Most girls dream of growing up and getting married in a beautiful storybook wedding. However, many brides don’t have the means to afford the wedding of their dreams. This is especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people have had to scale back on their plans or cancel their nuptials completely.
In light of this, more and more brides are choosing to donate their gowns rather than keep them in storage. Some of these wedding dresses end up going to thrift stores, while others are donated to charities and other organizations that specialize in helping couples with their special day. According to Zola, donating your gown is the best way to make sure that you don’t end up with an unused piece of clothing and that it is used for something other than hanging in a closet collecting dust.
There are a number of charitable organisations that accept wedding dresses, and most of them have online forms to fill out or contact information that will walk you through the vetting process. Some of the most popular include Brides Across America, which outfits military and first responder brides for free, and Wish Upon A Wedding, which allows couples dealing with terminal illness to have their dream weddings. Other organisations include Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring, which helps high school students get retail work experience while selling donated gowns, and The Brides Project, which offers support for adults and children impacted by cancer.
Some of these charities also resell the wedding dresses they have received, with the proceeds funding their missions including aiding women in the military, environmental protection, and supporting abuse survivors. You can find a full list of bridal charities that accept wedding dresses, including those that resell, on the Zola website.
Another option for a used wedding dress is to have it made into a christening gown or other baby clothing. This is a great option for a family with small babies, and it can create a keepsake of your big day for the rest of the family to enjoy.
Before donating your dress, it’s important to check that it’s in good condition. This includes ensuring that it doesn’t have any major rips or tears, as most charities prefer to give away dresses that are still in good condition. If you notice any damage, have it repaired by a seamstress before handing it over to charity.
With so many options for donating your wedding dress, it’s important to take your time and select an organisation that has meaning to you as a bride. As a bonus, it’s likely that you will receive a tax deduction for your donation. Just make sure you get a receipt from the charity that you can use when filing your taxes.