If you are a bride and you want to clear out your closet for a new wardrobe, donating your wedding dress is a great way to get rid of your old gown while helping others. There are many charitable organizations that accept donated wedding dresses. These organizations resell the gowns and use the proceeds to help vulnerable women around the world.
In the United States, the Salvation Army is considered a household name when it comes to donating clothing. They will pick up your wedding dress and sell it in thrift stores across the country. You can also drop off your wedding gown in your local Goodwill store. It is important to know what the charity requires before donating your gown. For example, the charity may have certain guidelines regarding the age and condition of your gown.
There are other charities that specialize in making new wedding gowns. One such organization is Angel Gowns. This organization works with volunteer seamstresses to create high quality bereavement gowns for grieving families. Hundreds of volunteers contribute their time to sew each gown. The gowns are packaged in beautiful white boxes.
Another charitable organization is the Brides Project. This organization is inspired by a Canadian organization with the same name. This organization accepts new and used wedding dresses, as well as bridal gowns designed within the past five years. It has been successful in selling used gowns in Oregon and Washington for over a decade.
Another nonprofit that takes donations of wedding dresses is Adorned in Grace. This organization accepts a variety of items, including wedding gowns, bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, and maternity photo-shooting dresses. They also work with churches to help prevent human trafficking.
Another charitable organization that will accept your wedding dress donation is The White Dress by The Shore. The founder of this organization, Beth Chapman, encourages you to consider the age of your wedding dress. Whether the wedding dress you are donating is in perfect condition or if there are some small stains, it can still make a difference in someone’s life.
Some nonprofit organizations will give you a tax deduction. However, you must ask them for their policies and guidelines. Most charities will accept your dress as long as it is in good shape, but some charities will charge you for additional cleaning services.
There are several other groups that will accept your wedding dress as a donation, but you need to find the best organization for your needs. While these groups do not always accept new wedding dresses, they will provide you with a tax write-off if you donate a dress that is less than three years old.
Many organizations that take your wedding dress will not accept undergarments or petticoats. The charities will usually provide you with instructions on how to ship your item. Make sure to wrap the gown properly and securely. Also, inspect your item to see if it contains any stains or molds.
Having your wedding dress professionally cleaned is a wise decision. Not only will it save you time, but it will also ensure that the charity has a clean, sanitized dress to resell.