Whether you’re planning on getting married or just want to declutter your closet, donating wedding dresses is a great way to give your wedding dress a second life. Not only can you help someone else enjoy their dream wedding, but you also may be able to get a tax deduction for your donation.
There are many ways to donate your wedding dress, including through a local thrift shop or charity organization. In addition to helping people in need, these organizations may also sell your wedding dress for a reduced price to raise money for their causes.
One such nonprofit organization, Brides Across America, gives free wedding dresses to military and first responder brides who are struggling financially. The organization has given over 26,000 gowns since 2008 and has helped over 25 couples have their weddings free of charge.
You can find out if your local area has a nonprofit that accepts wedding dresses by searching online. Once you’ve found a few that appeal to you, contact them in person or via email for their donation schedule and guidelines.
Other places to donate your wedding dress include Oxfam and Brides Do Good*, where proceeds from their resale will go toward helping vulnerable young women in the UK. You can choose to have your donation shipped or drop it off at the store.
Adorned in Grace, a faith-based organization, provides wedding gowns and formalwear to victims of human trafficking. Sales from their stores help fund professional counseling, awareness publications and other resources for survivors.
Another option is to donate your gown to Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring, which sells bridal apparel at affordable prices for those in need. The nonprofit also provides opportunities for high school students to gain retail experience at its locations in D.C.
Cherie Sustainable Bridal, located in Maryland, is another place to donate your wedding dress. The store stocks a variety of designer gowns less than five years old, and it also sells donated bridesmaid dresses at a partner store. It does not require you to have your gown professionally cleaned, and you can mail or drop it off in its store during opening hours.
The Angel Gown Program by NICU Helping Hands is a wonderful option for donating your wedding gown to someone who will appreciate it more than ever. This is a project started by NICU Helping Hands founder Amy Stulgis when she couldn’t afford her own wedding dress. She decided to pass her dress on to other mothers who couldn’t afford it, but could still enjoy the look of a beautiful lace gown on their wedding day.
If you’re a breast cancer patient, consider donating your wedding dress to Brides Against Breast Cancer. This nonprofit sells pre-owned wedding gowns at a fraction of the original cost to benefit breast cancer research and prevention.
In the United States, it’s easy to find wedding dresses that are in excellent condition at a bargain price, thanks to the popularity of online shopping. But it’s also important to make sure your donation goes to a charity that can help your cause.