Wedding dresses hold a lot of sentimental value, especially for the brides who wear them. When a wedding dress becomes old and worn out, or when a bride no longer wants it, it can often be hard to get rid of it. However, this is a perfect opportunity to donate it to charity! Not only does this help a good cause, but it also keeps your dress out of the landfill and in a loving new home.
While there are many places to donate wedding gowns, it’s important to check with each charity individually for their specific requirements. Some charities only accept gowns that are less than five years old, while others may prefer a white or ivory dress. It’s also best to make sure the dress doesn’t have any major rips or tears, since this will only be an added burden for the charity.
One of the best options for donating wedding dresses is the NICU Helping Hands Angel Gown program. This charity repurposes wedding and bridesmaid dresses to create gowns for infants who have passed away during pregnancy or shortly after birth. This organization has 180 seamstresses across the country that are dedicated to creating beautiful gowns for grieving families.
Another great option for donating wedding dresses is Adorned in Grace. This company sells used bridal dresses, and the proceeds are donated to a variety of breast cancer and child advocacy charities. Additionally, they’re committed to educating women on the importance of early detection.
This charity is similar to the NICU Helping Hands Angel Dress Program in that they repurpose wedding dresses to create funeral clothing for infants. This includes gowns, cloth nappies, hats, and booties. They also work with grieving parents to support them during some of the hardest times in life.
If you’re not interested in repurposing your gown, there are plenty of other ways to give it a second life. For example, you could use the fabric to create a cherished keepsake, like a baptism dress for your children or a throw pillow. Additionally, if you’re interested in an eco-friendly lifestyle, you can use your old dress to create a reusable bag or other DIY crafts!
It’s important to remember that any donation of wedding dresses or other items during the pandemic is usually tax deductible. Before dropping off your dress, it’s a good idea to wash it or have it dry cleaned in advance. This will ensure that your dress reaches the charity in pristine condition and isn’t ruined by mold or mildew. Lastly, it’s important to contact the charity in advance to ask about their storage and pick-up procedures. This is especially true during the flu season, as certain fabrics and items can develop mold if left in a wet environment for too long.