Wedding Dress Decisions: What to do with your gown?

Hey there, lovely bride-to-be! Now that the whirlwind of your wedding day has passed, let’s talk about what to do with that exquisite wedding dress of yours. Whether you’re feeling super sentimental about it or not, there are plenty of options to consider that’ll keep those cherished memories alive and spread a little joy along the way.

First off, if you’re not feeling that deep connection to your gown, that’s totally okay! You’ve still got all those incredible memories from your special day, gown or no gown. But if you’re pondering what to do with it, here are some ideas to ponder:

Professional Wedding Dress Cleaning and Preservation

One option worth considering is getting your dress professionally cleaned and preserved. This ensures that your favorite dress stays looking as fabulous as it did on your wedding day, without you having to worry about how to store it. Plus, it’s a great way to pass on some joy by donating it to charity afterward. Many charities prefer dresses to be professionally cleaned first before donation, so keep that in mind.

Passing It Along or Getting Creative

If you’re thinking about passing your dress along to someone else, you could go the traditional preservation route. You know, saving it for a future generation or maybe even for a throwback moment on your first anniversary with your hubby. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could get creative! Ever heard of Nearly Newlywed? They’ve got an awesome selection of dresses, and they even clean them as part of the sale process. Talk about a win-win!

Repurposing Your Dress

Another fantastic option is repurposing your dress into all sorts of cool things. Think teddy bears, baby outfits, or even a memory quilt. If you’re into crafting, turning bits of your dress into home decor is a neat way to keep those wedding memories alive on the daily.

Donating to Local Charities

Now, if you’re in the Seattle area and looking to donate your dress, there are a couple of fantastic charities you might consider:

Brides for a Cause: This nonprofit operates a bridal store in Seattle that resells wedding dresses to raise funds for various women-focused charities. They gladly accept donations of new and gently used wedding dresses, which are then sold at discounted prices to brides-to-be, with proceeds supporting charitable causes.

Mary’s Place: Dedicated to helping homeless women and families in the Seattle area, Mary’s Place occasionally accepts donations of wedding dresses and formal attire for special events and fundraisers. While their primary focus is on providing shelter and support services, your dress donation can still make a meaningful impact.

Before donating your dress, it’s always a good idea to reach out to these organizations directly to learn about their current donation policies and any specific requirements they may have. That way, you can ensure that your dress finds its way to someone who will truly appreciate it while supporting a worthy cause in your community.

So, whether you decide to preserve your gown, repurpose it into something new, or pass it along to a deserving bride-to-be, just know that your wedding dress journey doesn’t have to end with the big day. It’s all about spreading love, joy, and making memories that last a lifetime.