Donating wedding dresses is a wonderful way to help people in need and make a difference in the lives of others. Not only can you benefit from a tax deduction, but it can also help you to reduce the amount of waste from the production of new materials. Some charities, like Brides Project, even sell donated wedding dresses to raise money for their free cancer programming.
You can also donate wedding dresses to help fight human trafficking. The organization Adorned in Grace helps women rescued from human trafficking by providing new gowns and accessories. It also supports programs that help survivors of this crime, including professional counseling and outreach events. You can donate your wedding dress to them through their website, or you can mail it to them.
It is very important to consider the condition of your wedding dress before donating it. These items can be ruined easily. A small mistake can rip the lace or a bead, and white fabrics can show stains easily. Therefore, it is important to pack them carefully. Many wedding dresses come with a garment bag, which you should use to pack them properly. Another option is to pack the dress in a suitcase, which will protect it from damage during shipping.
There are several non-profit organizations that accept donated wedding dresses. Angel Gowns is an excellent example. It provides support and mentoring programs to families who have lost a child too soon. They provide specially made garments for the child’s final journey, so it’s a great way to help out families in need.
Goodwill stores also organize yearly bridal events for displaying donated wedding dresses. You can also donate to the Salvation Army, which is a household name when it comes to charitable donations in the US. Its thrift stores across the country accept donated wedding dresses, which are then sold at a cost to support its charitable programs.
Before you donate your wedding dress, make sure you read the guidelines of the organization. Many organizations only accept wedding dresses that are three years old or less, and some require them to be cleaned before they can be accepted. Moreover, the dress should not be worn out, stained, or damaged. Some charities may not accept any wedding gowns older than five years.
Another option is to donate your wedding dress to a non-profit organization called Operation Deploy Your Dress. This organization provides wedding dresses for military spouses and has helped them to celebrate their second wedding anniversary, vow renewal, and other formal events. Since it was founded in 2015, the organization has given away over two thousand wedding dresses to military families.
Brides for a Cause is another great charity option. This organization has been helping thousands of women since its founding in 2012. The dresses should be newer than five years old. The Portland location also accepts bridal accessories. You will have to make an appointment with them if you plan on donating your wedding dress.