Many brides save their wedding dress as a keepsake or pass it down to the next generation, but some opt to donate it. The best part about this option is that it gives the gown a second life rather than simply sitting in a box in a closet somewhere, taking up valuable space, or being artfully destroyed by social media (it’s okay, we’ve all seen those). Plus, you can claim your donation as a tax deduction.
While reselling can be an option, it’s important to keep in mind that the process can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. You’ll need to clean and repair the dress, find a reputable retailer and take high-quality photos. In addition, some retailers only accept dresses that are in good condition and less than two years old.
If you decide to go the reselling route, Chapman recommends starting the process within one to six months of your wedding. “This will give you enough time to find a buyer and negotiate pricing,” she says.
There are a number of charities and thrift shops that accept donated wedding dresses, including Brides for a Cause, which sells the gowns to raise funds for women-focused causes, and Forever Angels of Virginia, which turns the gowns into infant burial gowns for families who have lost babies in the NICU. Other organizations, such as Adorned in Grace, which resells bridal accessories and gowns to help fight human trafficking, accept donations year-round.
If you’re interested in donating your dress, it’s important to do some research to ensure you pick a reputable charity with a mission that aligns with your own. Some organizations only accept dresses that are in good condition and not more than five years old, while others may charge an additional fee for cleaning or alteration services.
When deciding where to donate your dress, keep in mind that many of these groups are local. This can make the difference between your wedding dress being used by a bride in need and being sent to landfills, where it contributes to harmful environmental impacts.
For instance, the Albany, NY-based nonprofit Shared Dream Dresses is a great option for New Yorkers. The private Facebook group connects people who have unwanted wedding dresses with potential brides who are looking for a dress at a discounted price. Shared Dream Dresses has already connected more than 19,000 brides and has a 100-percent success rate in matching brides with the perfect dress.
Other local options include the Albany-based nonprofit Adorned in Grace, which uses proceeds from the sale of donated bridal gowns to help fight human sex trafficking. You can also donate your dress to a local thrift store, such as the People’s Place in Kingston, NY, which accepts dresses throughout the year. Be sure to label the box with helpful information about your dress, including the size and brand/designer name, to save the charity volunteers’ time and avoid confusion.