Post # 1
Member
88 posts
Worker bee
I was wondering what everyone’s plans are for their dress now that the wedding is over. Do you plan on selling it? Or are you keep and preserve it? Or do you have other ideas?
I have been contemplating cutting my short and having it dyed and then using it as a cocktail dress. My seamstress said she would alter it again for me though I am having difficulty getting it touch with any professional dyeing service.
The back of my dress has a good deal of rouching and am not sure if it will still flow if the hem is severely shortened. I have attached a picture that I think best shows the back. Anyone have any thoughts?
[attachment=107863,1991]
Post # 3
Member
221 posts
Helper bee
I think an experienced seamstress could pull it off nicely. There will be a lot of fabric at the new hem but that could be worked into a nice flounce at the back.
Post # 4
Member
107 posts
Blushing bee
- Wedding: October 2021 - Auberge du Soleil
You have a beautiful dress! If it turns out you aren’t able to transform it into something you can wear again you could always donate it to charity. I donated mine to Brides Against Breast Cancer.
Post # 5
Member
88 posts
Worker bee
@Pinotnoir – Brides Against Breast Cancer is my backup plan. What a wonderful organization!
Post # 6
Member
123 posts
Blushing bee
I paid WAY too much to have it cleaned ($200) so now I feel stuck with preserving it. I think otherwise I would’ve done "Brides Against Breast Cancer"
Post # 7
Member
754 posts
Busy bee
I had my dress cleaned and boxed. I will keep it for my daughter if she wants it, even if just to play dress up in. 
Post # 8
Member
416 posts
Helper bee
- Wedding: June 2008 - Imperia Hotel (modern chic hotel)
My dress is clean… just dont think i can part with it just yet. I would love to go to a mask ball and wear it again.
Post # 9
Member
25 posts
Newbee
I cleaned and boxed mine, and now it’s in a closet – I know it’s silly to hold onto it and I don’t have any idea what I’ll do with it, but for some reason I’m just not ready to give it up. My parents have a friend who took hers and had it boxed up in a giant glass showcase, complete with veil, flowers and shoes, and hung it in a spare room – it’s terrifying, like a ghost bride is coming for you in the middle of the night. So that’s an option.
My veil, however, has lived a second and third life on the heads of friends who have gotten married so that’s been pretty nice.
Post # 10
Member
10 posts
Newbee
my dress is a long, white bcbg dress.. and it’s tiered (i bought it two days ago!) so i’m thinking i will probably cut it but keep it white. i LOVE it though! so i would hate to see it sitting in a closet.. and it was really cheap, so i don’t want to sell it!
Post # 11
Member
221 posts
Helper bee
I was thinking about repurposing the fabric for either a (future) baby gown or some kind of keepsake.
Post # 12
Member
297 posts
Helper bee
- Wedding: April 2021 - The Grand Old House, Grand Cayman
either trashing or selling it!
Post # 13
Member
349 posts
Helper bee
I got my dress cleaned but I haven’t decide what to do with it yet. I was going to sell it on eBay but I’m not ready to let it go yet.
My cousin might borrow the dress for her wedding to cut down cost.
Post # 14
Member
70 posts
Worker bee
I just can’t bring myself to come around to the idea of selling it….. but I have until July so maybe I’ll change my mind after the ‘big day’!
Post # 15
Member
163 posts
Blushing bee
@baderin: I literally laughed out loud to, "it’s terrifying, like a ghost bride is coming for you in the middle of the night. So that’s an option". You sold me on that idea! 🙂 haha
I would really like to keep my dress because I adore it, however I’m scared if I held onto it for future daughters they may not like it.. I like the idea of selling it to another bride would might love it just as much as I did. If it doesn’t sell I’m donating it to: http://www.thebridesproject.com which offers affordable bridal options and donates proceeds to children with cancer 🙂
Post # 16
Member
332 posts
Helper bee
I haven’t decided yet. I’m torn between wanting to keep it for my daughter, especially knowing how much my mom paid for it. But I also kind of want to do some trash the dress pics and have just the BEST time in it and not worry about preservation b/c it may be waaaay out of style or not in my daughter’s taste when it’s time for her to have a dress, and then it will be a waste. I feel your indecision pain! Sigh.