Lyla Dejesus
Wedding dresses are often kept for years due to their sentimental value, with some hoping to pass them down to their children. However, the practicality of holding onto a wedding dress is questionable, as they are usually large and take up a lot of storage space. Some people choose to sell or donate their dresses, especially if they no longer hold sentimental value, while others keep them as a reminder of their wedding day.
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Sentimental value
A wedding dress is a symbol of a couple's special day and often carries sentimental value. Many women choose to hold on to their wedding dresses for years, storing them in their homes or their parents' homes. Some women keep their wedding dresses because they are attached to them and would be sad if something happened to them. They may also intend to show their wedding dresses to their future children or pass them down to their daughters.
However, some women who have held on to their wedding dresses for years eventually realise that they have become clutter in their lives and decide to let them go. They may choose to sell or donate their dresses, or pass them down to their daughters, who may not always want them. Styles change quickly, and most young brides prefer to choose their own style.
Some women who have chosen to keep their wedding dresses say that if they got rid of them, they would question that decision and feel disappointed that they no longer had them. Others feel that holding on to their wedding dresses forever is unrealistic and that the dresses are just taking up space in their homes.
Some women who have chosen to sell their wedding dresses have said that it is a sustainable option, as it extends the lifespan of the dress and offsets the resources needed to make a new one. Brides can also make back a significant portion of the retail price by selling their dresses.
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Passing it down
Passing down a wedding dress to the next generation is a common reason many brides choose to hold on to their wedding dresses. Many brides view their wedding dresses as family heirlooms, hoping that their daughters or granddaughters will wear the dress on their wedding day. However, given that styles change and sizes may not match, some brides opt to pass down only a portion of the dress, such as the veil, or have the dress reconstructed into a new design.
If you are considering passing down your wedding dress, it is important to take good care of it. Many brides choose to have their dresses professionally cleaned and preserved, which can cost anywhere from $200 to $600. Professional preservation involves cleaning, pressing, and wrapping the dress in acid-free napkins before storing it in an acid-free container. This method prevents the growth of mildew and mould and avoids creases in the fabric. It is also important to store the dress in a dry place, protected from direct sunlight, steam, and moisture.
If you are not planning to pass down your dress, there are other options to consider, such as selling, donating, or repurposing the dress. You could sell the dress online or to a costume rental shop, or donate it to an organisation like Brides Against Breast Cancer. With regards to repurposing, you could turn the dress into a piece of art by framing it, or reconstruct it into a new garment, such as a cocktail dress or lingerie.
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Lack of storage space
If you are facing a lack of storage space, there are several options to consider for storing your wedding dress. Firstly, it is important to clean and dry the dress before preservation to prevent stains, dirt, sweat, oils, and grime from causing damage. You can either dry clean it yourself using specific cleaning products or hire a professional dry cleaning service.
Once the dress is clean, you can consider renting a storage unit if you don't have enough space at home. This option provides a safe and climate-controlled environment for your dress, ensuring it remains in good condition. You can also look for local storage options with hosts in your neighbourhood, which can offer more affordable rates and easy access to your belongings.
If you prefer to keep the dress closer to home, you can store it in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or a guest room. Avoid hanging the dress, as its weight can strain the straps. Instead, lay it flat or store it in a box. Make sure to use acid-free tissue paper to prevent creases and protect the fabric.
Additionally, you can ask a friend or family member with more storage space to hold onto the dress for you. This option can be especially helpful if you need to store the dress for a short period, such as before alterations or your wedding day.
Proper storage is essential to preserve the wedding dress, whether you plan to sell it, pass it down, or simply want to maintain its beauty.
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Reselling
There are many online platforms that can be used to resell wedding dresses, such as Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, eBay, and Poshmark. Stillwhite, for example, is the largest global marketplace for pre-owned wedding dresses, with over 97,000 gowns for sale. It offers a range of tools to help you sell your dress, including the ability to upload photos and videos, and keep your contact details private. The site also does not charge any commission or monthly fees, although typical transaction fees apply to PayPal payments.
When preparing to resell your wedding dress, it is important to ensure that it is in the best condition possible. This may involve getting it professionally cleaned. It is also worth considering that wedding dresses from popular designers are likely to fetch a higher price, with gowns from well-known designers such as Oscar de la Renta and Vera Wang making closer to 60% of their retail value.
It is also possible to sell your wedding dress through a physical store. You can search for wedding consignment shops in your local area that can help you with the process of selling your dress. This option may take some time, as your dress may sit in the shop for a few months before it sells.
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$86.95
Donating
One such organisation is Brides Against Breast Cancer, which has been in operation since 1997. This company resells gently used wedding gowns to raise money for breast cancer awareness and early detection. With over 50,000 donated wedding dresses sold, Brides Against Breast Cancer has raised over $40 million to reduce the impact of breast cancer on women's lives and their loved ones. Donating to this organisation can help save lives and prevent misdiagnosis, all while giving your dress a second life.
Another option is Brides for a Cause, a nonprofit organisation with a mission to support women-focused charities. They collect and resell wedding dresses, with proceeds going to various local and national charities. Since 2012, they have collected over 40,000 wedding dresses and distributed over $3,000,000 to worthy causes. You can mail your dress or drop it off at one of their locations, knowing that you are helping to make a difference in the lives of women in need.
Brides Across America is another excellent choice for donating your wedding dress. This nonprofit organisation gifts weddings and wedding gowns to military and first responder brides, expressing gratitude for their service and sacrifice. With over 28,000 dresses gifted, your donation will help make dreams come true and bring joy to deserving brides.
Your wedding dress donation can also be transformed into beautiful infant burial gowns, also known as Angel Gowns. Organisations like The Emma and Evan Foundation and NICU Helping Hands Angel Gown programme provide these gowns to hospitals, birthing centres, funeral homes, and grieving families at no charge. With a devastating loss like the death of a baby, these Angel Gowns offer a small comfort to families during their time of grief.
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Frequently asked questions
Your wedding dress is a memento of one of the best days of your life. It can be preserved and passed down to your daughter or granddaughter, or repurposed into something else you can use, like a robe.
Wedding dresses should be professionally cleaned as soon as possible after your wedding day or honeymoon. This will ensure that any stains do not become permanent or worsen over time. After cleaning, the dress should be stored somewhere cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight.
If you're crafty, you can turn your dress into a range of household items and accessories, like pillows, tablecloths, or napkins. You can also work with a designer to create a custom new garment, like a robe or a new dress.
Repurposing your wedding dress allows you to continue enjoying a piece of your wedding day. It can also be a more cost-effective option than preservation and allows you to get more use out of the dress.
Preserving your wedding dress will ensure that it stays in mint condition for as long as possible. This will give you the option to pass it down to another bride in the future, whether that be your daughter, granddaughter, or someone else entirely.
