Donating your wedding gown to charity is an easy way to free up some storage space, and it’s also a great option if you have no plans to wear the dress again (or ever) and don’t want it to sit in a box collecting dust. The process can also be rewarding, as you’ll be helping people in need and giving back to your community. Plus, if you itemize your taxes, you’ll be able to claim the donation on your tax return.
When donating your dress, make sure it’s in good condition. The organization you choose might have specific guidelines for what type of condition your gown needs to be in. Some charities might require that you have your gown professionally cleaned, while others may only ask that it’s pressed and wrinkle-free.
One charity that accepts gently used wedding dresses is Brides Against Breast Cancer, which resells the dresses to raise money for breast cancer awareness and early detection programs. This nonprofit has sold more than 50,000 dresses over the past 20 years, and its store in Atlanta has an assortment of gowns in every style and price point. The charity’s website notes that coveted designers and styles sell quickly, so it’s best to act fast when you see something you love. But before you do, check the dress’s description for more details about its condition—zippers, stains, and the like—and consider asking the seller to include additional photos so that you can get a better idea of what it will look like on your body.
Another option for donating your gown is to give it to a thrift store that supports local charities. For example, the Salvation Army’s stores use proceeds from the sale of donated goods to fund various services, including adult rehabilitation and prison ministry work. The organization operates in 130 countries and territories around the world, and it also focuses on disaster response and providing employment and housing support. It accepts clothing, furniture and household items as donations year-round.
Many thrift stores that accept wedding dresses offer a drop-off bin, and you can also mail your dress to them using their mailing instructions. In addition to supporting the local community, thrift shops often sell their inventory online and in their stores, so you can easily shop for a wedding dress that matches your style.
Some charity stores also transform gowns that don’t meet their donation criteria into new items. The Emma and Evan Foundation turns wedding dress donations into angel gowns, bonnets and other keepsake items for grieving families who have lost an infant. The foundation offers the gowns and other items for free.
Other bridal stores that repurpose donated gowns include Portland-based Brides for a Cause, which has showrooms in Portland and Seattle. The company resells the dresses to help support women, and it donates a portion of the profits to local charities. The organization accepts wedding dresses that are less than five years old and also carries mother-of-the-bride dresses and flower girl gowns, as well as bridal accessories.