There’s no doubt that a lot of wedding dresses end up in the back of closets or drawers after a big day. But that doesn’t mean they should be thrown out. Instead, consider donating your dress to a charity that needs it. That way, another bride can wear it on her big day and you won’t be stuck with a gown that never gets worn.
Luckily, there are many places to donate wedding dresses. From local thrift shops to large organizations, there are many ways that your dress can find a new home. Just make sure that your gown is still in good condition when you donate it. A wedding dress is made of delicate material and even one small stain can ruin it completely. If your dress has visible stains or holes, it will not be of much use to the charity that receives it.
One option is to donate your dress to a nonprofit organization such as Brides Across America. This charity outfits military and first responder brides for free. The nonprofit holds yearly bridal events where hundreds of donated dresses, tuxes and accessories are showcased. This organization also accepts donations of wedding rings and jewelry.
If you’re interested in donating your wedding gown to a local charity, check with the organization in advance to see their dress acceptance criteria and schedule. Some charities have a limit on how old your dress can be and require that it be dry cleaned before distributing it. Other charities may charge a fee for cleaning and handling.
A common place to donate your wedding dress is at a Goodwill store. The organization resells the dresses at budget-friendly prices, and the proceeds go toward their various charitable programs. Most Goodwill locations have online donation forms, and some offer pick-up services.
You can also donate your wedding dress to a Salvation Army location. The SA sells its donated items at its stores nationwide, and the proceeds fund their charitable programs. Some SA locations offer pickup services for larger clothing and household items.
If you want to keep your wedding dress as a memento but can’t bear the thought of letting it go, try framing it. There are businesses that work with brides to frame their wedding gowns, and the result is a beautiful piece of art that can be displayed in your home.
If you’re not ready to give up on your gown, but you’re tired of it taking up space in your closet, consider giving it a second life as a pillow or baptism dress for a little one. These companies will alter or hem the dress to fit your needs, and they can even add a baby’s name to the dress. This is a great way to preserve your dress and still be able to show it off on your sofa or bedroom wall. In addition, the fabric can be used to create other home decor or cherished keepsakes such as Christmas tree ornaments.