Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding dresses are often only worn once, but there are many ways to reuse them. You could donate your dress to a charity that provides them to new brides at an affordable price, or sell it on a website like Stillwhite, PreOwnedWeddingDresses, or Nearly Newlywed. You could also get creative and transform your dress into something new, such as a pillow, a christening gown, or a cocktail dress. If you're not ready to cut into your dress, you could use it as a photo prop for your newborn or display it as art by getting it framed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Repurpose | Transform your wedding dress into a range of products, such as a DIY lace headband, a wedding memory pillow, a miniature replica, a photo mat, a pendant necklace, a formal dress, a cocktail dress, a photo prop, DIY jewellery, accessories, home decor, or cherished keepsakes. |
| Custom restyling | Upcycle your wedding dress to wear again. |
| Professional cleaning and preservation | Get your wedding dress cleaned and preserved by professionals to pass it down to someone else. |
| Donate | Give your wedding dress to a charitable organization to support a cause and a bride in need. |
| Sell | Sell your wedding dress on local consignment shops or online marketplaces such as Stillwhite, PreOwnedWeddingDresses, Nearly Newlywed, eBay, and Poshmark. |
| Rent | Rent out your wedding dress on platforms such as SomethingBorrowedBridals or the By Rotation app. |
Explore related products
$69.99
Donate to a charity
Donating your wedding dress to charity is a great way to give back to your community and support a variety of causes. Many charitable organizations accept wedding dress donations and use them to raise funds or provide dresses to those in need. Here are some benefits of donating your wedding dress to charity:
Supporting a Cause You Care About
You can choose a charitable organization that aligns with a cause close to your heart. For example, if you want to support cancer research and awareness, you can donate to organizations like Brides Against Breast Cancer, which resells wedding dresses to raise funds for breast cancer causes. Similarly, The Brides Project in Michigan raises money for programs and services at the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor.
Helping Brides in Need
Your donated wedding dress can bring joy to another bride who may be experiencing financial hardships. Organizations like Brides for a Cause and Adorned in Grace provide new or gently used wedding dresses at affordable prices or for free to brides who otherwise couldn't afford their dream dress.
Environmental Impact
Donating your wedding dress keeps it out of landfills, reducing waste and the release of carbon dioxide and toxins into the air. This eco-friendly act also prevents the resources and labour that go into reselling or recycling your dress.
Tax Benefits
Donating your wedding dress to a federally certified charity can result in tax deductions. A charitable contribution of over $250 can be claimed as an itemized deduction when filing your taxes.
Freeing Up Closet Space
Wedding dresses tend to be bulky, and donating them clears up valuable storage space in your home.
When choosing a charitable organization to donate your wedding dress to, it is essential to research the organization's reputation and the specific cause your donation will support. Some organizations have criteria regarding the age and condition of the dresses they accept, so be sure to check their guidelines before donating.
The Lace Detail on Meghan Markle's Wedding Dress
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Sell online
There are many online platforms that can be used to sell wedding dresses. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Stillwhite: Stillwhite is the largest global marketplace for pre-owned, used, and second-hand wedding dresses. It offers designer wedding dresses at affordable prices. There is no commission, and you can choose the selling price. Stillwhite provides tools to help you sell your dress, such as the ability to receive messages from buyers and keep your contact details private. You can also download the Stillwhite mobile app to manage your sales on the go.
- Nearly Newlywed: Nearly Newlywed is another popular platform for buying and selling new, sample, and used designer wedding dresses, accessories, and bridal party gowns.
- Borrowing Magnolia: Borrowing Magnolia is a transparent and user-friendly platform for buying and selling second-hand wedding dresses online. It offers a safe, online messaging system that allows buyers and sellers to connect and communicate securely. Borrowing Magnolia also provides recommendations for receiving secure and convenient payments.
When selling your wedding dress online, it is important to present it in the best way possible. Here are some tips:
- Take multiple photos of the dress from different angles, including close-ups of any intricate details.
- Include photos of yourself wearing the dress so that potential buyers can see how it looks on a real person.
- Provide detailed information about the dress, such as measurements, any wear and tear, and any personal anecdotes that might appeal to buyers.
- Be honest about any flaws or stains on the dress, but also highlight the positives.
Wedding Dresses for Second Marriages: Is It Okay?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Transform into home decor
If you're looking to transform your wedding dress into home decor, there are several options to consider. You can either choose to repurpose the dress yourself or send it to a company that will transform it for you.
If you're handy with a sewing machine and want to try your hand at DIY, there are endless possibilities for transforming your wedding dress into home decor items. You can utilise fabric scraps and various crafting techniques to create distinctive and environmentally friendly pieces. Consider using the fabric to create unique accent cushions, delicate lampshades, dreamcatchers, or even framed wall art. You can also explore hand-sewing, embroidery, or quilting techniques to emphasise the intricate details of the fabric and create one-of-a-kind pieces.
If sewing isn't your forte, there are companies that specialise in transforming wedding dresses into home decor. Unbox the Dress, for example, offers a range of services to repurpose your dress into new designs, modern bridal gifts, and family keepsakes. They provide a secure shipping container, DressBox, that makes sending in your dress easy, along with packing instructions and a prepaid return label. Their expert sewers can create multiple heirloom products from a single dress, and they also offer eco-friendly fabric care and cleaning services.
Another option is to transform your wedding dress into holiday decor, such as a Christmas tree skirt, angel tree topper, or guardian angel ornaments, as seen in some customer testimonials for Unbox the Dress.
Repurposing your wedding dress into home decor is not only a creative and meaningful way to extend the life of your dress, but it also reduces waste and showcases your artistic flair. Whether you choose to DIY or seek professional help, you can create elegant and sentimental pieces for your home.
Kate Middleton's Wedding Dress: What Happened After the Big Day?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$79.99
$89.99
Create keepsakes
There are several ways to create keepsakes from a wedding dress. One option is to transform the dress into a christening gown for a baby, as a way to pass down the dress to the next generation. Another option is to create a bridal robe, a floor-length veil, or a bouquet wrap. These items can be used by the bride herself or passed down to future brides in the family.
For those who are crafty, it is possible to create unique keepsakes from a wedding dress. For example, a clutch bag can be made using the fabric and lace from the dress. This can be a simple DIY project that results in a meaningful and unique accessory.
Another idea is to frame the wedding dress as a way to preserve and display it. Companies like The Beautiful Frame Company and Outrageous Framing offer this service, allowing individuals to turn their wedding dress into a work of art that can be admired for years to come.
Additionally, some organizations specialize in transforming wedding dresses into keepsakes. For example, Unbox the Dress™ offers a range of services, including transforming wedding dresses into existing designs or custom restyling. They also offer professional cleaning and preservation services to ensure the dress remains in pristine condition. Their process involves taking a design quiz to understand the client's vision and then creating bespoke keepsakes that will be cherished for generations.
For those who want to create keepsakes with a charitable aspect, Angel Gowns takes wedding gowns and creates gowns for babies who will not be returning home from the hospital. This option allows individuals to give back while also preserving their wedding dress in a meaningful way.
Finding Your Dream Wedding Dress Fast
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$54.99
Frame it
Framing your wedding dress is a great way to preserve it and display it as a piece of art in your home. There are a few companies that offer this service, such as The Beautiful Frame Company and Outrageous Framing. These companies will work with you to choose the type, size, and depth of the frame, as well as the angle and positioning of the dress. You can expect to pay at least £900 for a full-size frame, though half-size frames that focus on the bodice of the dress are also an option at a lower price.
It is also possible to frame your dress yourself, but this can be challenging and expensive. You will need to order a custom frame, mount the dress, and seal the frame. You will also need to take steps to preserve the dress, such as maintaining the pH balance and using UV-protective glass to prevent discolouration.
Before framing your dress, it is important to have it professionally cleaned to remove any stains or smudges. This will ensure that your dress looks its best and is protected from damage.
Framing your wedding dress is a wonderful way to showcase it and keep it in tip-top shape for years to come. Whether you choose to work with a company or take on the project yourself, you can create a unique piece of art that holds sentimental value.
Black Dress Wedding Styling: Simple Tips for a Chic Look
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are several charities that accept wedding dress donations, such as GreenDrop, which then sell the dresses at a lower price to brides who can't afford a brand new gown. You can also donate your dress to a cause that is close to your heart, such as an organization supporting veterans.
There are many ways to repurpose your wedding dress. You can transform it into a pillow, a pendant, a photo prop, or even a christening gown for your baby. You can also frame your dress or turn it into a piece of art.
There are many online marketplaces where you can sell your wedding dress, such as Stillwhite, PreOwnedWeddingDresses, and Nearly Newlywed. You can also sell your dress on generic platforms such as eBay and Poshmark.
If you live in the US, you can list your dress for rent on the By Rotation app. SomethingBorrowedBridals is another US-based option, which will rent out your dress and give you a percentage of the profits.
