20 Things To Do With Your Wedding Dress After The Big Day in 2025
11 Min read
What to do with your wedding dress after the wedding
Ah, the wedding dress. The ultimate symbol of love, romance, and happily ever after. But what happens after the “I dos” are said and done?
What do you do with the dress of your dreams, the one that made you feel like the most beautiful woman in the world on your big day?
Fear not, dear bride-to-be, for we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’re going to share some fantastic ideas for what to do with your wedding dress after the wedding.
How to preserve a wedding dress
Your wedding dress is likely one of the most expensive garments you’ll ever own, and it holds a special place in your heart. So, it’s essential to take proper care of it to preserve its beauty and sentimental value. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when preserving your wedding dress:
How to store a wedding dress
After the wedding, you’ll want to store your dress in a safe, clean, and dry place. Consider a temperature-controlled environment with low humidity to prevent damage to the fabric. Avoid storing your dress in an attic or basement, as these areas are often damp and prone to temperature fluctuations.
Some storage options include a garment bag, a special acid-free preservation box, or a closet with good air circulation.
How to clean a wedding dress
It’s important to clean your wedding dress as soon as possible after the wedding to remove any stains, dirt, or sweat that may have accumulated during the day. However, be sure to read the care label on your dress to determine the appropriate cleaning method.
If your dress has delicate embellishments or is made from a delicate fabric such as silk, you may need to have it professionally cleaned by a specialist. After cleaning, make sure to hang it correctly to avoid any creases or damage.
Professional preservation services
If you’re looking for a long-term solution to preserve your wedding dress, consider using a professional preservation service. These services typically use acid-free materials to prevent yellowing and damage, and they may also include the cleaning and repair of any damages to your dress.
You can expect to pay a few hundred dollars for these services, but it’s an investment that can ensure your dress lasts for years to come.
How to display wedding photos
Want to make your wedding party even more special? Get photos of your wedding dress from ALL possible angles?
Get all your guests involved with PartyMeister – a free iPhone app that creates a beautiful live photo slideshow!
PartyMeister lets each guest contribute to a live photo stream that is then displayed on a large Smart TV screen. After the big day, all the photos are saved in a folder for everyone to enjoy.
PartyMeister works with all Smart TVs or HDMI-equipped displays with streaming devices. Guests can join using any mobile device.
Download PartyMeister for free in the Apple App Store.
20 things to do with your wedding dress after the wedding
1 | Preserve it as an heirloom for future generations of your family.
If you want to keep your wedding dress as a family heirloom, consider having it professionally cleaned and stored in a specialized box or display case. This will ensure that it stays in good condition for future generations to enjoy.
2 | Donate it to a charity that provides wedding dresses to underprivileged brides.
You can donate your wedding dress to a charity that provides wedding dresses to underprivileged brides. This is a great way to give back to the community and help a bride in need feel beautiful on her special day.
3 | Sell it online through sites like eBay, PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, or StillWhite.com.
If you’re looking to make some extra cash, you can sell your wedding dress online through sites like eBay or PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com. Just make sure to take great pictures and accurately describe the condition of the dress.
4 | Have it professionally cleaned and altered to wear again for special occasions.
If you want to wear your wedding dress again, consider having it professionally cleaned and altered. You can have the hemline shortened, the train removed, or other alterations made to create a new look for a special occasion.
5 | Repurpose it into a christening gown for your future children or grandchildren.
You can repurpose your wedding dress into a christening gown for your future children or grandchildren. This is a beautiful way to pass down a family heirloom and create a meaningful connection between generations.
6 | Use the fabric to create a memory quilt or other sentimental keepsake.
If you’re feeling crafty, you can use the fabric from your wedding dress to create a memory quilt or other sentimental keepsake. This is a great way to preserve the memories of your special day and create something meaningful and unique.
7 | Cut it up and make a piece of artwork or wall hanging out of it.
For a more artistic approach, you can cut up your wedding dress and make a piece of artwork or wall hanging out of it. This is a great way to create a beautiful and unique piece of decor that will remind you of your special day.
8 | Donate it to a theater company or school drama department for costumes.
Your wedding dress can have a second life on stage! Many theater companies and school drama departments are in need of costumes for their productions, and a wedding dress can be a great addition to their collection. Not only will you be helping out a local organization, but you’ll also be giving your dress a new purpose. Who knows, maybe your dress will make an appearance in a future award-winning production!
9 | Use it as a Halloween costume or dress-up outfit.
Halloween is a great excuse to wear your wedding dress again! You can either go for the classic “zombie bride” look or get creative and come up with a unique costume. Or, you can use it as a dress-up outfit for other occasions like themed parties or photo shoots. Just because your wedding day is over doesn’t mean you can’t keep having fun with your dress!
10 | Donate it to a museum that exhibits wedding gowns and other bridal memorabilia.
If you want your dress to be admired by many, consider donating it to a museum that exhibits wedding gowns and other bridal memorabilia. Not only will your dress be preserved for future generations to see, but you’ll also be contributing to a cultural institution. Just imagine seeing your dress on display, surrounded by other historical gowns!
11 | Use it as a backdrop for a photo shoot or other event decoration.
Your wedding dress can make a beautiful backdrop for a photo shoot or other event decoration. You can drape it over a chair or hang it up on a wall to create a stunning visual. This is a great way to incorporate your dress into other special occasions and create new memories.
12 | Create a custom doll or stuffed animal wearing the dress as a keepsake.
For a sentimental keepsake, consider creating a custom doll or stuffed animal wearing your wedding dress. You can either make it yourself or hire someone to do it for you. This is a great way to preserve your dress in a tangible way and pass it down as a family heirloom.
13 | Transform it into a cocktail dress by shortening the hemline or removing the train.
If you want to wear your dress again in a different setting, consider transforming it into a cocktail dress. You can have the hemline shortened or remove the train to make it more practical for a night out. With some alterations, your wedding dress can become a versatile piece in your wardrobe!
14 | Turn it into a skirt by removing the top portion or altering it.
Another way to repurpose your dress is to turn it into a skirt. You can have the top portion removed or altered to create a new, unique skirt. This is a great option if you want to keep a piece of your dress but don’t want to wear it as a full gown again.
15 | Use it to make a custom veil or other bridal accessory.
If you’re feeling crafty, consider using your wedding dress to make a custom veil or other bridal accessory. You can use the fabric to create a veil that matches your dress perfectly or create a one-of-a-kind headpiece. This is a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding day accessories.
16 | Sell it to a vintage clothing store or boutique.
If you’re looking to make some extra cash, consider selling your dress to a vintage clothing store or boutique. Vintage wedding dresses are always in demand, and your dress could become a beloved piece for someone else’s special day. Just make sure to clean and preserve your dress before selling it.
17 | Use it as a prop for a movie or theater production.
Similar to donating it to a theater company or school drama department, you can also use your dress as a prop for a movie or theater production. Your dress could become part of a blockbuster hit or a beloved indie film. Who knows, maybe you’ll even see it on the big screen
18 | Cut it up and use the fabric to create other clothing items or accessories.
If you’re feeling creative and want to repurpose your dress in a more hands-on way, consider cutting it up and using the fabric to create other clothing items or accessories. The fabric from your dress can be used to make a variety of items, such as a clutch, scarf, or even a quilt. This is a great way to keep a piece of your dress with you while also creating something new and unique.
19 | Have it professionally dyed a different color and wear it to another formal event.
If you’re not quite ready to let go of your dress yet, consider having it professionally dyed a different color and wearing it to another formal event. This can give your dress a new look and make it more wearable for different occasions. Just make sure to choose a color that complements your skin tone and matches the event you’re attending.
20 | Host a “trash the dress” photo shoot where you wear the dress in a unique location and intentionally get it dirty.
For the daring bride who wants to do something unconventional with her dress, consider hosting a “trash the dress” photo shoot. This involves wearing your dress in a unique location and intentionally getting it dirty (but still safe to wear). This can create some truly unique and stunning photos that you’ll cherish forever. Just make sure to take proper precautions and not damage the environment or any historical landmarks.
Selling your wedding dress
If you’re looking to part ways with your wedding dress, selling it can be a great option. Not only can you earn some extra cash, but you can also help another bride find the perfect dress for her special day. Here are some tips for selling your wedding dress:
Determine the value of your dress
Before selling your dress, do some research to determine its value. You can check websites such as PreOwnedWeddingDresses to see what similar dresses are selling for. Keep in mind that factors such as the condition, designer, and age of the dress can all affect its value.
Choose a selling platform
There are many online platforms where you can sell your wedding dress, such as eBay, Tradesy, and Facebook Marketplace. Alternatively, you can sell it in person at a consignment store or bridal boutique.
Take high-quality photos
When selling your dress online, it’s essential to take high-quality photos that show off its beauty and details. Make sure to take photos from various angles and in different lighting to give potential buyers an accurate representation of the dress.
Be honest about the condition
It’s important to be upfront and honest about the condition of your dress in the listing. If there are any flaws or damages, make sure to disclose them to potential buyers.
Price competitively
To attract potential buyers, it’s essential to price your dress competitively. While you want to make some money from the sale, keep in mind that buyers are also looking for a good deal.
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