Lyla Dejesus
Wedding dresses are often preserved in closets, but they can also be recycled in meaningful and creative ways. Brides often struggle to afford wedding dresses, and there are several charities that accept preowned wedding dresses and provide them to new brides at affordable prices or for free. Brides Against Breast Cancer, for example, resells gently used wedding gowns to raise money for breast cancer awareness and early detection. Brides for a Cause is another nonprofit that collects and resells wedding dresses to raise funds for women-focused charities. Some companies, like Unbox the Dress, repurpose wedding dresses into new designs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recycle old wedding dresses by donating to charitable organizations | Brides Across America, Brides Against Breast Cancer, Brides for a Cause, Cherie Sustainable Bridal, The Salvation Army, Goodwill, NICU Helping Hands Angel Gown Program, The Emma and Evan Foundation, Adorned in Grace, Operation Prom, Cinderella's Closet, Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring |
| Recycle old wedding dresses by repurposing | Transform into a new holiday tradition, a christening gown, a bridal robe, a wedding day robe, a bouquet wrap, an angel ornament, a throw pillow, a patchwork quilt, a DIY shadow box, a handbag or clutch |
| Recycle old wedding dresses by renting out | SomethingBorrowedBridals, By Rotation app |
| Recycle old wedding dresses by selling | Huge market for old wedding dresses |
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What You'll Learn
Charities that accept wedding dress donations
There are several charities that accept wedding dress donations for a variety of causes. Here are some options:
Brides for a Cause
Brides for a Cause is a nonprofit bridal store with showrooms in Portland, Tacoma, Seattle, and Sacramento. They collect and resell wedding dresses to raise funds for dozens of women-focused charities. They accept wedding dresses that are five years old or newer and bridal accessories. You can mail in your donation or drop it off at one of their store locations. Brides for a Cause has given away over $1.2 million to charities supporting women in the military, single mothers, abuse survivors, and more.
Brides Across America
Brides Across America is a nonprofit organization that supports military and first responder brides by gifting them wedding gowns during their "Operation Wedding Gown Event." They accept wedding dresses that are four years old or newer, veils, tiaras, and other accessories. You can ship your wedding dress donation according to the guidelines on their website. Since 2008, Brides Across America has gifted over 28,000 wedding dresses and over 25 free weddings.
Brides Against Breast Cancer
Brides Against Breast Cancer is a charity that helps raise money for breast cancer awareness, early detection, research, and legislation efforts through the sale of gently used wedding gowns. They accept wedding dresses that are three years old or newer, veils, headpieces, and other accessories. You can donate by completing the donation form on their website and then shipping the dress based on their instructions.
NICU Helping Hands Angel Gown Program
The NICU Helping Hands Angel Gown Program provides comfort to bereaved families who have lost a baby in the NICU. They accept wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, and mother-of-the-bride dresses, preferably in light shades of blue, pink, and purple. Seamstresses remake these dresses into gowns for photos and burial services. You can connect with the organization to find a nearby donation drop-off location or seamstress.
These charities provide an excellent opportunity to give your wedding dress a second life and support various important causes.
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Charities that repurpose wedding dresses
Wedding dresses often end up in the backs of closets, collecting dust. Donating your wedding dress can be a great way to give it a second life and support a good cause. Here are some charities that repurpose wedding dresses:
Brides Against Breast Cancer
This charity resells gently used wedding gowns to raise funds for breast cancer awareness, early detection, research, and legislation efforts. They accept wedding dresses that are no more than three years old, as well as veils, headpieces, and other accessories.
Brides for a Cause
Brides for a Cause is a nonprofit organization with locations across the United States, including Portland, Tacoma, Seattle, and Sacramento. They collect and resell wedding dresses donated by designers, manufacturers, and brides to raise funds for various local and national women-focused charities. They accept wedding dresses that are five years old or newer.
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 hospitals, birthing centers, funeral homes, and grieving families free of charge.
Adorned in Grace
Adorned in Grace is a faith-based organization that works to fight human trafficking through awareness, prevention, and restoration. They accept donations of wedding dresses, formal attire, mother-of-the-bride dresses, flower girl attire, veils, shoes, jewelry, and other accessories. The sales from these items support their anti-trafficking efforts.
Brides Across America
Brides Across America is a nonprofit organization that gifts weddings and wedding gowns to military and first responder brides as a way to express gratitude for their service and sacrifice. They accept wedding dresses that are no more than four years old, as well as veils, tiaras, and accessories.
These charities offer a meaningful way to repurpose your wedding dress and make a positive impact on the lives of others.
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Selling your wedding dress
There are many options to consider when deciding what to do with your old wedding dress. You could repurpose it, donate it, or sell it. This response will focus on the latter option.
If you decide to sell your dress, it is recommended to do so as soon as possible, as bridal styles do change, and new styles tend to sell faster. It is also important to ensure your dress is in pristine condition, as this will help it find a new home. Consider having it professionally cleaned by a trusted dry cleaner immediately after your wedding to prevent any stains or marks from becoming permanent.
There are several popular wedding dress resale sites and platforms to choose from, including:
- Still White: One of the most popular wedding dress resale sites, Still White allows you to list your dress for a fee ($25 or $35 premium) and either ship it or deliver it to the customer in person.
- EBay: You can resell your dress on this auction site, which charges a 15% commission for items under $2000 and 9% for anything pricier.
- Vestiare Collective: This online consignment site allows you to message directly with buyers and choose your own prices, with only a 3% payment processing fee.
- Kleinfeld: The famous bridal salon from "Say Yes to the Dress" offers a service that allows brides to list their dresses for resale, even if they weren't purchased at Kleinfeld.
- Poshmark: This platform often offers discounts, and you can receive offers within a day or two of listing.
- Facebook Marketplace, Mercari, and By Rotation: These apps and websites can also be used to list your wedding dress for sale.
Alternatively, you can look for local wedding consignment shops or bridal boutiques that specialize in second-hand dresses. These shops will sell the dress on your behalf and take care of the entire selling process, typically for a percentage of the selling price.
Remember, choosing whether or not to sell your wedding dress can be a sentimental decision. Many people place their gowns in storage with the hope of passing them down to their children. If that's not something you envision, then selling your dress can be a great option to give it a new life and bring joy to another bride.
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Renting your wedding dress out
If you're looking to recycle your old wedding dress, one option is to rent it out to other brides-to-be. This can be a great way to make some extra money and ensure your dress is well-loved and enjoyed again. Here are some things to consider if you're thinking of renting out your wedding dress:
Finding a Platform
Firstly, you'll need to decide where to list your dress for rent. There are several options available, both online and in-person. For example, if you're based in the US or UK, you can use the By Rotation app to list your dress for rent. This app caters to a wide range of fashion apparel. Alternatively, you could reach out to a dedicated bridal rental company, such as SomethingBorrowedBridals in the US, which specialises in renting out wedding dresses.
Setting a Price
When setting a rental price for your wedding dress, consider that prices typically range from $50 to $600. However, designer pieces can go for as much as $500 to $2,000. Remember that you'll be receiving only a percentage of the rental fee. So, take into account any platform fees or commissions that will be deducted from your earnings.
Preparing the Dress
Before listing your dress, ensure it is clean and in good condition. Most rental platforms will require a detailed description of the dress, including its size, colour, style, and any unique features. Take clear photos of the dress from various angles to showcase its condition and special details.
Handling the Logistics
When your dress is rented out, you'll need to handle the delivery or pick-up process. Some platforms may offer this service, or you may need to organise it yourself. Communicate with the renter to confirm their desired dates and ensure the dress is available and ready for their special day.
Considering the Risks
Renting out your wedding dress comes with some risks. There is always the possibility of damage or loss, so be sure to set clear expectations and guidelines for handling and caring for the dress. Additionally, consider taking out insurance to protect yourself financially in case of any issues.
Remember, renting out your wedding dress can be a rewarding way to give your dress a new lease of life, but it also requires organisation and management on your part. If this doesn't appeal to you, there are many other ways to recycle your wedding dress, such as donating it to a worthy cause or upcycling it into something new.
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Transforming your wedding dress into home decor
There are many ways to transform your wedding dress into home decor. Firstly, you could create distinctive and environmentally friendly pieces that showcase your artistic flair by utilising fabric scraps and various crafting techniques. For instance, you could repurpose lace overlays or intricate beadwork from your wedding gown into exquisite accent cushions or framed wall art. You could also repurpose the satin or tulle layers to craft delicate lampshades or dreamcatchers.
If you're handy with a sewing machine, you could turn your wedding dress into a range of creative household items and accessories. For example, you could craft pillows, tablecloths, table runners, or napkins. You could also make a throw pillow to put your dress on permanent display, choosing a beaded back or jewelled neckline for the front and saving the plainer fabric for the reverse.
Another idea is to create a patchwork quilt using your gown and other memorable elements from your wedding, such as material from the shirt or tie your spouse wore or handkerchiefs used by your parents or grandparents. You could also offer to recycle bridesmaid dresses from your wedding party or have wedding photos printed onto fabric to add to the quilt.
If you're not confident in your sewing abilities, there are companies that can repurpose your wedding dress for you. For example, Unbox the Dress helps women transform their original wedding gowns into new designs, modern bridal gifts, and family keepsakes. Jem Design takes dresses made of tulle, satin, or wedding dress lace and transforms them into beautiful handbags and clutches.
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Frequently asked questions
Brides Against Breast Cancer, Brides for a Cause, The Salvation Army, Goodwill, and Cherie Sustainable Bridal in Maryland are some of the places that accept wedding dress donations.
You can repurpose your wedding dress into a new garment, such as a christening gown, a bridal robe, a baby blanket, or a handbag. You can also create a DIY shadow box or a patchwork quilt using your gown and other memorable fabrics from your wedding.
Yes, you can list your dress for rent or sale using apps and websites such as SomethingBorrowedBridals, By Rotation, and Unbox the Dress™.
