A wedding dress can be a beautiful symbol of love and commitment, but it can also be a hefty investment. Unfortunately, many gowns end up languishing in the back of closets after the big day, never to be worn again. Instead, brides can donate their gowns to charities that support the bridal industry and help brides in need.
There are a wide variety of organizations that accept wedding dress donations. Some organizations sell the dresses to raise money for various causes, while others repurpose the gowns into other products. If you’re planning to donate your wedding dress, be sure to check out the organization’s guidelines before dropping it off. Some charities require that you label the box with helpful information, like the dress’s size, the brand or designer and year of purchase. This can help save the charity volunteers’ time and prevent mistakes during the sorting process.
The Brides Project in Ann Arbor, Michigan, sells donated wedding dresses to raise funds for free programming for families impacted by cancer. The organization has donated over $200,000 since its inception in 2012. Founder Nicole Stulgis says she created the group as “a way to give back and help people.”
In addition to selling donated wedding dresses, The Brides Project repurposes gowns to make memorial gowns for children and infants who died. The nonprofit’s Angel Gown program allows family members to have a custom-made gown to take photos of the baby and to wear during the funeral service.
If you’re interested in donating your gown to The Brides Project, you can contact the organization directly to get started. Alternatively, you can send the dress to a professional dry cleaner to have it preserved and stored until a bride needs it. Several local companies, including Janet Davis Cleaners in Royal Oak, offer this service.
Another option is to donate the gown to a secondhand clothing store that accepts wedding dress donations. These stores may sell the dresses or repurpose them into other products, like robes and pillows. Many of these shops partner with bridal businesses to ensure that the dresses are of a high quality.
Depending on the organization, wedding dress donations can be eligible for a tax deduction. If you’re unsure of the rules, it’s best to contact your local IRS office for details.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many couples are unable to afford their dream weddings. Donating your dress to a charity that helps brides in need can be an important and meaningful contribution.