Whether you want to keep your wedding dress as a keepsake or get rid of it, there are plenty of places that will give it new life. Some charities that take gown donations resell them at a discounted price in their thrift stores, while others donate the dresses to people in need. Some even let brides claim the gowns as itemized deductions on their taxes (though this option has become more difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic). Here are some places to donate your wedding dress, along with flower girl and bridesmaid dresses, bridal accessories, veils, and tiaras.
This nonprofit bridal store collects and resells wedding dresses to raise funds for a number of women-focused charities, including single mothers, those in the military, domestic violence victims, and more. You can donate your wedding dress online or at any of their store locations or roadshow events. The dress must be in good condition and no more than five years old. The organization accepts all brands and styles of wedding dresses, though they prefer trumpet, A-line, and ballgown designs.
While donating your dress is a great way to help people in need, it’s important to be selective about who you give the dress to. Many charity organizations will turn down a wedding dress if it has visible stains or holes. It’s also important to choose a dress that’s still in good shape so the recipient can wear it again.
Many of the charities that accept wedding gowns also repurpose them into other items, like christening gowns for babies, cocktail dresses for adults, and even quilts. Having the dress professionally cleaned and preserved is another option, and it can make for a nice keepsake of your big day.
If you’re an aspiring designer, you can repurpose your gown by making it into a fabric for clothing or other textile products. This can be an especially meaningful way to honor your wedding dress, as it will be worn by other brides and can remind them of the joy that made your special day possible.
Some local and state parks will allow you to donate your wedding dress and use it as a display for nature-themed events. This is a fun way to keep your gown alive and share it with future brides while also promoting environmental awareness in your community.
Many thrift stores will accept wedding dresses, though some might have limited space for them and may only be able to accept a small number of gowns per donation period. It’s important to call ahead and ask about their policies. Additionally, some thrift stores may only accept dress donations from a certain radius in order to prevent contamination.