buyers and sellers. The Loop is another second-hand bridal platform, where brides can make back up to 60-70% of the retail price of their dress.
When selling your wedding dress online, it is important to have plenty of high-quality photographs so that potential buyers can see exactly what the dress looks like. You should also include information such as the sizing, to help the buyer know if it is the right size for them.
Some platforms allow you to choose your own prices, while others charge a listing fee. For example, Stillwhite charges a $25 fee or a $35 premium fee to list your dress, and then takes a further commission if the dress sells. On the other hand, eBay charges a 15% commission for items sold under $2000, and 9% for items over that price.
In addition to general resale platforms, there are also some non-profit organisations that accept donations of wedding dresses, which they then resell to raise funds for charity. For example, Brides for a Cause collects and resells wedding dresses to raise funds for women-focused nonprofits.
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Transform it into a new garment
If you're looking to transform your old wedding dress into a new garment, there are several options to consider. Firstly, you can work with a tailor or seamstress to create a brand new piece of clothing from your wedding dress fabric. This could be a charming mini dress or a two-piece set that you can surprise your partner with on your first anniversary. Alternatively, you can create a robe, allowing you to enjoy a piece of your wedding day every morning and night.
If you're looking for a more dramatic transformation, you can cut and dye your wedding dress to create a completely new look. For example, you could turn a traditional white wedding dress into a cool turquoise cocktail dress, as Ellen did with the help of her seamstress friend. You could also add embellishments and a belt to make it even more unique.
Another option is to work with a company like Unbox the Dress™, which helps women transform their wedding gowns into new designs, modern bridal gifts, and family keepsakes. They offer a live Design Consultation service, where you can work with a designer to finalize the details of your order and create something truly special.
Additionally, you can explore custom restyling options to upcycle your wedding dress into a wearable garment again. This could involve shortening a floor-length gown and adding a belt, as Jaya Saxena did to create the perfect New Year's Eve party outfit. You could also separate the lace from the lining, dye it, and then reattach it for a unique look, as Cristina did for her first anniversary.
Transforming your wedding dress into a new garment is a wonderful way to give your dress a second life and create something that you can cherish for generations. Whether you work with a professional or get creative yourself, the possibilities for transformation are endless.
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Pass it on to a family member
Passing on your wedding dress to a family member is a great way to ensure that it stays in the family and becomes a cherished heirloom. Here are some things to consider if you're thinking of passing on your wedding dress to a family member:
Finding the Right Family Member
Think about which family member would most appreciate and cherish the dress. It could be a sibling, child, cousin, niece, or another relative who shares a similar style or taste in clothing. Consider their personality and whether they would feel honoured to wear a family heirloom on their special day.
Communicate Your Intentions
Have an open conversation with the family member you have in mind. Express your desire to pass on your wedding dress to them and explain the significance it holds for you. Listen to their thoughts and feelings about wearing a pre-owned or family heirloom gown. It's important to respect their wishes and understand if they prefer to choose their own dress or have a different vision for their wedding day attire.
Alterations and Customisation
Wedding dresses can be customised and altered to suit the style and preferences of the new wearer. If your family member is open to wearing your wedding dress, involve them in the process of redesigning and customising it. Consider their input on style, fit, and any sentimental details they may want to incorporate. You can work with a professional dressmaker or alteration specialist to ensure the dress fits their body and reflects their unique personality.
Storage and Preservation
If you plan to pass on your wedding dress to a family member in the future, proper storage and preservation are essential. Clean and store the dress in a safe place, away from moisture and pests. Consider using a professional preservation service that specialises in wedding gown preservation to ensure the dress remains in good condition for years to come.
Creating New Heirlooms
In addition to passing on the wedding dress, consider creating other family heirlooms from the same fabric. You can transform the dress into smaller keepsakes such as christening gowns, holiday decorations, or accessories that can be cherished by multiple family members. This way, you can create a collection of meaningful mementos that honour your family's legacy.
Passing on your wedding dress to a family member is a heartfelt way to continue your dress's story and create lasting memories. By considering the above suggestions, you can ensure that your dress is cherished by your loved ones for generations to come.
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Display it in your home
If you're looking to display your wedding dress in your home, there are a few options to consider. One popular method is to use a shadow box, which can be recessed into the wall and paired with other mementos from your wedding day, such as your invitation and bouquet. However, some people find the idea of putting their dress in a box or frame too reminiscent of a coffin and prefer other methods of display.
Another option is to use a dress form, which can be set up in a closet or bedroom. While this method allows you to display the dress in its full glory, some people worry that it may not adequately preserve the dress over time. Additionally, dress forms can be costly, and custom-made options tend to be expensive.
If you're handy, you could try making your own shadow box or frame. This option gives you more control over the size and design, but it can be time-consuming and may not be suitable for those who are not craft-inclined.
Finally, you could opt to display your wedding dress through photography. Framing photographs of you wearing the dress on your wedding day can be a wonderful way to showcase the dress and the memories it holds without the challenges of displaying the physical garment.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several organizations that accept wedding dress donations. Brides for a Cause, Brides Against Breast Cancer, The Brides Project, Cherie Sustainable Bridal, and Adorned in Grace are some examples. These organizations often support various charitable causes, including cancer support, sex trafficking prevention, and helping brides in need.
Yes, you can repurpose your wedding dress into other garments or items. You can work with a skilled professional to transform your wedding dress into everyday wearable items, such as a corset-style top, petticoats, or a dressing gown. You can also create keepsakes or family heirlooms, such as quilts, cushions, or tableware, to preserve the memories of your special day.
Yes, you can sell your old wedding dress on specialized platforms like Still White, Nearly Newlywed, or general clothing resale apps like Vinted or Depop. When selling, ensure your dress is clean, provide honest and detailed information, including pictures and measurements, to help potential buyers make informed decisions.
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