Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life. It’s a day where you get to celebrate the love between you and your partner, surrounded by your friends and family. Your wedding dress is an important part of that day, as it’s the dress you wore while making those memories. But what happens when your wedding day has come and gone, and your dress is now over 20 years old? In this post, we’ll explore some different options for what you can do with your old wedding dress.
Option 1: Donate it
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 a number of organizations that accept wedding dress donations, such as Brides Across America and Wish Upon a Wedding.
When donating your dress, make sure you check the organization’s guidelines to ensure that your dress is a good fit for their program. Some organizations may only accept dresses from a certain year, or have specific requirements for the condition of the dress. You may also want to consider having the dress professionally cleaned before donating it.
Option 2: Repurpose it
Another option for your old wedding dress is to repurpose it into something new. This could mean turning it into a christening gown for your children or grandchildren, or even into a piece of art or home decor. There are a number of creative ways to repurpose your dress, and it can be a great way to keep the memory of your wedding day alive in a new way.
If you’re not particularly crafty, you could also consider hiring a professional to repurpose your dress for you. There are a number of dressmakers and designers who specialize in this type of work, and they can help you transform your dress into something new and beautiful.
Option 3: Keep it
Of course, one option for your old wedding dress is simply to keep it. While this may not be the most practical option, it can be sentimental to hold onto the dress and pass it down to future generations. You could store the dress in a preservation box to ensure that it stays in good condition, or even display it in your home as a piece of memorabilia.
Option 4: Sell it
If you’re looking to get rid of your old wedding dress and potentially make some money in the process, selling it could be a good option. There are a number of online platforms that allow you to sell used wedding dresses, such as Stillwhite and Tradesy. Before listing your dress for sale, be sure to do some research on the market value for dresses similar to yours, and take high-quality photos to showcase the dress in the best possible light.
Conclusion
Your wedding dress is a special garment that holds a lot of memories from your big day. While it can be difficult to part with it, there are a number of options for what to do with your old wedding dress. Whether you choose to donate it, repurpose it, keep it, or sell it, there’s no wrong choice. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what feels right for you and your unique situation. By considering the different options, you’ll be able to make an informed decision that honors the memories of your wedding day.
FAQ
Are old wedding dresses worth anything?
Wedding dresses are one of the most significant and sentimental items that a woman can own. They represent special memories and milestones in a woman’s life. Often, after the wedding ceremony, the dress is stored away, preserved for future generations or simply forgotten. Many brides wonder if their old wedding dresses are worth anything. The answer is yes, old wedding dresses can be worth something, but the value of the dress depends on several factors.
As a general rule of thumb, used gowns in great condition and only a few years old can sell for fifty percent of their retail price. Many women search for pre-owned wedding gowns to save money on their special day, and will happily pay for a used dress if it’s in good condition. However, as the dress gets older, the amount it can sell for decreases, especially if the dress style is no longer popular or in demand. Like fashion, wedding dress styles change over the years, and something that was fashionable a decade ago may not be in-demand today.
Another significant factor in determining the value of an old wedding dress is the designer. High-end designers such as Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, and Oscar de la Renta command top dollar on the pre-owned market. Dresses from these designers can sell for a higher percentage of their original retail price, even if they are several years old. However, if the dress is a store brand or a lesser-known designer, the price will be lower.
The condition of the old wedding dress is also important. If the dress has been stored in pristine condition, with no signs of wear and tear, it will command a higher price. On the other hand, if the dress has stains or tears, or has been altered beyond recognition, it will not be worth as much. It’s also essential that the dress has been professionally cleaned and preserved to maintain its value.
Old wedding dresses can be worth something, but their value depends on several factors, including the designer, the style, the condition, and the age of the dress. If you’re trying to sell an old wedding gown, it’s crucial to research the prices of similar dresses online and to make sure that your dress is in pristine condition. With a little effort and luck, you might just receive a good return on your investment.
Should you save your wedding dress for your daughter?
The question of whether or not to save your wedding dress for your daughter is a personal one that each bride must decide for herself. There are several factors to consider, including sentimental value, practicality, and storage. Some brides choose to preserve their gowns in the hopes that their future daughters will want to wear them on their own wedding days, while others see it as a waste of space and prefer to sell or donate their dresses.
One of the main reasons to save your wedding dress for your daughter is sentimental value. Your wedding day is one of the most significant events in your life, and your dress is likely to have a lot of emotional significance to you. Holding onto the gown can serve as a reminder of that special day and the love you shared with your partner. Preserving the gown also gives your future daughters and grandchildren the option to wear your dress on their wedding day. For many families, wearing the dress can become a tradition that is passed on from generation to generation.
On the other hand, there are practical concerns to consider when deciding whether or not to save your wedding dress. For one thing, wedding dresses can take up a significant amount of storage space, especially if you plan to preserve it for many years. Gowns can also be expensive to maintain and repair if they are not properly stored. Additionally, there is always the possibility that your daughter may not be interested in wearing your dress for her own wedding. In this case, holding onto the gown may seem like a waste of space and money.
For brides who do decide to save their wedding dresses, proper storage is essential. Most wedding gowns should be cleaned and then stored in an acid-free box or garment bag to prevent damage from sunlight, moisture, and insects. Some brides also choose to have their dresses professionally preserved, which can be more expensive but offers added protection against aging and discoloration.
Whether or not to save your wedding dress for your daughter is a decision that only you can make. The choice will depend on several factors, including sentimental value, practicality, and storage. the decision should be based on what works best for you and your family, and whether or not you believe that your daughter will want to wear your dress on her own wedding day.
What should an old bride wear?
When it comes to weddings, there is often an emphasis on the bride’s attire. However, as we age, our fashion sense and body shapes may change. This can present a challenge to older brides who want to look their best on their big day. Thankfully, there are many options available to ensure that older brides feel confident and beautiful in their wedding attire.
One important consideration when choosing a wedding dress is the style and cut. Many older brides prefer to opt for a dress with sleeves to cover their arms. Sleeveless and cami-style dresses can also look very elegant. Cap or flutter-style sleeves are another option that will cover your shoulders and upper arms while looking stylish. Alternatively, consider lace or illusion sleeves. Three-quarter lengths work well as they flatter your hands and wrists.
Older brides may also want to consider the length of their dress. While a floor-length gown may have looked amazing in your twenties, it may not be as practical or flattering as you age. A tea-length dress, which falls just below the knee, can be a great option as it shows off your shoes while still being elegant and sophisticated. However, if you prefer the traditional floor-length gown, consider adding a small train for added drama.
Another consideration is the fabric of your dress. Lighter fabrics such as chiffon, lace, and tulle can flatter your figure and ensure that you stay comfortable throughout the day. These fabrics also tend to be more forgiving, which is especially important if you are self-conscious about certain areas.
There are many options available to older brides when it comes to their wedding attire. It is important to find a dress that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and beautiful. Consider the style and cut, length, and fabric of your dress to ensure that you find the perfect gown for your big day. With the right dress, you can look and feel amazing as you exchange vows and start your new life together.