Many women have a special place in their hearts for the dress they wore on their wedding day. But for those who no longer want it or can’t wear it again, there is another option – donate it! Donating your wedding dress to a charity or organization that supports the cause of your choice can be both a meaningful and gratifying experience. It will also help you free up storage space and, according to online wedding registry company Zola, can give you a tax deduction.
Before you decide to part ways with your beloved gown, though, it’s a good idea to research the charities that accept donations and choose one that is in line with your values. “You want to be able to say with confidence that you’re helping someone who needs it and that the charity is reputable,” says Beth Chapman, founder of The White Dress by the Shore.
Several local and national organizations accept wedding dresses for various causes. For example, Michigan-based The Brides Project raises money for the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor by reselling donated dresses. Its proceeds support a variety of programs including support groups, counseling services, nutrition workshops, and more. Similarly, Adorned in Grace sells used dresses to raise funds for youth mentoring programs, outreach events, and professional counseling for survivors of human trafficking.
The Emma and Evan Foundation transforms donated wedding dresses into infant burial gowns or “angel gowns,” bonnets, and other keepsake items for families who’ve lost a baby. Its seamstresses from around the country painstakingly rework your dress into a precious garment that can be carried or worn to a baby’s final rest. The foundation’s goal is to help families find peace in the midst of tragedy by allowing them to have a dress they can wrap their infant in.
Other charity and thrift stores that accept donated dresses include a handful of locations operated by Brides Against Breast Cancer, which has been in business since 1997. Its dress sales fund breast cancer awareness and early detection efforts.
Most charities or shops that accept donations require dresses to be in good condition. It’s also a good idea to have your gown dry cleaned before packing it up and sending it off. Even a few tiny stains can ruin the look of a white dress and it may not be suitable for use by someone else if they’re visible.
While donating your wedding dress can have a positive impact on people in need, it’s important to keep in mind the environmental impact of discarding unwanted clothing. When fabrics are thrown away, they sit in landfills for years and release toxins into the environment. The production of new clothes and textiles contributes to 10% of global carbon emissions. By extending the life of your wedding dress and other clothing, you can reduce the environmental impact of waste.