wedding gown in the mannequin

Your wedding dress is one of the most special items from one of the most important days of your life. It will always hold a special place in your heart.

But what do you do with your wedding dress after the big day?

There are several options for what to do with your wedding dress after your big day. Here are some ideas worth pondering.

The first thing you should do after your wedding is to have your dress cleaned and preserved. It is best to find a reputable and experienced cleaning service to handle the task.

A truly professional cleaning service will know how to use special techniques and materials that will keep your dress looking beautiful for years to come.

The cleaning process typically begins with a thorough inspection of the dress to identify any areas that need extra attention, such as stains or discoloration. The dress is then carefully cleaned using gentle detergents and solvents to remove any dirt or stains.

After cleaning, the dress is carefully pressed and steamed to remove any wrinkles and restore its shape.

Display as home accessory

Displaying your wedding dress in your home is a great way to be reminded daily of some of your most precious memories.

There are no hard and fast rules about where to locate the display. You could prepare a special place for the dress in a spare room, in your bedroom, or even in your living area. There are also several different methods you could use to display your wedding dress. Using a shadow box is one of them.

A shadow box is a decorative frame or narrow cabinet that functions as a display case. It is often made of wood, and it usually has a a clear glass or plastic cover that protects the contents of the box (in this case, your wedding dress and accessories) while still allowing them to be seen.

If you feel creative, you can make your own shadow box and tailor it to fit your dress, veil, and any other wedding items you wish to display. You can also purchase a shadow box ready-made. Either way, it can be a great way to showcase your dress and remember your special day.

Pass it down to future generations

mother talking to her daughter

Passing down your wedding dress to someone of a future generation is a beautiful and sentimental way to make use of your dress and strengthen family ties. It allows you to share the joy and beauty of your own wedding with a special loved one on her wedding day.

If you think you might like to pass your dress down to someone in the future, it’s important to have it cleaned and preserved soon after your wedding. This will ensure that it is in perfect condition for the next bride to wear.

It is also important to consider the style and fit of the dress. If it is a vintage dress or has an outdated style, it may not be suitable for a modern bride. In this case, it might be better to consider having the dress made into a different piece of clothing or a piece of home decor.

You could also talk with the future bride and get her input on the dress. Then the dress could be tailored to her size and particular style. It will make her feel special and strengthen your connection with her.

Passing down your wedding dress to a future generation is a beautiful way to keep the memories and traditions of your special day alive. It will always be a reminder of the love and commitment shared on your wedding day and will create a special bond between you and the next bride.

Sell or donate the wedding dress

group of women waiting for something to fell
GETTY IMAGE

Selling or donating your wedding dress is another option to consider. Both options have their own benefits, and it is important to choose the one that feels right for you.

If you decide to sell your dress, you can do so through a variety of channels. Online marketplaces such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace or online bridal consignment shops are great places to sell your dress. You can also choose to sell your dress to a local bridal shop that specializes in the resale of wedding gowns.

When selling your dress, it’s important to have it cleaned and preserved before listing it for sale. This will ensure that it is in the best possible condition and will help you get a better price for it.

If you prefer not to sell your dress, there are many charities that accept donations of wedding dresses. The dresses are used in various ways, such as making clothing for children in need, using them for educational purposes or selling them to raise funds.

You may also choose to donate your dress to a specific charity that aligns with your values, such as a charity that provides bridal gowns for underprivileged brides. Again, before donating your dress, it’s important to have it cleaned and preserved.

Selling or donating your dress after the wedding is a great way to give back to the community and help others. It is also a way to free up some space in your closet. Whichever option you choose, you can feel good about sharing the value and beauty of your wedding dress with others who will appreciate it.

Re-purpose your wedding dress

woman holding and looking at her wedding gown
GETTY IMAGE

Re-purposing your wedding dress will allow you to continue enjoying your dress in a new way. It can also be a great way to save money!

One of the most popular ways to re-purpose a wedding dress is to have it cut and altered to create a beautiful cocktail dress or evening gown. This can be done by a professional tailor or seamstress, and they can work with you to create a dress that is tailored to your style and body shape.

Another option is to have your dress made into a christening gown for a child.  This is a touching way to add beauty to a special occasion and to strengthen family ties.

Have a “trash the dress” photoshoot

trash wedding dress photoshoot of bride and groom lying in beach

For a fun and unique way to enjoy your wedding dress after the big day, consider a “trash the dress” photoshoot. A “trash the dress” photoshoot is just what it sounds like—a photoshoot of you in your wedding dress where the dress is destroyed in a creative and artistic way.

This could mean anything from getting it wet and sandy at the beach, to covering it in paint or even setting it on fire.

You’ll have fun with your dress in a new way and create some amazing and unforgettable photos at the same time!

Rent your wedding dress

bridal gown rental

If you don’t have any sentimental attachment to your dress and you are looking to make some extra cash, you can always rent your wedding dress to other brides. Many brides are looking for an affordable way to get their dream dress, and renting a dress that has been worn once can be a great option.

Turn it into a keepsake

clutch made from wedding dress as a keepsake

Another creative use of your wedding dress after the wedding is to turn it into a keepsake. You can have part of your dress, such as a piece of lace or a section of the skirt, made into a piece of jewelry or a piece of art. This will allow you to keep a small piece of your dress with you always as a beautiful reminder of your special day.

Host a “Wedding Dress Day”

If you have a group of friends or family members who also still have their wedding dresses, why not host a “Wedding Dress Day”? This is a gathering where everyone brings their wedding dress, and the activities of the day are all dress-related.

For example, the group may be encouraged to try on their dresses, reminisce about their wedding days, and have photos taken together. This can be a fun and unique way to re-use your wedding dress—and it will be a special memory for everyone involved!

Use it for a themed photoshoot

You don’t have to trash your dress to get unforgettable photos! You can have a different kind of post-wedding photoshoot of you in your wedding dress. First, choose a theme that is meaningful to you, such as a beach or garden theme.

Next, find a beautiful location and a good photographer.

Finally, relax in the care-free atmosphere of a photoshoot not bound by a busy schedule of wedding day events. The photos will serve as a touching reminder of your special day and will be a great way to showcase your wedding-day beauty one more time!

There are many ways to reuse your wedding dress after the big day. Choose the option that feels right for you and brings you the most joy!

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