You may also be wondering what to do with your wedding dress now that the nuptials are over. The good news is that there are several options for your wedding day outfit. You can either have it professionally preserved (maybe to pass onto someone else down the line), donate it to someone in need, or repurpose it into décor for your newlywed nest.
Picture courtesy of Yenny Lee Bridal Couture
Now that you've officially said "I do," you may have some loose ends to tie up: unwrapping presents, writing thank you notes and finalizing honeymoon plans.
Here are creative ways to repurpose your gown.
1. Sell Your Wedding Dress
You can make some extra cash and pass along the dress for another to-be-wed to enjoy. It may seem daunting to sell your wedding dress, but preowned wedding dress sellers such as Nearly Newlywed make it easy. But any resale service or store works if you're hoping to give your wedding dress a new life after your own special day.
2. Have a Postwedding Photoshoot
Think about what places are meaningful to you, are fun and will make you feel like a fashion model for a day. Sure, you can totally trash your dress while you're there, but that part isn't required. Some brides get artistic with a postwedding photoshoot called "trash the dress"—and no, that doesn't mean the dress has to be completely ruined. It just means getting your picture taken in a less formal setting than you might have been able to on your wedding day.
3. Donate Your Wedding Dress to Charity
If you don't have a specific charity in mind, think local and inquire at your nearest thrift store (or farther away if you'd rather not run into someone in town wearing your wedding dress)—the shop may be in need of a white gown restock, in which case, you'll make a lucky, local bride-to-be very happy in the near future. Many organizations all over the country accept wedding dress and apparel donations.
4. Host a Wedding Dress Party
It's a fun and creative way to give your wedding dress new life after your wedding day. Staging a flower toss is totally optional, of course! Take a cue from the beloved sitcom and host your very own wedding dress party. Invite your friends over and ask them to wear their wedding gowns.
5. Alter Your Wedding Dress
Surprise your partner with it on your first anniversary to make the celebration even more special. Work with a tailor or seamstress to create a brand new piece of clothing you can wear again and again. If you don't love the idea of retiring your wedding dress after wearing it once, consider getting it altered into a more wearable garment.
Preserve Your Wedding Dress
Want to save your gown for sentimental reasons? Your first to-do is to get your wedding dress cleaned and preserved to remove party stains and smudges, like mud on the hem from your barn reception or berry compote from your wedding cake. Wedding Dress Preservation by The Knot has you covered on that front—just choose your package, ship your dress and we'll take care of the rest. Having your gown professionally preserved also means that you can pass it down to someone else—saving them the cost (both financial and ecological) of buying a brand new gown.
6. Get Crafty With Your Wedding Dress
That's right—you can turn your wedding dress into art by getting it framed. If you're savvy with a sewing machine and not afraid to see your dress in pieces, turn it into something you'll live. Hang it on your wall as a stunning art piece and sentimental reminder of your wedding day. You're most likely working with a fair amount of material, so you'll be able to create a range of creative household items and accessories.