Introduction
An old wedding dress can be a difficult item to deal with. Whether it’s a family heirloom that no longer fits or a dress from a past relationship that has been collecting dust in the back of your closet, knowing what to do with an old wedding dress can be a challenge. However, there are several creative and meaningful options for what to do with an old wedding dress so that you can give it a new life or pass it on to someone else who will cherish it.
Upcycle It: Repurpose Your Old Wedding Dress into a New Outfit
One of the most popular things to do with an old wedding dress is to repurpose it into a new outfit. This can be done by altering the original dress or by creating something completely new out of the fabric. For example, you could take the skirt of the dress and turn it into a maxi skirt, or cut the top off and sew it into a blouse. There are many tutorials on YouTube and other websites that show how to alter wedding dresses into new outfits. You can also have a professional tailor or seamstress do the alterations for you if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself.
There are plenty of examples of dresses that have been repurposed into beautiful new outfits. For instance, a vintage lace wedding dress was turned into a stunning white cocktail dress. A strapless gown was transformed into a modern jumpsuit. And even a heavy ball gown was altered into a chic two-piece set. The possibilities are endless when it comes to repurposing an old wedding dress into a new outfit.
Transform It Into Home Decor
Another option for what to do with an old wedding dress is to transform it into home decor. This can be done by taking pieces of the dress and turning them into pillows, wall hangings, or other decorative items. For example, you could take the bodice of the dress and turn it into a pillow. Or you could take the train and turn it into a wall hanging. Again, there are many tutorials online that show how to turn wedding dresses into home decor.
There are plenty of inspiring examples of dresses that have been transformed into home decor. For instance, the skirt of a dress was turned into a beautiful wall tapestry. A tulle skirt was transformed into a dreamy canopy. And a lace bodice was made into a delicate throw pillow. These are just a few of the many possibilities for transforming an old wedding dress into home decor.
Donate It to a Charity or Recycle It
If you don’t want to keep your old wedding dress or repurpose it into something new, another option is to donate it to a charity or recycle it. Many charities accept donations of wedding dresses, which they then resell to raise money for their cause. There are also organizations that accept wedding dresses and donate them to brides in need. If you choose to donate your dress, make sure to research the organization thoroughly to make sure they are reputable.
Recycling is also an option for what to do with an old wedding dress. Many fabric stores accept donations of old fabrics, which they then use to create new items. Or you could take the dress to a specialty recycling center that specifically accepts textiles. Donating or recycling your dress is a great way to give it a second life without keeping it in your own home.
Turn It Into a Quilt
If you’d like to keep your old wedding dress but don’t have the space to store it, another option is to turn it into a quilt. This can be done by cutting the dress into small pieces and then sewing them together into a patchwork quilt. You can also add embellishments or monograms to make the quilt even more special. Again, there are many tutorials online that show how to turn a wedding dress into a quilt.
There are plenty of beautiful examples of quilts made from old wedding dresses. For instance, one quilt was created using the bodice and skirt of a gown and was embellished with lace and pearls. Another quilt was made from the bodice of a dress and was adorned with intricate beading. And a third quilt was made from the skirt of a dress and was embroidered with words of love. Turning an old wedding dress into a quilt is a wonderful way to make a lasting memory.
Sell It Online
If you’d like to make some money off of your old wedding dress, you can always sell it online. There are many websites dedicated to selling used wedding dresses, such as Still White, PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, and OnceWed.com. Before listing your dress, make sure to clean it thoroughly and take good quality photos of it. You should also include detailed measurements and descriptions in your listing to help buyers make an informed decision.
When pricing your dress, consider factors such as the condition of the dress, the brand name, and the age of the dress. You may also want to offer discounts for multiple items or bundle deals. Selling your old wedding dress online is a great way to make some extra cash while giving the dress a new home.
Have It Professionally Preserved
If you’d like to keep your old wedding dress for sentimental reasons, you can have it professionally preserved. This process involves cleaning the dress and wrapping it in acid-free tissue paper to protect it from damage over time. Many dry cleaners and tailors offer preservation services, and they will typically provide a certificate of authenticity with the preserved dress. Having your dress professionally preserved is a great way to ensure that it lasts for years to come.
Conclusion
An old wedding dress can be a difficult item to deal with, but there are many creative and meaningful options for what to do with it. From repurposing it into a new outfit to transforming it into home decor, there are plenty of ways to give your old wedding dress a new life. You can also donate it to a charity, recycle it, turn it into a quilt, or sell it online. Alternatively, you can have it professionally preserved so that you can keep it for sentimental reasons. No matter what you choose to do with your old wedding dress, it’s sure to be a memorable experience.