What to Do with Your Wedding Dress After the Big Day: 5 Tips for Preserving Your Special Gown

Your wedding dress is more than just a beautiful garment—it’s a symbol of one of the most special days of your life. But after the big day, it can be hard to know what to do with your dress. Do you store it, sell it, or transform it into something new?

Here are five thoughtful tips on what to do with your wedding dress after the celebration to keep the memories alive while taking care of your gown.

1. Preserve and Store It Properly

If you want to keep your dress for sentimental reasons or pass it down to future generations, preserving it is a must. Professional wedding dress preservation services can clean and carefully package your dress in acid-free tissue paper and a special preservation box. This will protect it from dust, dirt, and potential damage, ensuring it stays in pristine condition for years to come. Make sure to store the preserved dress in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity.

2. Repurpose It Into a Keepsake

If you’re looking for a creative way to honor your wedding dress, consider repurposing it into something new. Some brides transform their dresses into keepsakes like:

• A christening gown for a future child

• A special pillow or blanket

• A framed piece of fabric art

• A bouquet wrap or accessory This way, you can hold onto a piece of your dress while turning it into something meaningful that can be cherished for years to come.

  
  

3. Donate It to Charity

If you don’t feel the need to keep your wedding dress, donating it to a charity can be a wonderful way to give it new life. Organizations like Brides Against Breast Cancer or The Princess Project collect gently used wedding gowns and use them to support worthy causes. Not only will your dress be worn by another bride, but your donation could also help raise funds for important initiatives or offer a bride in need an affordable option for her big day.

4. Sell It

If your wedding dress is in great condition and you want to make some extra cash, selling it is a great option. Selling your gown can help another bride find her dream dress at a more affordable price, while also giving you a financial boost.

5. Trash the Dress (Stylish Photoshoot)

For a more adventurous approach, consider doing a “Trash the Dress” photoshoot. This trend involves taking your wedding dress to a non-traditional setting (think: the beach, a forest, or even an urban cityscape) and letting loose. Whether you splash in the ocean or jump into a pool, this creative shoot can produce stunning and unconventional photos that celebrate your marriage. It’s a fun way to say goodbye to your wedding dress and create lasting memories outside of the traditional wedding-day photos.

Whether you decide to preserve, repurpose, donate, sell, or get creative with your wedding dress, the options are endless. The key is to choose what feels most meaningful to you—whether it's preserving the dress for future generations or transforming it into something new. Whatever you decide, your wedding dress will always hold a special place in your heart as a symbol of your love and commitment.

The WEDFEST Team xxx