If you don’t know what to do with old wedding dress, try five things. First, we’ll talk about where you can donate or sell your old wedding dress then teach you how to upcycle it as other valuable items.
And for those who don’t want the dress stored yet still treat it with sentimental value, we’ll also teach you how to turn it into memorabilia. After all, you don’t need to let it collect dust in the attic or immediately cut the dress for upcycling.
And if you are attending a wedding, feel free to browse our blog for other helpful tips and guides. Perhaps you’re attending a navy blue-themed event; here’s how to accessorize a navy blue dress for a wedding.
What To Do With Old Wedding Dress: Do Not Throw It Away
Donate the wedding dress
One of the best things to do with an old wedding dress is to donate it. Many various charities and organizations will accept old wedding dresses.
Some examples are Brides Across America, Brides for a Cause, and Adorned in Grace. You can visit their respective websites to know more about the requirements and how to donate, but here is some quick information about each organization.
Brides Across America that gifts to military and first responders will accept wedding gowns less than four years old and in good condition. Brides for a Cause that supports women-focused charities will accept wedding dresses a maximum of five years old, and Adorned in Grace, which aims to fight human trafficking, will also only take a wedding dress no more than five years old.
Sell the wedding dress
Another option that you can do with an old wedding dress is to sell it. The easiest way is to post on your social media accounts to know if some family members, friends, or acquaintances might be interested.
Other popular online platforms such as Craigslist or eBay expand your reach to potential buyers. Just remember to advertise your dress well and be vigilant with any buyer.
If these platforms still didn’t lead you to any buyer, consider wedding dress stores like Stillwhite and Once Wed. Stillwhite does not charge any ongoing monthly fees or commission, while Once Wed requires a one-time fee per dress, and your listing will never expire.
Repurpose the wedding dress
You can put your sewing skills to good use and repurpose the wedding dress into another item. Maybe you can even produce different products that you can resell.
Some examples of items you can make from an old wedding dress are smaller garments. For example, it could be a child’s dress or even a doll’s clothing.
However, those who find clothes too complex can always try more straightforward projects like a throw pillow, tote bag, face mask, or scarf. If you’re used to the sewing machine, you can even finish much faster and easier, so consider learning how to sew with a sewing machine.
Upcycle the wedding dress
The wedding dress is made up of several elements and details. You can use them to create other items like lingerie or select some parts to modify your existing clothes.
There are many craft ideas that you can make from the materials and embellishments of the wedding dress. You don’t need to be an expert in sewing and arts to make gorgeous jewelry or even decors.
For example, some parts of the wedding dress can be used to decorate your artwork, such as journals and cards. You can even use the fabric for flower bouquets.
Make a memorabilia
You can preserve your wedding day by making memorabilia from your old wedding dress. It’s a fantastic option, especially since you can’t display something as massive as a wedding dress.
Instead of keeping it stored and hidden in the closet, consider turning the dress into a quilt. You can even take a section of the dress itself and then frame it for display.
Finally, why not use the dress fabric on a wedding photo album. The ornaments and details on the dress would also make fantastic designs for scrapbooks.
What To Do With Wedding Dress After Divorce
What you can do with a wedding dress after divorce depends on how the person views it during that time. Some people might rather have it donated or sold because they don’t want to see it anymore.
On the other hand, some women still see the dress in good memories and opt to pass it as an heirloom to a daughter or daughter-in-law. And if you’re feeling inspired, you can also turn the wedding dress into a cocktail dress as a symbol of reinventing yourself.
You might feel empowered turning the dress into another one to symbolize the new chapter of your life. However, no person is alike, so follow the route that is the most healing.
Conclusion
And that’s it! We just shared what to do with old wedding dress and gave you many options.
For one, various charities and organizations will accept your wedding dress as long as it’s under five years old and in good condition. You can also try online platforms and stores for selling your dress.
And if you’re feeling imaginative, consider upcycling, repurposing, or making memorabilia with your dress. The possibilities are endless, and there are various inspirations you can see online.