If you love your wedding dress but don’t want to keep it around for sentimental reasons or just don’t have room in your closet, there are plenty of options for giving it a new life. You can donate it to a local thrift store that will either sell it or give you a small amount of money based on its condition. You can also post it on a social media buy nothing or swap group. If it’s in good shape and you don’t mind a few wrinkles, someone will likely love it.
There are also a number of charities that accept gowns for brides who can’t afford a brand-new one. These organizations are often run by volunteers, so be sure to research them before donating. You should also make sure that the charity you choose has an established mission, values, and reputation.
Gowns can easily be ruined, especially when they’re white, so it’s important to take the time to pack and preserve them properly. If you have a garment bag that your dress came with, use it or order one online to protect it from dust and water. It’s also a good idea to have it professionally cleaned before donating it to ensure that it is clean and in pristine condition for its new owner.
If you don’t have the time or energy to list your dress on multiple websites, you can donate it to a wedding dress charity that will sell it at its own store or through a partner bridal retailer. These organizations are often small and have a limited supply of dresses, so your dress has a greater chance of finding a home. They may not pay as much as you might expect for your dress, but they’ll still give you a cash donation that you can claim on your taxes.
Some charities also have specific programs that use donated gowns in unique ways. For example, some offer wedding dress donations to brides in military or first responder service, while others support a specific cause such as breast cancer. These programs are often more reliable and convenient than trying to sell your dress yourself.
Other charities use gowns to help families who have lost their babies in the NICU. These are called “Angel Gown” programs, and they’re a great option for brides who want to do something meaningful with their dresses but can’t bring themselves to throw them out. These groups are often made up of volunteer seamstresses who are incredibly compassionate people.
There are also a number of charities that will turn your wedding dress into a burial gown for the parents of stillborn or miscarried babies. These gowns are sewn by volunteers who are grieving themselves. They create these gowns out of love, not for profit, and they help to heal the hearts of their donors. They’re a very touching and personal way to honor the memory of a deceased baby. Some of these charities have websites where you can check availability, and some also post gowns in a Facebook group for the public to view.