A wedding dress is a special and priceless memento, but the gown’s life doesn’t have to end there. Instead of letting the dress rot in a closet or throwing it away, brides can give their dresses a second life by donating them to charity. This way, they’ll help a good cause and free up valuable closet space.
Whether you’re a recently married bride or a former one, there are a number of worthy charities that will take your old wedding gown. These range from the typical thrift shops like Goodwill to more niche bridal and baby-related charities. Many of these organizations have been around for years and are renowned for their charitable work.
One of the best-known is Brides for a Cause, which collects and resells donated wedding gowns to raise money for dozens of women-focused charities. This includes organizations that support women in the military, single mothers, and victims of domestic abuse. Brides for a Cause also donates dresses to women who have lost their wedding gowns due to fire, disasters, or other unfortunate circumstances.
When donating to this organization, it’s important to note that only clean gowns are accepted. This is because rats, bugs, and molds can do serious damage to the garment, and most of these items cannot be saved even with professional cleaning services. To avoid these issues, have your wedding dress dry-cleaned before delivering it to the charity.
Another good option is NICU Helping Hands, which accepts wedding dresses and other gowns to be fabricated into angel gowns for families who have suffered the loss of a child in the womb or shortly after birth. These gowns are used in final photos and at the child’s funeral.
This nonprofit organization is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. They accept wedding and prom dresses as well as other formal wear. The proceeds from the sale of the dresses are used to provide free programming for families who have been impacted by cancer. This is a good choice for those who want to make an impact on a specific cause and have their donation tax-deductible.
If you’re interested in donating your wedding dress, be sure to contact the organizations directly for their current guidelines and restrictions. Some may only accept clean dresses, and others might charge a fee for cleaning. Lastly, be sure to have your dress dry cleaned prior to sending it for donation, as this makes the process easier and more efficient for everyone involved. This will also ensure that the gown is free of any stains and pests, and it will be in pristine condition for its new owner. Also, be sure to pack the dress properly so that it is not damaged during transit. This will be a big help to the charity staff members who will have to inspect the dress for damage once it arrives. This will ensure that the donor’s contribution has the maximum effect possible.