5 Things to Do With Your Wedding Dress Afterwards

It doesn’t matter if you’ve been married a week or a few years — you may be dealing with your wedding dress. And the big question is — What do I do with my wedding gown? That’s fair! And there are a few options. Here are five things to do with your wedding dress after the big day.

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What to do with your wedding gown after it’s worn?

Once you have said your I do’s and all the festivities have finally come to a halt, you might wonder what to do with your wedding dress. After all, you didn’t go through all that work of getting strapped in, time spent getting alterations, and money spent just to let it go.

Luckily, there are a number of ways you can save your dress after your wedding ceremony and even save it as a keepsake! Here are five things you can do with your wedding gown after the big day if you want to keep it.

5 Things to Do With Your Wedding Dress

1. Transform your gown for your children.

Commissioning a custom gown is a great way to rework your dress after your big day. Any occasion needing a white gown, such as a christening with similar styles or elements, is perfect. However, there are other options for transforming your wedding dress into a gown or accessory for your little ones.

If you don’t want to make it into a dress for them, you could also make it into a doll dress or an adorable outfit for your newborn. These are fun options if you don’t mind your wedding dress being cut.

2. Preserve your wedding gown for future generations.

If you want to keep your dress forever, consider saving it as a keepsake. Some companies offer return options, preservation and storage, and even custom redesign options.

For less than you would pay for your dry cleaning, make sure the company has services to restore and repair to make your dress as perfect as the day you put it on.

3. Turn your wedding dress into a piece of art.

If you’re looking for a unique way to transform your wedding dress after the big day, why not turn it into a priceless heirloom you’ll cherish forever? Consider a beautiful heirloom option, such as an ornament, shadow box, pillow, or even a tree skirt!

All of these would make beautiful pieces of art for your home or a way to cherish your dress forever. You can also send heirloom dresses from your mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, or another person.

4. Save your white dress for your anniversary.

Another great option is to save your dress to wear on your one-year anniversary. Relive your wedding day bliss with your new spouse!

If they still have their attire, have them put it on too and make the first anniversary one you won’t soon forget. It will also go perfectly along with the slices of wedding cake you saved from your big day.

5. Do nothing and just wait to decide on things to do with your wedding dress.

Some companies offer an option that will keep your gown in a waterproof lockable box included in the one-year cost. It even has a prepaid shipping label to slide out of your dress and put it right in the box.

Once your dress arrives, it gets the white glove treatment and a top-down cleaning. Your dress stays safe and sound with them until you’re ready. Plus, you can transform it as long as you keep your membership.

FAQ About What to Do With Your Wedding Dress

What are you supposed to do with your wedding dress after the wedding?

Repurpose it into something new and meaningful. For example, you could transform it into a beautiful christening gown for future children or a special outfit for a future anniversary celebration. You can also look at our full list of ideas above.

How do I repurpose my wedding dress?

Carefully deconstruct it and use the fabric to create various meaningful items. For example, you could make a decorative pillow or quilt that will remind you of your special day every time you see it. Another option is to frame a dress piece, such as the bodice or a lace detail, and display it as a unique piece of art in your home.

How to turn a wedding dress into a keepsake?

See one of our many ideas mentioned above. If you’re stumped, it’s also ok to wait a bit.

Can I donate my wedding dress?

If you’re not particularly attached to your wedding dress, consider donating it. Numerous organizations and charities accept wedding dress donations to help brides without the means to purchase their dream gown. Donating your gown gives it a second life and makes a difference in someone else’s life. It’s a beautiful way to spread love and happiness beyond your wedding day.  

How long after wedding should you preserve your wedding dress?

Some people preserve their dress for sentimental reasons, while others may want to pass it down to future generations. The general recommendation is to have your dress professionally cleaned and preserved within the first few weeks to prevent stains or damage from setting in.

Is it worth preserving your wedding dress?

Preserving your wedding dress can be worth it if you want to keep it pristine for years. By correctly maintaining your dress, you can ensure that it stays looking beautiful.

What happens if you don’t preserve a wedding dress?

Without proper preservation, your dress may become yellow or stained over time, making restoring it to its original condition difficult. Additionally, storing your gown in a non-ideal environment could lead to damage from pests, mold, or mildew.

Save our ideas on what to do with your wedding dress.

If you’re looking for a way to keep your dress as a keepsake, hopefully, these ideas have helped you figure out how to preserve it properly. It’s a special piece of clothing. Therefore, take time to decide what’s best for you and the future of your wedding gown.