If you’re an eco-conscious bride or simply don’t want your dress to hang in a closet as a keepsake, there are plenty of charities and thrift shops that accept wedding gowns for reuse. Most will have specific guidelines for your donation, so it’s a good idea to check with the organization to find out what is required before you bring your gown to the shop.
Here are some of the top places to donate your dress, along with details on how you can help:
1. Adorned in Grace – This nonprofit bridal boutique with locations throughout the US accepts donated prom and formal dresses for girls in need. Their mission is to give every young girl a chance to wear her dream dress, and their online form makes it easy to get started. They also accept flower girl and maid of honor dresses, as well as accessories like veils and tiaras.
2. Brides Across America – This nonprofit outfits military and first responder brides with the wedding dress of their dreams at special events twice a year. They’re currently accepting gowns for their Operation Wedding Gown events in 2019. To donate your dress, fill out the online form and send your gown, veil, and jewelry to their address.
3. NICU Helping Hands Angel Gown Program – This nationwide nonprofit repurposes wedding gowns into burial dresses for babies who die during or shortly after birth. They’re currently accepting gowns for this new initiative, and their seamstresses will transform your dress into a beautiful final garment.
4. Brides Against Breast Cancer – This charity supports breast cancer research and early detection through the sale of donated gowns. It’s one of the many worthy organizations that Brides Do Good partners with. Donations can be dropped off at your local Salvation Army, or you can schedule a pick-up on the website.
5. Wish Upon a Wedding – This DC-based nonprofit helps terminally ill couples celebrate their wedding or vow renewal. They accept donations of dresses and accessories, including veils, tiaras, and slips, to make their clients’ wedding dreams come true. They also provide high school students with work-study opportunities at the boutique. Donations of dresses and other gowns are tax-deductible in the US.
6. Weddings on a Shoestrung – This boutique in Washington, DC provides brides with reduced-price bridal gowns and other wedding-related accessories, along with job skills training for young women in the area. They accept new and gently worn long and short formal gowns, plus flower girl and bridesmaid dresses.
7. Brides Do Good – This company’s boutiques in Portland, Tacoma, and Mesa, Arizona sell wedding dresses that have been donated from brides around the country. The proceeds from the resale of these gowns support projects to empower and educate young women, so they can choose a future filled with possibilities. Pronovias Group is proud to partner with this worthy cause.
Before you donate your wedding gown, it’s important to take some precautions to protect the fabric and lace from snags and rips. Be sure to pack it safely in a clean garment bag. Label the box with helpful information about your dress to save the charity volunteers’ time: the size, brand or designer, and the year you bought it.