What To Do With Your Wedding Dress Now That The Wedding Is Over

Your whirlwind of a day is over, you’re exhausted, but you’re finally married!

All of those decisions on which silverware to use, food to serve, and details to wear are all over and your day was THE BEST DAY EVER!

Now you’re back from your honeymoon and trying to find places to display and store all of the unique items. You hang pictures, wear your rings, dry your flowers, and hang your dress in the back of the closet never to be seen again. Wait…what?

That dress that you spent hours in the dress shop looking for is now being relegated to the back of your closet. But what else can you do with it? Well, let me tell you……

 

You Can Donate It

There are some great nonprofits all over that use the profits of your donated gown to support some fantastic causes. In Portland, Or, we have one called Adorned in Grace. They use the money from your dress to help fight human trafficking and its victims. An amazing way to give back and help other women.

Another fantastic company, NICU Helping Hands, will turn your wedding gown into what they call Angel Gowns.

From their website:

“NICU Helping Hands’ Angel Gown® Program began in 2013 because we recognized there was an overwhelming need for better support for families who lost a baby. Our Angel Gown® Program provides comfort for bereaved families through the gift of a beautiful custom-made gown for final photos and for burial services. We provide support resources and mentoring programs for bereaved families as well. No greater gift can be given to a grieving family than affirming the importance of the life of their child by offering the simple gift of our Angel Gown® Garments and supporting them emotionally and educationally afterward.”

 

You Can Frame It

Just like those amazing wedding images that you love, you can also mount your dress.

Companies like The Beautiful Frame Company will custom frame your dress. It not only preserves it but also gives you a beautiful display.

You Can Repurpose It

Don’t want to keep the dress hanging around your house, but would still like keepsakes? Why not repurpose it into other keepsakes? I have seen multiple ring pillows and handkerchiefs, and that was made from grandmothers dress and handed down to the members of the family. A wonderful way to incorporate your family into your day.

I have also heard that there are a few companies out there that will custom make lingerie out of your dress. Maybe a nice anniversary surprise for your significant other?

You Can Use It

I am one of those that store it, in its original bag, in the back of my closet. I LOVE my dress and always have a hope in my mind that my daughter will too. I have thought of all the options above, but after seeing all the pictures over and over again of my dad walking me down the aisle and me wearing that dress. I always circle around to keep it. I could frame and display it, but I am a photographer and always want to play with it. Its easily reached and I can look at it when I need to.

A great way for me to use the dress? As a portrait prop. But not just for anyone…..for my daughter. We had a fun portrait session a few years ago with her wearing it, and I love the results. I told myself I need to do this every year…but it keeps getting pushed off. Maybe after this post, my mind won’t let me forget it anymore!

I have also heard of girls nights out…while wearing their dresses. Go and have fun with the gown that you love so much! Just try not to spill too much wine on it.

You Can Sell It

Of course, you can always try to sell it. Some are hard to find designs, some can’t afford new dresses, and some just like the idea of not buying anything new. Why not take your spouse out for a nice dinner with the money?

I am sure there are so much more ways that you can reuse, repurpose, donate, and resell your dress. The decision is entirely yours, but I would love to know what you did with yours!

Comment below to share what you did with yours!