While some brides choose to keep their wedding dresses as keepsakes or even destroy them in the popular “destroy the dress” tradition, a growing number of people are choosing to give their gowns new life. In fact, a handful of nonprofits across the country accept wedding dresses and bridal accessories for sale to benefit various causes. Donating your dress is an eco-friendly option that reduces waste and may even help you save on taxes.
In the United States, charities like Bridal Recycle and Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring resell donated dresses in their boutiques, while local thrift stores such as ARC and Dress for Success sell them online or at their own stores. Many of these organizations also work with sex trafficking prevention programs and donate proceeds to those efforts. Other groups, such as Adorned in Grace and NICU Helping Hands, repurpose wedding dresses into infant burial gowns or angel gowns for families who have suffered the loss of their baby and need something special to hold onto after their loss.
Many gowns are worn once and then discarded, which takes a toll on the environment. When they are thrown away, they fill landfills and release toxic chemicals that can harm the earth. By donating your gown, you can help reduce this environmental impact.
You can also find charities that accept donated wedding dresses in Ireland, including Oxfam’s bridal charity outlets in Dublin and Bangor, Barnardos’ Bridal department in Dun Laoghaire and Wexford and St Vincent de Paul. In addition, wedding dress donations are tax deductible. This can be a significant savings, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic when many families are facing financial hardship.
The cost of a wedding dress can be prohibitive for many couples, particularly those already struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic. Many people who normally would not be able to afford a wedding are planning their big day, while others are opting for simpler events due to budget constraints. Your wedding dress donation can help provide brides who are struggling with this challenge with the wedding of their dreams.
In the United States, Brides Across America outfits military and first responder brides for free at Operation Wedding Gown events twice a year. The organization also accepts wedding dress donations through its online form. Those who donate their dresses to the program are also eligible to receive an IRS 501(c)3 donation tax receipt, which could potentially save them money on their taxes (talk to your accountant for more details).