What to Do With Your Old Wedding Dress? 10 Sustainable Ideas

It's hard to part with your dream wedding dress that has so many wonderful memories attached to it, but what do you do with an old wedding dress?

If you're not sure where to start, don't worry! We've got you covered with some sustainable and meaningful ideas.

In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best eco-friendly options for your old wedding dress.

Whether you want to donate it, sell it, upcycle, or keep it as a sentimental item, we have the perfect solution for you, so you can free up some closet space. Keep reading for more information!

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Sell Your Dress Online Or At A Consignment Shop

There are a few options for selling your dress: online, at a consignment shop, or to a private buyer.

Each option has its own set of pros and cons that you'll need to consider before making a decision.

With platforms like Poshmark and Facebook Marketplace this is easier than ever and puts some extra cash in your pocket!

• If you're looking for the quickest and easiest way to sell your dress, then selling it online is probably your best bet. There are a number of websites (such as Stillwhite or PreownedWeddingDresses) that specialize in buying and selling used wedding dresses. The process is usually pretty simple: you create an account, list your dress for sale, and wait for someone to buy it. One of the main benefits of selling online is that you can reach a large audience of potential buyers - which means you're more likely to get a good price for your dress. But also be aware of listing fees and such!

• If you're not in a hurry to sell your dress, then consignment might be a better option. Consignment shops are usually willing to take dresses on commission (meaning they'll only pay you if and when they sell the dress). This means that it can take longer to sell your dress - but you may end up getting a higher percentage of the sale price.

• Finally, you could also try selling your dress privately - either through word-of-mouth or by advertising it on classified websites like Craigslist. Selling privately often takes the longest time, but it also gives you the most control over the final sale price.

There is definitely a market for sustainable brides looking for preowned wedding dresses and vintage gowns. So, which option is best for you? It really depends on your individual circumstances.

Consider how quickly you need to sell the dress, how much money you want to make, and how much effort you're willing to put into the sale.

Whichever option you choose, be sure to do your research and price your dress realistically in order to maximize your chances of making a successful sale.

Turn Your Dress Into A Piece Of Art

One way to make your dress stand out is to turn it into a piece of art. This can be done by adding some unique details or embellishments. You can also add a bit of color to really make it pop.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to turning your dress into a work of art. So go ahead and get creative! Let your imagination run wild and see what you can come up with.

Your one-of-a-kind dress will definitely be a conversation starter and your precious wedding gown will have a new purpose! If you're not the crafty DIY type there are plenty of Etsy shops that will turn your old dress into a pillow, Christmas tree skirt, or keepsake.

Angel Gown Program

A meaningful way to repurpose your wedding dress is by donating it to the Angel Gown Program. The Angel Gown Program provides comfort for families who have lost their baby through the gift of a beautiful custom made gown for final photos and for burial services. 

They use wedding dresses to create the custom gowns. You can start this process by filling out their donation form.

Frame Your Dress

If you're hoping to preserve your dress for sentimental reasons there are companies like the Beautiful Frame Company that help brides frame their dresses! If you're hoping to keep the dress in pristine condition or have your dress passed down to someone in a future generation this could be a great option.

Give Your Dress To A Friend Or Family Member

I'm sure you've seen it happen before. A friend or family member gets married, and you're stuck with a dress you'll never wear again. It can be a waste of money and a wasted opportunity to help out someone you care about.

If you have a dress that you know you'll never wear again, consider giving it to a friend or family member who is getting married. They'll appreciate the gesture, and it will save them some money on their own wedding expenses.

Plus, it's always nice to be able to wear a dress that has some sentimental value attached to it. So if you have an old wedding dress taking up space in your closet, put it to good use by passing it on to someone who can use it and it might just make someone's wedding day that much more special.

Donate Your Dress To A Charity Or Organization

One great option for what to do with your old wedding dress is to donate it to a charity or non-profit organization that helps brides in need. This is a great way to give back and help someone who may not be able to afford a wedding dress of their own.

There are many organizations that accept wedding dress donations, so do some research to find one that is near you. To find a local organization, do a quick Google search. Brides for a Cause is a super cool non-profit bridal boutique that accepts donations!

Donating your dress is a great way to make someone else’s dream come true, while also decluttering your closet. It’s a win-win!

So if you’re not sure what to do with your dress after the big day, consider donating it to a worthy cause. Plus, finding a new home for your bridal gown is sustainable because it extends the lifecycle of the garment!

Save Your Dress to Rewear

If you're planning to save your dress to rewear when you renew your vows you'll want to keep it in excellent condition. To keep your dress in good condition, store it in a cool, dry place.

If you have the space, hang your dress on a padded hanger inside a garment bag. This will protect it from dust and pests.

If you don't have the space to hang your dress, fold it carefully and place it in an acid-free storage box. Add a layer of tissue paper between the folds to prevent creasing. Label the box clearly and store it in a cool, dry place. Storing your dress properly will ensure that it stays in good condition for years to come.

Upcycle Your Dress Into Wedding Accessories

Wedding dresses typically have so much material. You can cut and sew your wedding dress to create bridal accessories for your friends and family members.

This will give your loved ones something meaningful to wear on their wedding day and is a sustainable option for repurposing a used wedding dress. You could even turn your old dress into a flower girl dress for the next wedding in the family!

Create a Different Look

Consider repurposing your dress by dying the dress, getting the sewing machine out, and adding some accessories on the dress to wear to a new evening wear occasion. This is a fun way to give your dress a second life and new memories! You can find some creative ideas on Pinterest and other social media channels.

Turn Your Dress Into a Christening Gown

If you're a DIY person you might be able to repurpose the dress yourself with a pattern and sewing machine. There are also companies that will turn your dream dress into a Christening Gown when you have a little one.

Hopefully this guide has helped you find some creative ways to repurpose your dress, discover a great idea for donating your old wedding dresses, or given you a better idea of what is required to sell your dress! All of these are sustainable ways to make sure your dream dress doesn't end up in the landfill!

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