When the wedding is over, and the dust settles, what do you do with that bridesmaid dress hanging in your closet? It’s a common dilemma — you spent a good amount of money on a dress you may never wear again.
Many bridesmaids struggle with the idea of what to do with the dress after the wedding. It’s not something that is likely to be worn again, and the cost of the dress can make it feel like a waste to simply hang it in your closet.
If you find yourself in this predicament, there are plenty of creative ways to reuse or repurpose your bridesmaid dress. You can donate it to a worthy cause, upcycle it into something new, rent it out, or even sell it. There are many possibilities to explore.
Ahead, we’ve put together ways you can make the most of your bridesmaid’s dress.
Sell Your Bridesmaid Dress
Instead of letting your bridesmaid dress sit in the back of your closet, why not sell it and make some extra cash? There are many fashion resale sites where you can easily sell your dress. Here are some top options:
Online Marketplaces
A great option is to sell your dress online through websites like eBay, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace. This way, you can recoup some of the money you spent on the dress and also give someone else the chance to wear a beautiful gown at a discounted price.
Dedicated Websites
Sites like Stillwhite and PreOwnedWeddingDresses are thrift shops that connect brides who either want to sell or buy wedding dresses.
Consignment Shops
Local consignment shops may accept formal wear. This allows buyers to see the dress in person, which can speed up the sale. Check for consignment shops in your area that specialize in wedding attire.
Social Media
For a quicker, less involved approach, use social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, and Snapchat. Post clear photos of the dress and ask interested buyers to DM you. It’s a good idea to accept payment via secure methods like Zelle or PayPal before shipping the dress.
Photo: Instagram/inhisimagephoto Selling your bridesmaid’s dress can help you declutter while giving someone else the chance to enjoy a beautiful dress at a lower price.
Donate Your Bridesmaid Dress
Donating your bridesmaid dress is a great way to give it a new purpose and support a good cause. Here’s how you can do it:
Charitable Organizations
If you are in America, nonprofit organizations like Brides Across America and Operation Prom accept dress donations to help brides and students who might not be able to afford them. In Africa, organizations like We Do By Esposa and The Angel Gown Initiative also welcome dress donations to assist brides. Visit their websites for donation guidelines.
Local Schools and Theater Groups
High schools, colleges, and community theater groups often need formal wear for events or productions. Donating your bridesmaid dress can help students and performers look their best without the high cost.
Dress Drives
Many communities organize dress drives, especially around prom season. These events collect formal wear to distribute to those in need. Check with local schools or community centers to find out if there are any upcoming dress drives.
Repurpose Your Bridesmaid Dress
Feeling creative? There are plenty of ways to declutter your bridesmaid dress by repurposing and giving it a new life:
Alter it for Everyday Day
A skilled tailor can transform your formal dress into a stylish, everyday outfit by shortening the hem, removing embellishments, or changing the neckline.
Create Accessories
The beautiful fabric from your dress can be turned into scarves, headbands, or throw pillows. These smaller projects are easy to make and give you unique, handmade items.
Transform it for Another Event
With some modifications, like dyeing it with a different color or adding new details, your bridesmaid dress can become a perfect outfit for other occasions, such as weddings, galas, or formal parties.
Upcycle it into Something New
If you are feeling crafty, consider upcycling your bridesmaid dress into something new and unique. You can transform it into a cocktail dress, a skirt, or even a blouse. With a bit of creativity and sewing skills, you can give your dress a fresh look and extend its lifespan in your wardrobe.
Children’s Clothing
The ample fabric can be repurposed into cute clothing for kids. A talented seamstress can create a lovely dress for a little girl or even matching outfits for a mother and daughter.
Home Décor
For a creative touch, use the fabric to make throw pillows or other home décor items. You can even turn it into a sentimental keepsake, like a Christmas ornament, to remember the wedding day.
Rent Out Your Bridesmaid Dress
You can also rent out your bridesmaid dress to earn some extra cash while keeping the dress itself. This option is particularly easy to manage on platforms like Instagram Stories. Renting your bridesmaid dress can be a great way to make back some of its cost and allow others to enjoy it for various events.
Here are some tips for renting out your dress:
Photo: Instagram/Bridaltraininspirations Document the Condition
Before sending out your bridesmaid dress, take detailed photos to record its condition. This helps you check for any damage when it’s returned.
Dry Clean Between Rentals
Always dry clean the dress between uses to keep it in good shape.
Set a Fair Price
Price the rental based on the dress’s condition and how often you plan to rent it out. Remember, more rentals can lead to more wear and tear.
Whether you decide to sell, donate, repurpose, or rent your old bridesmaid dress, there are plenty of ways to make sure it doesn’t go to waste. By giving your dress a new purpose, you can clear space in your closet, help others, or create something special. So, dig out those old bridesmaid dresses and declutter!
Photo: Instagram/inhisimagephoto
