After viewing thousands of photos, trying on countless options and finally finding the wedding gown of your dreams, what are you supposed to do with this amazingly exquisite dress after your wedding? From dress preservation, repurposing, trashing and more, we at Bridal Spectacular have a few great options for to do with your dress post-wedding.
Preserve Your Wedding Gown
If you are like me, and there is no way you are ever parting with your stunning wedding dress (unless one day you hope to have a daughter who may want to wear it), getting your dress preserved if the perfect option.
It is best to have your dress cleaned and preserved within six months of your wedding — but the sooner the better. You can ask the retailer where you bought your gown what they suggest (some may even offer this service right at the store) or find a reputable cleaner that specializes in wedding dresses so they use the right solvents. Once your dress is back home, store it in a cool, dry place to help maintain its condition. View here for a list of great services: Bridal Gown Alterations & Care.
Repurpose Your Gown
Another great option to get continued use out of your beautiful dress is to find creative ways of repurposing the fabric. Some great possibilities to consider include
- Cut your dress to knee-length, make other adjustments as needed and you could possibly wear it as a cocktail dress to another wedding or event.
- If you plan on adding a little one to your new family, you can use the fabric to make a dress for a baby girl or even create skirting for your baby’s crib or bassinet.
- With the beautiful details and high-quality fabric, wedding dresses can make the perfect Christmas tree skirt that you can cherish with your family for years to come.
- You could also change up the dress a bit and even die it black to use as your next Halloween costume, like a ghost, zombie or gothic bride.
Trash the Dress!
This option can certainly be one of the most fun ideas! For a big anniversary, like celebrating five years, get all glammed up and put that beautiful dress on one last time for a trash the dress photo shoot. You can trash it in so many different ways in Las Vegas, like taking a dip in Lake Mead, ripping it to shreds and then posing in the Neon Museum, having a spray painting party at the Dry Lake Beds, or even getting a little dirty in Nelson’s Ghost Town. You can hire the same photographer you used for your wedding photos or hire a new one if you are looking for a different photo style.
Click here for a list of great Las Vegas photographers.
Donate or Resell Your Gown
Last, but certainly not least, you can sell your or donate your dress to a good cause. Aside from eBay, there are plenty of sites out there that accept pre-owned wedding dresses including:
Once you sell your dress, you can splurge on a new purse or donate the proceeds to a charity of your choice. Another great option is to donate it directly to a great nonprofit to help others in need, such as:
Remember, this is your dress and your memories — there is no right or wrong choice. Simply do what makes you the happiest and you can’t go wrong! For more wedding planning tips, ideas and inspiration, please visit bridalspectacular.com or follow us on Facebook, twitter and Pinterest.
Author: Deidre Bakker-Riches