If you’re one of the many brides who have a wedding dress taking up precious closet space but don’t plan to wear it again, consider passing on the gown by donating it. This will not only free up space, but it’ll also make a difference in someone else’s life. Plus, you can potentially get a tax deduction for your donation, according to Zola.
You can donate your wedding dress to a number of charities. The following are some notable ones to consider:
This charity helps cash-strapped brides afford a nice wedding dress. They accept dresses from all brands, though they prefer trumpet, A-line, and ballgown styles. The proceeds from the sale of donated gowns fund free programming for families impacted by cancer. The organization also holds a yearly bridal event where donated dresses are showcased.
Another household name when it comes to charitable donations, Salvation Army will take your wedding gown and sell it in their thrift stores. However, it is important to note that your dress must be in excellent condition and should not be more than five years old. Additionally, it is a good idea to have your gown professionally cleaned before you drop it off at the thrift shop.
The organization isn’t just about helping individuals and families in need; it’s also an advocate for the environment. As the site explains, the process of making new clothes requires water and creates a lot of pollution. By donating your dress, you can help reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing.
Unlike other resale shops, which are often overly picky about stains and other damage on donated dresses, The Wedding Gown Project isn’t. They accept any dress with a waistline and neckline that can be easily altered.
You can also donate your dress to a local Angel Gown organization. As the name suggests, these groups are comprised of seamstresses who create burial gowns for babies who have died in the NICU or shortly after.
One such local option in the Albany, NY area is NICU Helping Hands. During the funeral, grieving parents typically aren’t thinking about putting their baby in a burial gown, but these gowns help provide some closure for the family.
When deciding to donate your dress, it’s important to familiarize yourself with each organization’s guidelines. They may have specific requirements regarding gown condition, age, and style. Additionally, you should also have your gown dry-cleaned before donating it. This will keep it looking pristine and ensure that the dress can be used by other brides. Don’t forget that any donations to charitable organizations are itemized on your tax return, which means that you can receive a substantial tax deduction for your contribution. In addition, most resale or donation stores will provide you with a receipt of the value of your gown for your records. It’s worth noting, though, that the IRS only recognizes wedding dresses as qualified donation items in the event that they were worn for a qualified charity wedding ceremony.