Many brides dream of a beautiful storybook wedding in a gorgeous gown. However, after the ceremony and honeymoon, a lot of dresses just sit in the closet collecting dust. Donating your dress to charity is a great way to give it a second life while also supporting a good cause. It’s a great option for those who don’t have the space to keep their gowns and want to make a difference in someone else’s special day. There are a number of meaningful charities that accept preowned gowns and provide them to brides at an affordable price. You can even receive a tax deduction on your donation.
Before you donate your dress, it’s important to do a bit of research on different companies and charities. Beth Chapman, founder of The White Dress by the Shore, recommends that you “confirm that they only take bridal gowns that are five years old or less.” This will ensure that your dress is still in good condition and not too outdated.
Some of these charities have special programs for brides who are in need or are facing financial hardship. The Emma and Evan Foundation, for example, repurposes wedding dress donations into infant burial gowns called “angel gowns,” bonnets, and other keepsake items that are offered to grieving families for free.
Choosing a charity to donate your wedding gown can be an overwhelming process, but there are plenty of options. Goodwill is one of the most popular places to donate dresses, as it has multiple locations across the country. It also sells the dresses in its stores at a discounted rate, which helps raise money for other charitable programs.
You can also donate your dress to a local thrift store or church fundraiser. These organizations may not offer as much funding for their causes, but they will be able to sell your dress quickly and at a reasonable price. They will likely have a specific deadline for when they will accept your dress, so be sure to contact them before the date to avoid missing out.
It’s important to remember that most of these charity groups will not be able to inspect your dress before they buy it, so make sure to have it dry-cleaned before you donate it. This is especially crucial if your dress has been in storage for a long period of time, as mold can grow on certain fabrics and garments if they are not properly cared for.
If your dress isn’t suitable for any of these charities, you can still repurpose it into something new! Use the fabric to create a pillow or baptism gown for your children, repurpose it into a cocktail dress, or turn it into a photo prop. Whatever you decide to do, just make sure to follow the instructions and guidelines provided by your chosen charity so that your dress can be as useful as possible for its new owner. And don’t forget to take photos of your dress before it is donated!