Many brides today want to donate their wedding dresses, rather than sell them. It’s a beautiful gesture, and it can help brides in need. Some charities resell the dresses, while others use them for fundraising or other charitable purposes. It also helps minimize waste in the bridal fashion world.
According to the Green Drop, hundreds of tons of clothing is thrown away after being worn once and sits in landfills, which emit carbon dioxide and other pollutants. Moreover, the production of new clothes uses up water and contributes to 10% of global carbon emissions. However, if you have a gently used wedding dress you no longer want or need, donating it is a much better option for the environment and for your conscience.
Whether you’re not interested in selling your gown or you just want to give it a second life, here are five organizations that accept donated wedding dresses. Just make sure that the dress you’re donating is in good condition and that it fits the organization’s guidelines.
This non-profit provides wedding dresses for cash-strapped brides who cannot afford to buy their dream dress. It also supports research on the early detection and prevention of breast cancer. It’s been around for more than 30 years, and it has a long list of satisfied customers. They accept all brands of wedding dresses, though they prefer trumpet and A-line style gowns that are less than three years old. In addition to bridal gowns, this organization also accepts prom dresses and accessories.
Another charity that helps brides in need is Gift of a Wedding. It outfits military and first responder brides, as well as their children, with the wedding dress of their dreams. It accepts donated wedding dresses, mother-of-the-bride gowns, flower girl dresses, and bridal accessories.
A more personal way to use your wedding dress is to donate it to NICU Helping Hands, which turns the gowns into funeral dresses for families who have lost their babies in the neonatal intensive care unit. Its seamstresses are spread across the country, and they work hard to turn the dress into something that a family can use to wrap their baby in as they journey home from the hospital.
It’s important to do some research on the charities you choose, as some resell your wedding dress for profit. Before you donate, check out their websites and read through their vetting procedures to ensure that your gown is eligible. Generally, the charities have short forms to fill out or require a photo of the dress. They may also ask you to professionally clean the dress before donating it. In addition, make sure you keep records of any correspondence or agreements with the charity to avoid future misunderstandings. These organizations will appreciate your generosity. They’ll be happy to see your gown helping a couple who is in need or contributing to their mission. And, you’ll be proud of yourself for making a difference in the world.