what to do with old wedding gowns

3 min read 25-12-2024

Your wedding dress holds memories of your special day. But after the wedding, what do you do with that gorgeous gown? Storing it in a box in the attic is one option, but there are many more creative and sentimental ways to give your wedding dress a new life. This article explores various options for repurposing and preserving your beloved gown.

Sentimental Preservation: Keeping Your Dress as it Is

For many brides, preserving the dress in its original state is the most important option. This ensures that future generations can admire the dress.

Professional Preservation:

Find a reputable preservation service. Research companies specializing in wedding dress preservation. They'll clean and store your gown in an archival-quality box, protecting it from damage and discoloration. Look for services that offer acid-free materials and climate-controlled storage. This ensures optimal preservation.
Consider the cost. Professional preservation can be expensive, but it's an investment in preserving a cherished memory. Get quotes from several companies before deciding.

Home Preservation:

Clean your dress professionally first. Before storing it yourself, have it professionally cleaned to remove stains and dirt. Home cleaning methods can cause damage.
Store it properly. Use an acid-free box or garment bag, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and pests. Consider using tissue paper to prevent wrinkles. A cool, dry place is ideal. Avoid attics or basements.

Repurposing Your Wedding Gown: Creative Second Acts

If preserving the dress isn't your priority, repurposing it offers many creative possibilities.

Creating Heirlooms for Future Generations:

Baby clothes or christening gowns. The fabric of your wedding dress can be transformed into beautiful and sentimental baby clothes or christening gowns. These special items connect generations. Many seamstresses specialize in this type of work.
Keepsake items: Small pieces of fabric can be used to create keepsakes like handkerchiefs, pillows, or quilt squares. These remind you of your special day. You can also create a beautiful quilt combining the fabric from your wedding dress with other meaningful textiles.

Giving Your Wedding Dress a New Look:

Alterations for everyday wear. A talented seamstress can transform your wedding dress into a shorter cocktail dress, a beautiful skirt, or even a stylish jacket. This allows you to enjoy your dress in a new way.
Donation to Charity. Several organizations accept donated wedding dresses. Some resell them to raise money, while others provide them to brides who may not be able to afford a new dress. Research local charities accepting wedding dress donations.

Unique and Creative Repurposing Ideas:

Art and craft projects. Some brides use the fabric to create art pieces, incorporating beads, lace, or other embellishments. More creative options include incorporating elements into unique jewelry.
Wedding dress pillows or keepsakes. The lace or fabric can be used to make beautiful pillows or other small keepsake items. These serve as beautiful reminders.

Choosing the Right Option for You

The best way to repurpose your wedding dress depends on your personal preferences and budget. Consider:

Sentimental value: How important is it to you to preserve the dress in its original state?
Budget: Professional preservation services can be costly. Repurposing might be a more affordable option.
Creativity: Do you enjoy DIY projects, or would you prefer to hire a professional?
Time constraints: Repurposing can be time-consuming. Do you have the time to undertake a project yourself, or would you rather entrust it to someone else?

Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose an option that you'll cherish for years to come. Your wedding dress represents a significant milestone in your life; making a decision that honors its significance is key. Regardless of your choice, remember to capture photos of the process for future memories.