While some brides choose to keep their wedding gown as a keepsake for generations, others find that the sentimental attachment and storage costs aren’t worth it. If you’re in the latter camp, donating your dress to a worthy cause can help clear out your closet and give someone else’s special day something to remember, too.
Many bridal stores have a section for donated dresses. Some of them, like the Northwest-based charity boutique Brides for a Cause, resell those dresses to raise money and awareness for a variety of causes. For instance, the organization raises funds for breast cancer research and early detection by selling gowns that were once worn by brides for a fraction of the original price. The store accepts gowns in person and via mail according to the instructions on their website.
Another nonprofit organization that collects and sells used wedding dresses is Adorned in Grace. This faith-based group brings churches together to fight human trafficking in various communities, with proceeds from the dress sales going towards anti-trafficking mentoring for young women, preparing the dresses, and much more. The company accepts dress donations from brides, bridal shops, and individuals. The dresses can be dropped off at one of the several locations in Oregon or Arizona, or shipped to the company’s headquarters following online instructions.
In New York, you can donate your wedding dress to Angel Gowns of the Capital Region, which works with other organizations nationwide to create infant burial gowns for families who have lost their babies. The program is volunteer-based and relies on seamstresses who take the dresses, along with a cape and bonnet, to create the angel gowns for photos and funeral services honoring infants who have passed away. The organization maintains a waitlist to receive dresses, and it’s important to note that the gowns must be in good condition to be considered for donation.
If you decide to donate your wedding dress, make sure it’s in good condition and clean prior to dropping it off at a charity. Many of the nonprofits mentioned in this article provide a list of requirements for gowns they will consider, and some even provide professional wedding dress cleaning services for a fee. Before packing your dress for donation, write down its size, name of designer or brand, year purchased, and other pertinent details to help save charity volunteers time and money in the long run.
A few other places where you can donate your wedding gown include the NICU Helping Hands Angel Gown program and Emma and Evan Foundation, both of which accept donations in the Albany area.
You can also take the concept of charitable weddings a step further and plan your own event at a nonprofit venue, have guests wear dress donations as their favors, or incorporate other charitable activities into your big day. To get more ideas, check out our expert advice pages on charity weddings.