What should I do with my old wedding dress after the wedding?
Your old wedding dress
'What am I going to do with it afterwards?'
Brides have been asking me this for twenty years, usually while I'm scrabbling on my knees, pins in mouth, adjusting their hem.
If you're reading this with your own wedding dress hanging in the wardrobe or tucked away in the loft, you're not alone. This question has sparked countless conversations in my Surrey Hills bridal studio, and it's the reason I wrote my book "Relovable."
Prompted by curiosity and distracted by the sheer beauty of their dress as they gaze at their reflection, brides have different reasons for asking this question. Most say they would love to wear it again but have no idea how that could be possible. Some mention a creeping sense of waste at only wearing it once, while others ask what other brides do, with the sole intention of recouping some of the money they've spent after the wedding.
As we'd talk about it, my mind would drift to my own dress, still in the loft, uncleaned and untouched since I stepped out of it at the end of my wedding day twenty-five years ago.
The truth is, there are beautiful alternatives waiting for your dress. You can discover ideas for remodelling your wedding dress, explore unique keepsakes and display options, revive family heirlooms, or learn how to use, rent or sell your dress if that's the route you decide to take.
Your dress doesn't have to remain a one-day wonder. It can be transformed into something you'll treasure for years to come – whether that's a cocktail dress for anniversaries, a christening gown for future children, or even incorporated into your home décor as a meaningful display piece.
The key is understanding that your wedding dress is more than just fabric. It's a treasure – unique, personal and full of memories. That's why the decision about what to do with it deserves careful consideration, not a hasty trip to the charity shop.
Ready to explore what's possible for your dress? Access my FREE guide to “Beyond the Big Day” HERE which is a video and PDF giving you an overview of where to start and what to do with your old dress - the first steps toward giving your gown the second life it deserves. If you’re a bride-to-be, then download my FREE "Peaceful Dress Journey" guide HERE to discover answers to the most commonly asked questions from all my brides. After your wedding, I’ll then send you some ideas for what to do with your old dress.
You’ll find more about the bridal world in my book which you can buy HERE. It makes a perfect gift for a bride-to-be, or for anyone who loves sewing, upcycling and wedding dresses.
