As weddings become more expensive, many couples are finding that they can’t afford their dream dresses. Fortunately, there are plenty of places to donate your dress to help brides in need. From local charities to national organizations, the options for wedding gown donations are endless. The key is to do your research before donating your wedding gown to ensure that it will make the best possible impact.
Most bridal shops and charities have their own guidelines for what types of dresses they accept. In some cases, you may be required to have your gown professionally cleaned before donating it. You should also do your research to determine which organization’s mission best matches your own. This will ensure that your dress is going to the right home, and you won’t have to worry about it ending up in the wrong hands.
One popular option is to donate your wedding gown to a charity like Angel Gowns for Angel Babies. This charity works with volunteers who turn donated wedding gowns into burial gowns for babies and children who have died at a very young age. The gowns are given to hospitals, birthing centers, and directly to families for free. The process is very healing for the grieving parents. There are Angel Gown groups all over the country, so you’re likely to find one near you.
Another great choice is to donate your wedding gown to a local breast cancer awareness charity. Brides Against Breast Cancer is an organization that funds programs for early detection and treatment of the disease, and it receives lots of donations of wedding gowns. You can get more information on the group’s website.
Some brides prefer to keep their wedding dresses and pass them on to their daughters or grandchildren as a memento of their special day. Others take part in the “destroy the dress” tradition where they play in mud or otherwise artfully ruin their once-gleaming white dresses. Still, some brides simply want to clear out their storage space or avoid letting their dress end up in the trash, and donating is a great way to do that while giving back.
Donating your dress to a charitable organization is a great way to free up space in your closet and give your gown a new life. You’ll also be able to claim the donation on your taxes, which is an added benefit. According to Zola, a wedding planning site, if you donated your dress to a non-profit, you could be eligible for a tax deduction of up to $500.
When it comes to donating your wedding gown, the key is to do your research in advance to find out what types of items the organization needs and their acceptance criteria. Then, have it professionally cleaned and repair any rips or tears before making your donation. You should also contact the organization in advance to ask any questions you might have. You can even find some groups that specifically accept men’s ties and other fabrics that are not suitable for dresses.