Many brides keep their bridal gown in storage after the big day, but donating it is an excellent way to give it new life. It frees up closet space, provides a tax deduction, and gives someone else the opportunity to wear it. Plus, it’s good for the environment! According to GreenDrop, the production of clothing and textiles uses hundreds of gallons of water and accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions. So by donating your wedding dress, you’re helping to reduce the environmental impact.
Some local charity shops and bridal boutiques accept used dresses for resale or donation. Many also sell accessories and other items to raise money for various causes. Local shelters that support women may also accept dress donations. Some organizations, such as NICU Helping Hands, convert donated dresses into infant burial gowns or “angel gowns” for grieving families to wrap their babies in before they say goodbye.
If you’re planning to donate your wedding dress, check the organization’s website for specific requirements. Some may only accept dresses that are less than 5 years old, while others require them to be in excellent condition. Make sure to contact them ahead of time, and have your dress dry-cleaned before dropping it off. This makes their job much easier and helps ensure that your dress doesn’t get damaged during transit.
One of the most meaningful places to donate your wedding dress is to Brides Across America. This organization outfits military and first responder brides for free at Operation Wedding Gown events that are held twice a year. They accept all styles of wedding dresses, as well as veils, shoes, and jewelry. The nonprofit has already outfitted more than 26,000 brides since its inception in 2008.
Another place to donate your wedding dress is to a local bridal boutique that offers secondhand dresses for sale. They may also accept donated dresses and other accessories, as long as they are in good condition. Some also have a special section in their store for bridal pieces that have been worn once or twice.
Lastly, you can drop off your used wedding dress at a Salvation Army location. While each individual store has different donation policies, most will accept your dress as long as it is not too shabby. They may charge you for cleaning, but they will still be a better option than just throwing your dress away.