Many brides save their gowns as a wedding memento, but some decide to part ways with them after the big day. Whether you’re ready to sell or donate your dress, there are plenty of options for giving it new life. Here are a few tips to help you make the best choice.
One of the most common options is to donate your wedding gown to a charity that supports women. This option offers a few benefits for both you and the recipient. You’ll free up space in your closet, get a tax deduction, and help a good cause.
Some of these organizations also hold fundraisers where your donation can earn even more money for the charity. If you’re going this route, be sure to research the organization to ensure it’s reputable and has a history of success.
You can also donate your wedding dress to a local thrift shop. However, it’s important to note that many of these shops require your dress to be professionally cleaned before donating. Some may even charge a fee for this service.
Donating your dress can help reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. According to GreenDrop, textiles and clothing contribute to 10% of global carbon emissions. Reusing your bridal gown, along with other unused clothes and accessories, helps reduce this number.
While you can sell your gown to a consignment store, this option is typically less profitable than donating it. Additionally, the commission fees can be quite high. Some consignment stores may also charge to clean the dress before it’s sold.
Some wedding dress charities have a specific focus, such as raising funds for breast cancer research or fabricating funeral dresses for infants who pass away in the NICU. You can find these options by searching online for “wedding dress donation” and the location in which you live.
For example, if you’re in the Albany, New York area, there are several “Angel Gown” programs run by local groups of volunteer sewers. These programs take donated wedding gowns and turn them into burial dresses for families who have lost an infant in the NICU. In addition to dresses, these groups also need donations of sewing supplies such as ribbon, lace, fabric scissors, pinking shears, and buttons.