Donating a wedding dress is a great way to give your gown a new life and help others. By choosing the right charity and platform, your dress can bring happiness to brides in need, contribute to charitable causes, or support other initiatives.
For instance, Michigan-based The Brides Project is a nonprofit that sells donated wedding dresses to women facing financial hardships. The proceeds from the sales support various programs and services, such as counseling and nutrition workshops. Alternatively, you can donate your gown to NICU Helping Hands, which repurposes donated dresses into infant burial gowns and bonnets for families who have lost babies in the neonatal intensive care unit.
When it comes to donating your gown, the most important thing to remember is to keep in mind the needs and wants of those you are trying to help. For example, if you are donating your dress to a bridal store or non-profit organization that will be selling it, make sure the dress is still in good condition and doesn’t have any holes or visible stains. Additionally, it is recommended to have your gown professionally dry cleaned before donating.
Another option is to donate your gown to a thrift store, like the Salvation Army. The money from the sale of your dress will go to supporting a variety of programs, including job training and housing for veterans. You can find more information on the donation process on each retailer’s website.
Moreover, you can donate your gown to the local chapter of a national organization, such as the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association. These organizations will often use the funds to support research, education, and patient care programs for their beneficiaries.
One such charity is the Brides Across America, which gives away 2,000 wedding dresses to military and first responder brides every year. You can donate your dress by registering online or by visiting one of their monthly giveaway events. The organization also accepts other bridal accessories.
Other nonprofits that accept wedding gowns and other formal wear include Cherie Sustainable Bridal and Adorned in Grace. The latter is a faith-based organization that helps victims of human trafficking and promotes awareness. Its stores offer gently used wedding gowns and formalwear, with the proceeds of sales helping fund professional counseling for sex trafficking survivors and awareness publications.
The Salvation Army accepts donations of wedding gowns and other formalwear at its stores nationwide. However, you should contact your local Salvation Army first to learn about their specific donation policies. The organization has a list of store locations and drop-off locations, as well as specific instructions on how to prepare your dress for donation. The organization will also give you a tax receipt. You can also mail your dress to the headquarters of the organization. Make sure the gown is clean, as mold can develop on certain types of fabrics if it’s stored improperly for a long time. Moreover, your donation is a tax-deductible expense if you itemize your deductions on your federal income taxes.