6 IDEAS ON WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR WEDDING DRESS AFTER YOUR WEDDING
A wedding dress is a luxury item that often holds deep sentimental value, yet it’s traditionally worn only once. After the big day, many brides find themselves unsure of what to do with their dress, leaving it packed away in a closet or storage box. Instead of letting it gather dust, why not give it new purpose or meaning? Whether you’re looking to preserve the memories, create something new, or even pass it on, there are plenty of options to consider. To help inspire you, we’ve put together six thoughtful ideas for what to do with your wedding dress after your wedding.
Save it for your daughter
While this may not be directly about finding a new use for your wedding dress, we think it’s a particularly heartfelt idea—especially if you invested in a timeless, handcrafted, heirloom-quality gown. Imagine your daughter walking down the aisle in the very dress you wore decades ago. It could turn out to be her dream dress! And if not, it can always be altered to suit her style and preferences. Every now and then, we have the privilege of giving a vintage dress a new life by transforming it for a bride whose mother once wore it. Being part of that journey is truly a special and rewarding experience.
Donate it
Donating your wedding dress is a truly meaningful option. There are many wonderful charities that collect dresses to help brides who may not have the budget for a brand-new gown. One such organisation is Brides Do Good, which carries a variety of new and preloved dresses and donates a portion of their profits to charities fighting to end child marriage—an issue close to many of our hearts. If this cause resonates with you, you can donate your dress to them here!
Another incredible organisation is Dresses for Angels, which offers love and comfort to grieving parents. They transform donated wedding and prom dresses into beautiful gowns for babies born sleeping. It’s a touching way to give your dress new meaning while supporting families in their time of need.
Sell it
If you’d like to recoup some of the money you spent on your dress, selling it is a great option to consider. We recommend established platforms like Still White, Le Dressing Club or Bridal Reloved. When listing your dress, be sure to include as many details as possible, including its designer, style, fabric composition, and condition. Most importantly, clearly note the measurements—both of the dress and your own at the time you wore it. Providing your bust, waist, and hip measurements is especially helpful, as it allows potential buyers to easily compare their measurements to yours. If their measurements are similar, they’ll know the dress should fit well, or at least be close enough to adjust with some alterations.
Rent it out
If you’re looking to recoup not only the cost of your wedding dress but perhaps make a little extra—and you’re feeling entrepreneurial—why not consider renting it out? One of our brides emailed me after her wedding, asking if we knew of any services that would allow her to hire out her dress. She didn’t want to sell it, but she also didn’t want it sitting unused in her closet. While we were familiar with traditional wedding dress rental businesses and resale platforms, we hadn’t heard of a service specifically for brides renting their own dresses to other brides. After some research, we discovered a British Vogue article that confirmed that these platforms do exist!
For example, websites like By Rotation or My Wardrobe HQ have dedicated sections for wedding dress hire. Renting out your gown is not only a way to make use of it again but also an eco-conscious choice, especially if your dress is made from sustainable, ethically sourced materials. Conscious brides who prefer renting over buying will love the chance to wear your stunning gown while supporting a more sustainable approach to weddings.
Have it upcycled it into something completely new
A cushion cover, a clutch purse, a teddy bear, a wall art piece, a first communion dress, a christening gown for your baby, or even a summer dress for your daughter—these are just a few creative ways to upcycle your wedding dress. They’re a wonderful way to keep the memory of your dream dress alive by transforming it into an everyday item or a meaningful keepsake for your child’s special milestone. Best of all, these ideas can easily be brought to life by a skilled local seamstress or tailor.
Repurpose your wedding dress and wear it over and over again
If you wore an Indie Bride London wedding dress (or a similar style) on your big day, why not have us Repurpose Your Wedding Dress? Bring it back to our showroom, and we can explore how to transform it into something you’d love to wear again. Whether it’s converting it into a chic maxi dress by removing the train, turning it into a stylish summer dress, a playful skirt and top outfit, or even a tailored jacket, the possibilities are endless. This way, your dress gets a fresh new look while preserving the cherished memories of your special day.
We hope one of these ideas has inspired you to find the perfect new purpose for your wedding dress—whether it’s creating a lovely summer outfit for your daughter or transforming it into a versatile, casual piece for yourself. Giving your dress a new life not only keeps the sentiment alive but also allows you to enjoy it in a completely new way. If you’re thinking about having your dress altered, we’d love to hear your ideas! Get in touch, and let’s discuss the exciting possibilities together.