Donate Wedding Dresses to Charities

If you’re a bride who’s tired of your wedding dress gathering dust in your closet, consider giving it a second life as a charitable donation. The benefits are twofold – you’re helping others who may not be able afford a new gown and you’ll free up some storage space in your closet!

Many bridal boutiques and charities accept dress donations. But it’s important to research a specific organization before dropping off your dress. Some require a certain level of cleanliness and some have different guidelines for the condition and age of dresses they accept.

One of the most well-known dress donation charities is the Goodwill, a household name that’s familiar to most Americans. Goodwill is a nationwide organization that accepts nearly any clothing item, including wedding dresses, and sells it in its thrift stores for a reduced price. It then uses the proceeds to fund its various charitable programs and initiatives.

Another dress donation organization is the Brides for a Cause, a small business based in Florida that accepts dresses year-round from brides across the country. After a dress is donated, the company makes any needed alterations, cleans it, and places it back on the rack for other brides to buy. The organization also offers a unique service called Shared Dream Dresses where it matches brides who are looking for their dream dress with donors that have available dresses.

A third option for donating a wedding dress is The Brides Project, a nonprofit bridal boutique that helps support families who have a loved one with cancer. The boutique’s eco- and budget-friendly wedding dresses are sold to help pay for services like counseling, support groups, and other resources.

The Emma and Evan Foundation is a nonprofit that helps grieving families of infants who’ve died. The organization repurposes wedding dresses, bridesmaid and flower girl dresses, and prom or formal gowns into infant burial gowns, bonnets, and other keepsake items. They then make these items available for free to families who’ve lost an infant.

When it comes to donating your old wedding dress, don’t be afraid to get creative! A simple hem can turn your dress into a stunning cocktail dress that you’ll be proud to wear at your next special occasion.

When deciding on whether to donate your old dress or resell it, consider the amount of time and energy you want to invest (listing on multiple websites, interacting with potential buyers, etc.). If you choose to donate your dress, it’s a good idea to dry clean it before packing it up so that it arrives at the charity pristine. And don’t forget to include a value on your donation! Whether you’re including the dress’s original cost or the estimated retail value, it’s worth the extra step to protect your donation.