Your wedding day is one of the most magical and meaningful days of your life. After months of planning every detail, you finally get to walk down the aisle in the wedding dress of your dreams. Finding the perfect dress takes time and effort, and many brides spend a sizable portion of their wedding budget on this important purchase.
Once the wedding festivities come to an end, you’re left with the question – what do I do with my wedding dress now? As impractical as it may be for daily wear, the sentimental value makes it hard to simply toss it or donate it. Luckily, there are many creative ways to repurpose your wedding dress so you can continue enjoying it for years to come.
Preserve Your Wedding Dress Properly
Before deciding what to do with your old wedding dress, it’s essential to properly preserve it. With proper care and storage, your gown can maintain its pristine condition regardless of how you ultimately choose to repurpose it. Here are some tips for preserving a wedding dress:
- Clean the dress to remove any dirt, oil or stains acquired during your wedding day. You can take it to a specialty dry cleaner who works with wedding gowns. They will thoroughly clean the dress using gentle techniques designed not to damage delicate materials like lace, silk, satin, etc. Ask them to inspect for any small holes, rips or missing beads/pearls that need repair.
- Make any needed repairs by sewing loose buttons, snaps, beads or torn material. This prevents further damage over time. A seamstress can help mend any issues and reinforce seams as needed. Be sure to use matching thread and materials.
- Allow the dress to fully air dry before storage to prevent mold or yellowing. Lay the dress flat on a clean surface away from direct sunlight. The fabrics need time to completely dry out from the cleaning process before packaging.
- Invest in an acid-free archival box specifically sized for wedding gowns. This ensures the fabric is not damaged. Acid-free materials prevent yellowing or deterioration over many years of storage. The box should be large enough to accommodate the entire dress without folding or creasing it.
- Wrap the dress in acid-free, breathable tissue paper before placing in the box. This prevents creasing. Be very gentle not to wrinkle the bodice or skirt when wrapping. Use enough tissue layers to cushion the shape. Tuck layers softly around the lace or beaded accents.
- Store the packaged dress in a cool, dry place away from heat, moisture and sunlight. The ideal temperature is around 65°F. Avoid attics, basements or garages which experience temperature extremes. Place the archival box on a shelf in your bedroom closet or hallway storage area.
- Consider placing the box in a cedar chest which acts as a natural pest repellant. Or use cedar blocks/balls. The aromatic cedar wood deters moths and other insects from colonizing and damaging the fabric. Never store your dress near mothballs!
- Avoid plastic bags or bins as they trap in moisture and can cause staining or deterioration. Stick with acid-free, breathable archival materials only.
With the proper archival storage materials and climate controlled area, you can safely preserve your wedding gown for decades to come.
Display Your Wedding Dress in a Shadow Box
One sentimental approach for highlighting your cherished wedding dress is to display it in a decorative shadow box frame along with other wedding memorabilia. This creates a beautiful piece of wall art that commemorates your special day.
- Work with a framing shop to arrange the dress fabric attractively in a deep shadow box frame. Many can do custom displays. Provide them with your dress dimensions and discuss the look you envision. Consider an oval, heart-shaped or rectangular frame in a deep enough depth to accommodate the 3D elements.
- Surround the dress with your bridal jewelry, wedding invitation suite, lace from your bouquet, etc. Get creative! Coordinate the colors and textures to complement your gown’s hues. Layer the arrangements in pleasing geometric patterns. Use risers if needed to tier the pieces.
- Consider adding a picture from your wedding day in the background showcasing you wearing the dress. This adds context and a sentimental accent to the ensemble. Opt for a small printed photo that doesn’t detract from the gown as the focal point.
- Opt for an acid-free backing board and UV glazing to prevent fading. Using archival materials ensures nothing deteriorates over many years on display. Ask your framer what products they recommend for preservation.
- Hang the shadow box in your bedroom, hallway or another prominent location where you’ll see it often. Position it at eye level for optimal viewing. Use adequate picture hooks rated for the weight.
- For a more budget-friendly option, use an existing frame and DIY your display items. Thrift stores or garage sales often have suitable used frames. You can still include assorted decorative fabrics and accessories.
Shadowbox framing allows you to proudly exhibit your wedding gown while protecting it from dust, light damage and deterioration over time. It transforms your dress into a stunning decorative accent.
Create a Christening Gown for Future Children
For sentimental moms-to-be, consider turning pieces of your wedding dress into a special occasion gown for your children. This creates a cherished family heirloom. You’ll need to plan this project before having kids so the gown is ready for their arrival!
- Work with a seamstress to decide which parts of your dress to repurpose. Flowy skirt fabric and delicate lace details are ideal for a baptismal gown. Have any needed alterations or reconstruction done first.
- The gown can be designed in a classic elegant style: an A-line dress with lace overlay, accented with pearls/beads from your wedding dress details. Keep the style simple and understated.
- Use the same high quality materials, like satin and silk fabric, to construct the new christening gown. Opt for a soft, comfortable fabric that is durable and can withstand multiple infants wearing it.
- If desired, insert a colored ribbon sash that incorporates fabric from your wedding dress. This adds a “something blue” element while repurposing more material.
- The gown can be styled for either baby boys or girls. Stick to gender neutral hues like white, ivory or cream. Add dainty embroidered flower accents.
- Preserve the gown between uses for passing down to future generations. Clean and store it properly in an archival box after each christening.
Re-fashioning your wedding dress into a meaningful baptismal ensemble allows you to carry on your family traditions while giving new life to your dress. As each new child arrives, the gown can become an endearing part of welcoming them into the family.
Donate Your Dress to Charity
If preserving your dress indefinitely isn’t appealing, consider donating it to a charitable cause. Many non-profit organizations accept donated wedding gowns and provide them to military brides, disaster victims rebuilding their lives, or other worthy recipients.
Some reputable charities to consider for wedding dress donations include:
- Brides Across America: Provides free gowns and wedding services to military and first responder brides. They partner with bridal salons to provide gowns and resources for these heroes.
- Brides for a Cause: Donated dresses then sold at discounted costs to raise funds for cancer patients. Proceeds go to grants helping women undergoing cancer treatment.
- The Princess Project: Distributes dresses to high school students needing prom attire. Their mission is to empower teens and make prom accessible for all.
- Variety Brides: Benefits children’s organizations like Variety, the Children’s Charity. Helps raise money for kids with special needs.
- Donate My Dress: Partners with charities worldwide to donate dresses internationally. They work with organizations focused on providing opportunities for women and girls.
Before donating, have your dress professionally cleaned. Make any needed repairs so it’s ready for another bride. Select an established charity with a track record of using donations effectively.
This not only benefits charity, but also allows you a potential tax deduction for your donated wedding gown. Consult your tax advisor to learn how to properly document the donation value for deductions. It’s a feel-good way to declutter while doing good!
Rent Out Your Dress
For the fashionably savvy, you can earn extra income by renting out your wedding dress to other brides-to-be. Apps and websites like Still White allow you to list your gown for rental or resale.
Here’s how it works:
- Have the dress professionally cleaned first
Preserve the Dress Properly First
Before deciding what to do with your old wedding dress, it’s essential to properly preserve it. With proper care and storage, your gown can maintain its pristine condition regardless of how you ultimately choose to repurpose it.
Clean and Repair the Dress
- Have it professionally cleaned to remove any stains or dirt. Ask them to inspect for needed repairs.
- Make any repairs like resewing loose beads, buttons or torn material. This prevents further damage over time.
Let the Dress Fully Air Dry
- Allow it to completely air dry before storage to prevent mold or yellowing. Lay flat on a clean surface.
Use Archival Storage Materials
- Store in an acid-free archival box specifically sized for wedding gowns.
- Wrap in acid-free, breathable tissue paper before placing in the storage box.
Control Temperature and Humidity
- Keep the box in a cool, dry place at around 65°F. Avoid humidity.
- Consider placing in a cedar chest which deters pests. Never use mothballs!
- Don’t store in plastic which traps moisture. Only use archival materials.
Display in a Shadow Box Frame
Work with a Framing Professional
- Have it attractively framed in a deep shadow box customized for your dress.
Include Other Memorabilia
- Surround the dress with brid
Cherished Memories
Your wedding day is one of the most magical and meaningful days of your life.
Big Investment
After months of planning every detail, you finally get to walk down the aisle in the wedding dress of your dreams. Finding the perfect dress takes time and effort, and many brides spend a sizable portion of their wedding budget on this important purchase.
Preservation Question
Once the wedding festivities come to an end, you’re left with the question – what do I do with my wedding dress now? As impractical as it may be for daily wear, the sentimental value makes it hard to simply toss it or donate it.
Creative Possibilities
Luckily, there are many creative ways to repurpose your wedding dress so you can continue enjoying it for years to come.
Preserve Properly First
Professional Cleaning
Before deciding what to do with your old wedding dress, it’s essential to properly preserve it. Have it professionally cleaned to remove any stains or dirt.
Make Repairs
Ask them to inspect for needed repairs. Make any repairs like resewing loose beads, buttons or torn material. This prevents further damage over time.
Let it Fully Air Dry
Allow it to completely air dry before storage to prevent mold or yellowing. Lay flat on a clean surface.
Use Archival Box
Store in an acid-free archival box specifically sized for wedding gowns.
Wrap in Tissue Paper
Wrap in acid-free, breathable tissue paper before placing in the storage box.
Control Temperature
Keep the box in a cool, dry place at around 65°F. Avoid humidity.
Deter Pests
Consider placing in a cedar chest which deters pests. Never use mothballs!
No Plastic Storage
Don’t store in plastic which traps moisture. Only use archival materials.
Display in Shadow Box
Custom Framing
Have it attractively framed in a deep shadow box customized for your dress.
Surround with Memories
Surround the dress with bridal jewelry, invitation suite, bouquet lace etc.
Add Wedding Photo
Consider adding a wedding photo of you in the dress as a background.
Use Archival Materials
Opt for acid-free backing, UV glazing, and other preservation materials.
Prominently Exhibit
Display the shadow box prominently in your home so you can cherish it.
Redesign into Christening Gown
Choose Meaningful Fabrics
Work with a seamstress to select ideal fabrics like lace or flowing skirt material.
Elegant A-Line Silhouette
Design it as a simple elegant gown accented with beads/pearls from dress.
High Quality Materials
Use high quality satin, silk or soft durable fabrics.
Add Pop of Color
Insert a colored sash using fabric from your wedding dress.
Gender Neutral
Style it for baby boys or girls in gender neutral hues.
Pass Down
Preserve the christening gown to become a family heirloom.
Donate to Charity
Research Organizations
Select a reputable charity like Brides Across America, Brides for a Cause etc.
Prepare Thoroughly
Professionally clean and make any repairs before donating.
Know Tax Benefits
You may qualify for tax deductions for the donated dress value.
Feel Good Giving
Your dress can help other brides in need or benefit a good cause.
Redesign into Cocktail Dress
Skilled Seamstress
Select someone experienced in formalwear reconstruction.
Showcase Best Sections
Spotlight the ornate lace bodice or other eye-catching parts.
Modern Sleek Silhouette
Streamline the silhouette. Remove excess volume and fabric.
Add Modern Touches
Use sequins, belts etc. Update neckline or hemline.
Dye a New Color
Consider dying the dress a totally new bold hue!
Create Something Wearable
Transform your wedding gown into cocktail attire you’ll actually reuse.
Conclusion
Your wedding dress signifies one of the most momentous occasions of your life. From the first moment you tried it on in the bridal boutique, you knew it was the perfect gown to commemorate your special day. Now that your wedding has passed, properly preserving your dress allows you to protect this cherished item for years to come. Whether you choose to display it in a shadow box, repurpose it into a family heirloom, donate it to charity, or find other creative ways to reuse it, your wedding dress can have new meaning and purpose. With careful archival storage and handling, its pristine condition and beautiful memories can be preserved. Whenever you look at your old wedding dress, may it serve as a joyful reminder of the people you love and the unforgettable moments you shared on your wedding day.
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