Last Updated on May 27, 2023 by Kimberlee Johnson
After the celebratory confetti settles and the promises of forever fade away, one question remains: What to do with wedding dress after divorce?
As someone who has gone through this bittersweet journey, I’ve learned that there’s more than one path to tread.
With that, I’ll share practical insights and creative ideas to help you navigate this delicate situation and find closure on your terms.
10 Things To Do With Your Wedding Dress After A Divorce
1. Donate It To A Worthy Cause
Do a good deed and donate your wedding dress to a charity [1] that helps brides in need.
Organizations like Brides Across America and The Brides Project accept donations so less fortunate brides can have their dream weddings.
Your dress can bring joy to someone else and become part of a new love story.
2. Sell It & Create A New Chapter
Selling your wedding dress may be the sensible choice if you must recover some of your costs or start over.
Check out online marketplaces like Stillwhite, PreOwnedWeddingDresses, or eBay to find buyers.
Ensure to include detailed info, good-quality pictures, and reasonable prices to attract potential customers.
3. Repurpose It Into A New Creation
Transform your wedding dress into something new and meaningful.
“A wedding dress is both intimate and personal for a woman – it must reflect the personality and style of the bride.”
– Carolina Herrera, Venezuelan Fashion Designer
Work with a talented tailor or designer to make a one-of-a-kind garment like a cocktail dress, skirt, or blouse from the fabric.
Updating the dress will give it a new purpose while keeping its sentimental value.
4. Gift It To A Loved One
Why not think about giving your wedding dress to a close relative or friend who is getting married, such as your daughter, sister, niece, or close friend?
It is a beautiful and meaningful gesture that symbolizes hope and resilience in facing life’s challenges. Plus, It could become a cherished heirloom passed down through generations.
5. Rent It Out For Photo Shoots
If you’re open to the idea, you could rent your wedding dress to photographers or models who need a unique and nostalgic item for their photoshoots.
Photographers and artists always look for beautiful pieces to create amazing visuals.
Not only will others get to experience the beauty of your dress, but you can also make some money from it.
6. Make It Into Christening Or Baptismal Gowns
If you have children, you can repurpose your wedding dress into a christening or baptismal gown.
“Though the vows may have changed, the wedding dress remains a powerful artifact of your story. Choose a path that empowers you, whether releasing it with grace, transforming it into new beginnings, or preserving it as a reminder of your resilience.”
– Howkapow Gift Site
It’s a wonderful way to keep your family history alive and create a treasured heirloom that can be passed down.
Ask a skilled seamstress to help you turn the fabric into special garments, combining the old and the new.
7. Use It For A Themed Costume Or Cosplay
Are you into costume parties or cosplay? If so, turn your wedding dress into a costume for a themed event. Get creative and become a princess, a gothic character, or a fantasy figure.
Give your dress a new identity and make fresh memories that are different from your past.
8. Make A Quilt
One heartfelt way to give new life to your wedding dress after a divorce is by turning it into a quilt—a special blanket filled with memories and emotions.
Each stitch and patch in the quilt symbolizes your journey, representing the joys and sorrows experienced.
Wrapping yourself in this quilt brings comfort and strength, reminding you of your ability to heal and move forward.
9. Upcycle Into Accessories
A creative idea for your wedding dress after a divorce is repurposing it into fashionable accessories. You can get crafty yourself or find someone with a knack for it to help.
The delicate lace or other decorative elements can transform into beautiful hair accessories, brooches, or sentimental handkerchiefs.
10. Preserve It
Preserving your wedding dress as a keepsake is a meaningful choice following a divorce [2].
By carefully storing it in a safe place, you can hold onto its sentimental value and the memories it holds from your special day.
Properly protecting it from damage and discoloration over time, such as using an acid-free box or garment bag, ensures its long-term preservation.
FAQs
Should you keep your old wedding dress?
You don’t have to keep the old wedding dress if you are ready to let go of every memory that withholds it. But many brides keep their wedding dress as a memento of their special day.
How can you use an old wedding gown for a wedding?
An old wedding gown can be repurposed for a wedding by creating it into accessories. Or have it altered so it will fit into you, or use the fabric from the gown to create a new dress?
Wrapping Up
In the aftermath of divorce, the question of what to do with a wedding dress can be bitter.
Drawing from personal experience, I’ve explored various options to help you navigate this emotional journey.
Whether you donate your dress to a worthy cause, sell it to recoup costs, repurpose it into something new, or gift it to a loved one, each choice carries its significance.
The key lies in finding closure and embracing your new chapter.
Remember, the decision is yours to make, and by reclaiming your wedding dress, you empower yourself to shape your narrative.
References:
- https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/10470-small-business-guide-charity-donations.html
- https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/093015/divorce-planning-checklist-what-you-need-know.asp
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