What to Do With Your Wedding Dress After the Ceremony – Dress Preservation

For every bride, a wedding gown is much more than a clothing item. It is a symbol of love, commitment, and the beginning of a new life. Unfortunately, most bridal gowns end up hanging in a closet or stored in a bag under the bed. But does your precious gown deserve this kind of neglect? We don’t think so.

A wedding gown holds a significant sentimental value, and no bride would like to ruin her precious dress to end up forgotten and damaged over time.

So, what should you do with your wedding gown after the wedding ceremony?

Well, there are countless ways to make use of or make money from your wedding gown once the festivities are over. However, no matter what you choose, one thing that you can’t overlook is to have your dress professionally cleaned.

Since wedding dresses are made up of delicate fabric and are prone to getting stains and damage, it is crucial to get rid of party stains and smudges. Not only can this help prevent fabric discoloration but also preserve the integrity of your dress.

Once you have your stain-free wedding gown, you might be wondering how to get the most out of it. So, here is what you can do with your wedding dress after your wedding day.

Creative Ways to Repurpose Your Wedding Dress

Before we discuss the ways to repurpose your wedding gown, you need to decide whether you want to keep your wedding gown with you or not.

If you don’t want to keep your wedding gown

We understand that though it is difficult to part with your wedding dress as it is one of the most expensive and precious dresses a brides owns, sometime we don’t have another option – be it due to lack of space or you don’t want to wear it again in the future.

In such a situation, here is what you can do with your wedding dress:

Donate It

There are brides who can’t afford to buy expensive wedding gowns. Giving away your wedding dress provides a bride facing financial hardship a chance to realize their dream of looking like a princess on her special day. Not only can this help you contribute to a noble cause but also make you feel good about yourself.

Several charity organizations, such as Brides Across America, Brides for a Cause, Angel Gowns, etc., accept wedding dress donations. You can also find some nearby organizations online that accept wedding dress donations.

Sell It

If you want to make some money out of your wedding dress, consider selling it. While this may seem like a daunting task, there are some sellers that buy second-hand wedding dresses.

So, if you are wondering how to sell a wedding gown, consider these platforms: Nearly Newlywed, Stillwhite, PreOwnedWeddingDresses, and more.

Rent It

Many brides prefer to wear a rented wedding dress instead of buying a brand new dress. So, brides who want to earn some extra money from their wedding gown but don’t want to part with their precious gown can choose to rent it. Platforms like Bridal Studio, Fancy Wedding Center, Lovely Bride New York, etc., are the perfect places to rent your wedding dress.

If you want to keep your wedding gown

Saying goodbye to your precious gown that holds a significant sentimental value can be difficult, which is understandable. So, those who want to keep their wedding dress with them but don’t want it to sit in storage, consider the following options:

Pass It Down

One of the most traditional ways to preserve your wedding dress’s legacy is to pass it down to future generations. Whether it’s your daughter, niece, or another family member, having the opportunity to wear a cherished family gown can make their special day even more meaningful.

Gown Preservation is Key: To keep the bridal dress in pristine condition after the wedding, professional cleaning and preservation are essential. Proper storage in an acid-free box with tissue paper can prevent yellowing and fabric damage.

At Dress Preservation, we know a wedding gown's sentimental value and what it means to you. That is why we provide wedding dress preservation kits that allow you to keep your precious gown looking brand new for years to come.

Modernizing the Dress: Fashion trends change over time, but a skilled seamstress can alter the gown while maintaining sentimental value. Whether it's adjusting the silhouette, changing the neckline, or incorporating new fabrics, passing down a modified gown can give it new life.

Repurpose It into a Cocktail or Prom Dress

A wedding dress doesn’t have to be worn just once. With expert tailoring, you can transform it into a unique cocktail or prom dress for a loved one. This is a great way to wear dresses after the wedding.

Shorten the Length: Wedding gowns are often floor-length, but by cutting and hemming the fabric, you can create a chic midi or knee-length dress perfect for formal events.
Modify the Design: Adding sleeves, changing the neckline, or removing embellishments can help turn a bridal gown into a sophisticated evening dress.
Remove the Train: Wedding dresses often feature long trains, but these can be removed to create a more wearable and versatile garment.

Die It

If you love your wedding dress but want to give it a fresh look, dyeing it is an excellent option. A skilled fabric dyer can help transform the gown into a completely different shade, making it perfect for other occasions.

Soft Pastels: Light shades like blush pink, champagne, or baby blue can give the dress a romantic and elegant appearance.
Bold Colors: Deep hues like navy blue, emerald green, or burgundy can turn your gown into a striking evening dress.

Note: Wedding dresses are often made with delicate fabrics like lace, silk, or tulle, which require expert dyeing techniques to ensure an even and professional finish.

Use It for a Vow Renewal

A vow renewal ceremony is a beautiful way to celebrate your lasting love. Instead of buying a new dress, you can modify your original wedding gown to fit the occasion.

Make Alterations: You can adjust the fit, remove layers, or modify the sleeves to create a more comfortable and updated look.
Change the Accessories: Adding a belt, different jewelry, or a new veil can help refresh the gown’s style without significant changes.
Create a Two-Piece Ensemble: If your dress has a full skirt, consider transforming it into a two-piece outfit, making it more suitable for a relaxed vow renewal setting.

Turn It into Baby Keepsakes

Your wedding gown can be repurposed into beautiful baby keepsakes, preserving the memories of your special day for the next generation.

Christening Gown or Baptism Dress: A wedding dress’s delicate fabric is perfect for creating a baby’s christening or baptism outfit.
Baby Blanket: Pieces of lace and silk can be stitched together to make a sentimental baby blanket.
Memory Pillow or Stuffed Animal: Small sections of the dress can be used to make a custom pillow or stuffed animal, serving as a cherished keepsake for your child.

Create Meaningful Home Decor

Instead of keeping your gown hidden away, why not incorporate it into your home décor? There are several creative ways to display pieces of your wedding dress in your home.

Framed Lace or Fabric Panels: If your dress features intricate lace or embroidery, framing a section of it can create a stunning piece of wall art.
Pillow Covers: Turn fabric into decorative pillows for your bedroom or living room.
A Quilt or Bedspread: Sewing different sections of the dress into a quilt can create a meaningful keepsake that tells the story of your special day.

The Bottom Line

No matter what option you choose, it will always be better than storing your dress under a bed or behind the closet, allowing dust and time to take its toll. If you want to preserve your wedding gown, rely on Dress Preservation – the #1 company, known for top-notch wedding dress preservation services in NYC.