Many brides keep their wedding gowns in storage after their big day, unsure of what to do with such a sentimental piece of clothing. While some may preserve their dresses to be worn at future vow renewals or pass them down to a younger generation, for those who aren’t planning on wearing their gown again or simply have no place for it in their homes, donating the dress could be the perfect option. Not only will this help brides on a budget, but it will also reduce the amount of waste generated by the fashion industry. According to GreenDrop, producing new apparel takes hundreds of gallons of water and causes 10% of global carbon emissions.
While some brides choose to save their wedding gown as a keepsake or trash the dress by swimming, playing in the mud, and other artfully destructive methods, it is becoming more common for brides to donate their dresses after their special day. A growing number of charities and thrift shops accept donated wedding dresses to provide brides with a sustainable option that supports an important cause.
One of the oldest and most reputable programs is Brides for a Cause, which helps raise money for women-focused nonprofit organizations through the sale of bridal gowns. Its boutiques are located across the country, giving soon-to-be brides an opportunity to buy a sustainable and charitable wedding gown at a discounted price. Brides Against Breast Cancer is another popular option for wedding dress donation; it sells preowned gowns to raise money and awareness for early cancer detection.
If you’re interested in donating your dress, it’s important to do plenty of research to ensure the charity you’re choosing is legitimate and benefits a worthy cause. Some charities have specific guidelines for dress condition, including signs of wear, discoloration, and mold. Depending on the charity, you may also be required to pay for dry cleaning fees.
A few of the most noteworthy options include Adorned in Grace, which accepts wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses up to five years old and formal attire such as shoes, veils, and jewelry. Proceeds from the sales support anti-trafficking efforts in various communities. You can drop off your donation in person at the locations or mail it following their mailing instructions.
Another choice is Cherie Sustainable Bridal, which repurposes donated wedding dresses to create garments for infants who have passed away in the NICU. These gowns are remade by seamstresses to give grieving families solace and dignity. You can also donate your gown to the University of Michigan Health – West’s Helping Hands Angel Gown program to be used for photo and burial services.
For those who want to make a more local impact, the Brides Project offers eco-friendly and budget-friendly wedding dresses at its nonprofit bridal boutique in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The proceeds from the sale of these dresses are used to fund free programs for adults and children impacted by cancer. Donation items can be dropped off at the store or mailed to them, following their social distancing and safety protocols.