Lyla Dejesus
There are several options for repurposing your wedding dress into pillows. You can either do it yourself or use a service such as Unbox the Dress, which creates artisan-crafted pillows from your wedding dress. If you're handy with a sewing machine, you can disassemble the dress and use the fabric to create pillowcases, adding decorative elements from the dress. You can also find DIY ideas and visuals on Pinterest and Etsy. Before repurposing your dress, consider other options such as framing it as a wall art piece, donating it to organisations like Brides Across America, or reselling it through platforms like Nearly Newlywed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Unbox the Dress |
| Website | www.unboxthedress.com |
| Services | Transforming wedding dresses into pillows, ring bearer pillows, bridal bouquet wraps, hankies, etc. |
| Cost | Pillow costs: $466; Dress cleaning: $86; Rush fee may apply for fast turnaround |
| Turnaround Time | Approximately 10 weeks; Rush production available for a fee |
| Shipping | DressBox provided for secure shipping; Shipping cost for extra fabric return: $25 |
| Design Process | Design Consultation after receiving the dress; Design Quiz on the website |
| Payment | Accept online payment |
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What You'll Learn
Companies that can help turn your wedding dress into pillows
There are several companies that can help you transform your wedding dress into pillows, each with its own unique process and offerings. Here are some options:
- Unbox the Dress: This company specializes in creating one-of-a-kind heirloom pieces from wedding gowns. They offer a range of products, including decorative pillows, ring bearer pillows, and other custom items. The process involves taking a design quiz, sending in your dress using their secure DressBox, and collaborating with their designers to personalize your piece. They accommodate various dress conditions and offer dry cleaning services for an additional cost. Reviews for Unbox the Dress are generally positive, praising the helpful staff, beautiful products, and overall experience. However, some customers have mentioned issues with communication and unexpected costs.
- The Beautiful Frame Company and Outrageous Framing: While these companies don't create pillows, they specialize in framing wedding gowns as wall art, providing a unique way to display and preserve your dress.
- Local thrift stores: If you're open to donating your wedding dress, local thrift stores may accept it. This option allows you to give your dress a new purpose while benefiting someone in your community.
- Brides Across America: This organization accepts wedding dress donations to provide gowns for military brides in need, giving your dress a meaningful second life.
- Angel Gowns or Baby Gowns for Eternity: These organizations transform wedding dresses into gowns for stillborn infants, offering a heartfelt way to repurpose your dress.
It's worth noting that some individuals choose to repurpose their wedding dresses into pillows themselves or through custom services on platforms like Etsy and Pinterest. This option may be more cost-effective but requires sewing skills and time.
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DIY methods to turn your wedding dress into pillows
There are several ways to turn your wedding dress into pillows yourself. Here are some methods to achieve this:
Deconstructing the Dress:
Firstly, carefully deconstruct your wedding dress to create the largest piece of fabric possible. Cut up the back seam of the dress and remove any zippers or fasteners. Use a seam ripper or small sewing scissors to cut along the seams, releasing the large sections of fabric. Depending on the dress style, cut from the armhole to the hem or down the sides of the skirt. Save any embellishments, sashes, or decorative elements that you can add to your pillow later.
Preparing the Fabric:
Iron the fabric to remove any wrinkles and ensure it lays flat. This is especially important for lace or delicate materials. Measure and cut the fabric according to your desired pillow size, adding a few inches to account for seams. Double the fabric, pin it together, and mark the measurements before cutting out your pillow panels. If your dress has lace, position it on one fabric panel, allowing the extra fabric to hang off each side.
Sewing the Pillow:
With the right sides of the fabric facing each other, sew along the edges, leaving an opening for the pillow insert. Turn the panels right side out and place the pillow insert inside. Turn the raw edge of the opening towards the inside, pin it together, and hand stitch it closed. Embellish your pillow by sewing on any saved decorative elements, lace, or fabric flowers. You can also add beading or other trim to enhance the pillow's appearance.
Alternative Method:
Another option is to create an envelope pillow. Begin by deconstructing your dress and creating the largest piece of fabric possible. Cut the fabric to the desired size, adding a few inches for seams. Fold over and hem the edges, then place the right sides of the fabric together. Sew along the edges, leaving an opening for the pillow insert. Turn the pillowcase right side out, insert the pillow form, and add final touches by hand-sewing decorative elements.
Transforming your wedding dress into pillows is a creative way to prolong the memories of your special day and incorporate them into your home decor. With some sewing skills and attention to detail, you can create unique and sentimental pieces.
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Charities that accept wedding dress donations
There are several charities that accept wedding dress donations. Here are some options:
Brides for a Cause
Brides for a Cause is a nonprofit organisation with locations in Portland, Tacoma, Seattle, and Sacramento. They collect and resell wedding dresses to raise funds for various local and national women-focused charities. They accept new and once-worn dresses that are five years old or newer.
Brides Across America
Brides Across America is a nonprofit that supports military and first responder brides by providing them with free wedding gowns during their "Operation Wedding Gown Event." They accept wedding dresses that are less than four years old and in wearable condition. They also accept veil, tiara, and accessory donations.
Brides Against Breast Cancer
Brides Against Breast Cancer is a charity that helps raise funds for breast cancer awareness, early detection, research, and legislation efforts through the sale of donated wedding dresses. They accept wedding dresses that are no more than three to four years old, as well as veils, headpieces, and other accessories.
NICU Helping Hands Angel Gown Program
The NICU Helping Hands Angel Gown Program provides custom-made gowns for final photos and burial services for families who have lost a baby in the NICU. They accept wedding dress donations and transform them into Angel Gowns. They also accept bridesmaid dresses in light shades of blue, pink, and purple.
The Emma and Evan Foundation
The Emma and Evan Foundation transforms donated wedding dresses into Angel Gowns, which are offered to hospitals, birthing centres, funeral homes, and grieving families free of charge.
In addition to these charities, there are also local thrift stores, like Goodwill and The Salvation Army, that accept wedding dress donations to support various causes.
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Other ways to repurpose your wedding dress
There are many ways to repurpose your wedding dress, and many companies that can help you do so. Unbox the Dress, for example, is a company that can transform your wedding dress into pillows, as well as other items such as a christening gown for a new baby. Brides for a Cause is another company that will accept your wedding dress donation, resell it, and use the proceeds to raise money for different causes. Angel Gowns or Baby Gowns for Eternity is a similar organisation that turns wedding dresses into gowns for stillborn infants.
If you're handy with a sewing machine, you can repurpose your wedding dress yourself. You could turn it into a tulle skirt, dye and transform it into something you can wear again, or create household items and accessories such as baby blankets, tablecloths, table runners, or napkins. You can also get your wedding dress framed and hang it on your wall as a stunning art piece and a sentimental reminder of your wedding day. Companies like The Beautiful Frame Company and Outrageous Framing offer this service.
If you're not ready to part with your dress just yet, you could have it professionally preserved to pass on to someone else down the line. You could also donate it to someone in need. Brides Across America, for example, gives wedding dresses to military brides requiring financial assistance.
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How to prepare your wedding dress for transformation
Preparing your wedding dress for transformation is a great way to ensure that you get to enjoy it for years to come. Here are some steps to help you get started:
- Decide on the transformation method: Do you plan to repurpose the dress yourself, or will you enlist the help of professionals? If you're handy with a sewing machine and don't mind seeing your dress in pieces, you can transform it into something new yourself. Alternatively, companies like Unbox the Dress specialize in creating unique heirloom pieces from wedding gowns. They offer a Design Quiz to help you determine the best transformation options for your dress.
- Select the new item(s) you want to create: Consider what new item(s) you want to create from your wedding dress. You can transform your dress into decorative pillows, baby blankets, bassinet covers, christening gowns, table linens, or even a new piece of clothing. If you're unsure, browsing Pinterest and Etsy can provide endless DIY ideas and inspiration.
- Prepare the dress for shipping or transformation: If you plan to send your dress to a company for transformation, they may provide specific instructions for preparing the dress for shipping. This may include taking a quiz or consultation to finalize the design plan and place your order. If you intend to transform the dress yourself, you'll need to deconstruct the dress to create the largest piece of fabric possible. Cut up the back seam and remove any zippers or bodice elements that restrict the fabric.
- Choose the right fabric for your project: When creating new items, consider the amount of fabric required. You may need to supplement your wedding dress fabric with additional material that complements it. For example, if creating a pillow, you can choose a coordinating fabric for the back of the pillow.
- Clean and care for your dress: If your dress has slight discolourations or fabric damage, consider having it professionally cleaned or dry cleaned before transformation. This step is especially important if you plan to donate or sell your dress.
- Finalize your design: Whether working with a professional or doing it yourself, finalize your design details. This includes selecting the size, style, and any personalized touches you want to add.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to preparing your wedding dress for its exciting new transformation.
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Frequently asked questions
Unbox the Dress is a company that can transform your wedding dress into pillows. They also offer a custom-designed, secure DressBox to make it easy to send in your dress.
The process takes around 10 weeks. It is recommended to start the transformation process at least 3 months in advance of any specific event or occasion.
It depends on the size of the pillow you want to make and the style of the dress. You can use a seam ripper or small sewing scissors to carefully cut out the stitching along the seams of your dress to release the large sections of fabric.
Yes, you can create a range of creative household items and accessories, such as baby blankets, bassinet covers, christening gowns, tablecloths, table runners, or napkins.
Depending on the degree of damage, companies like Unbox the Dress may be able to work around it. In some cases, your consultant may recommend dry cleaning for an added cost to improve the end result.
