Whether you’re a recent bride who saved her gown to pass down to her daughter or a former bride who participated in the popular “destroy the dress” trend, your wedding day attire doesn’t have to stay locked away forever. Instead, you can give it new life by donating it to a worthy cause. Not only will this make a difference in someone else’s life, but it can also help you earn a tax deduction.
There are many places that accept wedding dresses for donation. However, it’s important to do your research before selecting a charity to ensure that your dress is in good condition and meets the organization’s guidelines. In addition, it’s also important to maintain clear communication with the organization throughout the process to ensure that all details are documented. This helps to prevent any potential issues in the future.
Before donating, be sure to clean your dress and make any necessary repairs. This will help to keep it in excellent condition for the new bride. You should also have it professionally cleaned before shipping it to ensure that the dress arrives in pristine condition. Additionally, be sure to take photographs of your dress to record its original beauty. It’s also a good idea to keep a copy of the receipts and any other documentation related to the purchase of your dress in case it is ever needed for tax purposes.
Another option for your wedding dress is to donate it to a local bridal boutique. Many of these boutiques are run by nonprofit organizations, so you’ll know that your dress will be going to a good cause. Some of these organizations are specifically geared towards helping military brides, while others focus on empowering young women or other charitable causes.
Similarly, some charities allow you to donate your dress in exchange for a free wedding or vow renewal ceremony. For example, Wish Upon A Wedding matches bridal gowns with terminally ill couples who would otherwise be unable to afford their dream ceremony. The nonprofit’s bridal boutique also provides high school students with retail experience through their internship program, so your dress can help a student gain valuable work skills as well.
The Brides Project in Ann Arbor, Michigan, takes donated gowns and sells them to raise money for families impacted by cancer. Likewise, the Adorned in Grace bridal shop in Oregon uses proceeds from its used wedding gown sales to support anti-trafficking efforts and community outreach initiatives.
While reselling your dress may seem like a great way to get some of the money you spent back, it’s often more time-consuming and risky than donating your gown. The resale process can include the hassle of finding a store that will buy your gown, getting it professionally cleaned, and then waiting to see if it will sell. In addition, reselling can lead to a huge loss if your dress doesn’t sell.
Donating your gown is a safe and empowering option for those who need it most. It’s not only a good way to give your gown new life, but it can also help you receive a tax deduction and reduce pollution from the production of new materials.