As the euphoria of your wedding day wears off, the reality of never wearing your stunning wedding dress again can be a bitter pill to swallow. I’m speaking from personal experience; my dress remains unworn and unappreciated in my wardrobe, collecting dust beneath its protective cover. The likelihood of me re-wearing it is slim at best, not to mention the concern that I might not even fit into it anymore. So, what are your options? What can you do with a dress that’s no longer serving its purpose?
Straight-After Your Wedding
Before making any decisions about your wedding dress’s future, take a step back and consider the following steps. These will not only give you time to make up your mind but also help maintain its condition. A little wear and tear is actually a good thing – it means you had an unforgettable day, let loose, and enjoyed every moment. A few stains around the hem are normal, especially if your wedding was held outdoors like mine was at Holkham Hall. The key is to address them promptly and correctly. With the right approach, even the most stubborn stains can be removed.
Clean It
It’s crucial to get in touch with a professional wedding dress preserver or dry cleaner as soon as possible after the big day. Leaving stains untreated can cause them to set in, making it more challenging to remove them later on. When searching for an expert in dress cleaning, thoroughly vet their credentials and reviews. Additionally, don’t hesitate to ask your dress boutique for recommendations, as they may have worked with reliable cleaners before. While DIY washing might seem like a cost-effective option, it’s a risky move, especially if the gown holds sentimental value or was pricey. Investing in professional restoration will ensure that your memories remain intact and your dress remains pristine. If you’re still in the planning stages, consider allocating a budget for outfit cleaning to avoid any potential regrets. With a little foresight, you can enjoy your beautiful wedding dress for years to come.
Fix It
Before considering a professional’s expertise, inspect the dress for any noticeable flaws or missing embellishments. Take stock of any extras that came with the dress, such as spare buttons or sequins. If you have these, bring them along and ask your seamstress to repair or replace them as needed. Additionally, your seamstress may be able to address any other issues that could impact the overall appearance of your gown.
Store It
When you’ve finished cleaning and repairing your dress, it’s essential to store it properly to maintain its integrity. I personally store my dresses by hanging them in their protective covers within my wardrobe. Alternatively, consider investing in a specialized dress box that can keep your gown safe from damage. Ideally, store the dress in a dark, dry place that is shielded from heat and other potentially harmful elements, ensuring it remains in excellent condition for years to come.
What To Do With My Wedding Dress After The Wedding?
To save you time and effort, I’ve thoroughly investigated all the available alternatives. As a result, I’ll be sharing my findings with you, empowering you to confidently move forward with your plans for a beautiful new chapter in your life.
Keep It
You’re welcome to keep the dress, just like I still have mine hanging in my wardrobe – no particular reason why, it’s simply a matter of not having given it much thought yet. If you do decide to part with your gown, consider keeping it as a backup for a rainy day or passing it on to someone else. Alternatively, you can simply enjoy looking at it whenever the mood strikes. The truth is, there’s no need to rush into doing anything with your dress post-wedding. Another option is to display it as art – framing it or placing it on a mannequin, for instance. Just be mindful of potential damage over time, whether from discolouration or actual disintegration.
Sell Sell Sell or Rent?
Selling or renting out a wedding dress can be a lucrative venture, especially when approached strategically. I learned this the hard way after listing my own dress on Facebook Marketplace with little success. Instead of throwing caution to the wind, I should have taken the time to properly prepare and showcase the dress. This includes thoroughly cleaning and mending the gown, taking high-quality photos, crafting compelling copy for the listing, researching realistic pricing, and including essential details like sizing, designer, and color. Additionally, finding the right platform to sell or rent out the dress is crucial, whether it’s eBay, Facebook, Vinted, a bridal boutique, or a specialist wedding marketplace. Responding promptly to inquiries and being prepared for interested brides who may want to try on the dress or make an offer are also vital components of a successful sale or rental. If done correctly, selling or renting out a wedding dress can be a small but steady source of income, while also promoting sustainability by helping couples reduce their wedding expenses. By following these steps, you can turn your pre-loved wedding dress into a valuable asset that benefits both yourself and the environment.
Donate To A Good Cause
Donating a wedding dress is an incredible way to give back to the community, and there are several approaches to do so. You can start by dropping off your dress at a local charity shop or consider donating it to organizations dedicated to weddings, such as the Wishing Well Foundation, Brides Do Good, or Gift Of A Wedding. Alternatively, you could reach out to charities that create gowns for stillborn babies like Cherished Gowns, Dresses For Angels, or Daddies With Angels before making a donation. Another option is to sell your dress and donate the proceeds to your preferred charity, which not only helps another person but also provides a sense of fulfillment and peace of mind. This act of kindness can even help alleviate post-wedding blues.
Upcycle & Reuse
When considering the fate of your wedding gown, think beyond the traditional preservation methods. If you’re willing to get creative and potentially alter the dress’s original form, there are countless innovative ways to give it new life. Here are some imaginative ideas: From transforming the gown into a fresh outfit (a short dress, jumpsuit, top, or skirt) to crafting accessories that can be worn again (hair adornments, scarves, or cover-ups), you can breathe new life into this beloved piece of attire. Alternatively, consider dyeing or re-hemming the dress to wear it once more, repurposing it into sentimental homeware (a cushion, quilt, teddy, or blanket), gifting special pieces to your children, or even transforming it into a unique Christmas ornament. With a little ingenuity and imagination, your wedding gown can become a treasured keepsake for years to come.
Future Wearing Opportunities
If you’re struggling to resist the urge to slip back into that stunning wedding gown, don’t worry – there are ways to indulge in this temptation. Consider a post-wedding photo shoot where you can get creative with themed photos or even ‘trash the dress’ for some unique and memorable images. Alternatively, why not host a fun celebration by throwing a party dressed in your wedding attire? Or, save it for special occasions like anniversaries or vow renewals – the possibilities are endless.
Do Brides Keep Their Dresses?
While it’s true that some brides do choose to preserve their wedding dresses for sentimental reasons, many others are now embracing the trend of giving their gowns a second chance at a happy ending. This might involve donating, selling or repurposing their wedding attire, allowing it to take on a new life and bring joy to someone else.
What Can I Do With My Wedding Veil?
Just as the sentimental value of a wedding dress can be preserved through various means, so too can the significance of a wedding veil. Options for handling this delicate piece include keeping it as a treasured memento, listing it for sale to recoup costs or benefit a future couple, donating it to a charity that supports brides-to-be, or repurposing it into a unique decorative item or heirloom to be passed down through generations.
Is It OK To Sell My Wedding Dress?
When it comes to deciding what to do with your wedding dress, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The most important thing is to listen to your heart and make a decision that feels right for you and your gown. While some may opt to hold onto their dress as a treasured keepsake, others may choose to sell it or repurpose it in some way. Whatever path you choose, remember that your wedding memories can be relived through photos, film, and other meaningful mementos, not just the dress itself. Before making any decisions, take time to clean, repair, and store your dress in a way that respects its value and yours. Then, let your intuition guide you as you decide what to do with this special piece of your wedding story.