Donating wedding dresses is a great way to give something new life and make a difference. There are many organizations and charities that will accept your dress and pass it along to a bride who needs it.
A wedding dress can be a costly investment, and for many, it is a one-time expense that they may not need again. This is why many people choose to donate their wedding dress.
The charity Cherished Gowns, based in Kent, UK, gives a second life to donated dresses through their preloved bridal boutique. These dresses are sold to other brides-to-be at a fraction of the cost, and the profits go towards the running of their business.
Another organisation that will take your wedding dress donation is Brides Against Breast Cancer, which resells used wedding gowns and the proceeds go towards breast cancer research. This organization also provides early breast cancer detection and awareness programs.
Besides offering a good tax deduction, donating a wedding dress is a great way to make a difference in the community and clear out closet space.
Some charities will even give you a tax receipt as long as your dress is in good condition.
For example, if your dress is less than five years old, it can be donated to Brides Across America, who provide free wedding dresses to military members and first responders who are planning their big day. You can drop off your donation at the BAA office in your area, or fill out their online form and they will send you a shipping address.
If your dress is not in perfect condition, there are a few things you can do to get it ready to be donated. The first thing you need to do is make sure it is in good condition and clean.
A good way to do this is to bring it to a wedding dress cleaner, who will be able to assess the condition of your gown and recommend whether or not it can be donated. Alternatively, you can also contact the charity of your choice and ask them to recommend a professional to clean your dress.
Lastly, if your dress is in good condition and has been cleaned by a professional, it can be taken to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. They are household names when it comes to charitable donations, so you can trust that they will treat your dress properly and use it to help a cause.
These organizations are all wonderful ways to give your wedding dress a second life and make a difference in the community. But before you decide to donate your wedding dress, make sure to check the charity’s requirements for a successful donation.
The Angel Gown Program: This organization is unique amongst the charities on this list. It is dedicated to creating burial gowns for babies who have tragically passed away. Its volunteers sew the gowns from donated wedding dresses, ensuring that they are of high quality and are a true representation of their baby.