What to Do with Old Bridesmaid Dresses

When the thrill of being asked to be a bridesmaid wears off, your thoughts wander to what you'll be asked to wear on the big day. After you've chosen your gown for your BFF's wedding, you may be wondering.What should I do with my bridesmaid dresses?" Because the majority of the bridesmaid dresses were chosen to match your BFF's wedding motif, you'll most likely never wear them again. So, what are you going to do with those outdated bridesmaid dresses? Here are some suggestions for what to do with your old bridesmaid gowns so you can give them new life (and maybe even wear them.

Donate It

Donating your gowns would be the most selfless act. Again, you're not only helping the earth, but you're also helping a charity and possibly saving someone else the cost of purchasing a fresh new outfit. There are numerous organizations and causes from which to select. Glass Slipper, Becca's Closet, Fairy Godmother, and Princess Project all provide evening clothes to underprivileged high school girls so that they can attend their proms in style.  Excess Access can help you find a way to donate anything to keep your goods out of landfills if your goal is environmental.  You can also help the destitute by donating your wedding gowns to Goodwill or the Salvation Army.

Store It

Your bridesmaid gown is certain to have sentimental importance. After all, it's a memory of the day you saw a very significant woman in your life marry her true love. Another alternative is to store the dress in a cupboard or wardrobe. Brides can retain it as a keepsake for future generations to view. And seeing it can bring back memories for brides who wore it and guests who attended the wedding ceremony.

If you adore your bridesmaid look exactly as it is and can't wait to wear it again, all that's left to do is store it properly until that time comes. A bridesmaid dress in a classic style can be worn again and again. Furthermore, because fashion is cyclical, trends are frequently recycled. Who's to say it won't be there for another generation to wear in years to come if you store it properly? Feel free to keep your gown for a daughter, niece, or granddaughter who will undoubtedly fall in love with her vintage outfit.

Repurpose It

1). Accessorize It

The accessories you wear with a dress can drastically alter its appearance. Replace your heels with flat shoes to turn your bridesmaid dress into a summer favorite. Replace the shoes with a boot for a more edgy daytime look; an ankle boot works great. Don't be frightened to try new things!

2) Recreate It

If you're handy with a needle and thread, the options are limitless. A professional seamstress should be able to alter the neckline, fit, and even the length of the garment. Make a stunning halter neckline with a strapless dress and matching fabric. A billowing, A-line gown, on the other hand, might be taken in for a tighter, pencil fit. The only limit is your imagination! 

3). Dye It

If you're worried that the color of your dress will be too "bridesmaid-y," dye it a less conventional bridesmaid color, such as black or crimson. However, please do your study first to determine which dye works best with your specific dress material. Fiber-reactive dye works well on cellulose fibers like cotton, linen, and rayon, although they are less common fabrics for bridesmaid gowns. Disperse dye is effective on synthetic fibers such as polyester. While the acid dye is effective on protein fibers such as silk. When in doubt, consult a professional.

ltered Into Other Items

There are numerous ways to modify your cherished bridesmaid gown so that you can wear it again and again, so why not give your bridesmaid gown another chance to dazzle? If you're handy with a sewing machine, you can turn your garment into a purse or patchwork. You can also make pillowcases, napkins, and tablecloths out of them.  And also transformed into skirts, jackets, and accessories. The bridesmaid dress can be adjusted no matter what material it is made of. Allow your imagination to run wild.

Rent It Out

Renting bridesmaid dresses is a new concept. Peer-to-peer lending is a sustainable new venture that promises to reduce fast fashion by allowing consumers to rock a designer style at a high-street price. The rental fee is normally established by you, the lender, and it is paid each day (usually 5-8% of the retail cost is advised). Renting bridesmaid gowns is a common choice for individuals who buy used bridesmaid dresses to save money and save a garment from wasting away in their wardrobe after the wedding. Rent the Runway, Lending Luxury, Brides Made, Poshare, and Style Lend are some wonderful platforms to sell on.

Sell It

It's worthwhile to sell a gown if you know you'll never wear it again.  There are fantastic second-hand sites where you may sell it and give it new life. Not only is this a terrific way to make some additional money, but you're also contributing to the circular fashion project. To get the greatest price for your bridesmaid dress, post it for sale in an antique or second-hand category or on an online store like eBay, Vestiaire Collective, or Depop. Include all pertinent information, such as size, measurements, designer/brand, and numerous clear photographs.

If you know someone who is planning a large sustainable spring cleaning spree, share this page with them and give them some ideas for sustainable vintage bridesmaid dresses.