After spending a large chunk of change, waiting patiently for months and then only wearing your beloved gown for less than 24 hours, it’s understandably heartbreaking when your special day comes to an end. Instead of mourning your loss by sneakily hosting a bridal fashion show every time your other half leaves the house, here are five ways to recycle your wedding dress. These will give you the feel good factor and also give you a new task to concentrate on after the big day.
Trash
A huge trend over the last 18 months – we are yet to get sick of the trash the dress fad! With so many options, not only will you have fun, but you will also create some magical photos in the process. Take a walk on the wild side, no idea is too crazy. Getting married abroad? Take an impromptu frolick in the ocean. Or if you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, smash your wedding cake to pieces with a messy food fight. Photo shoot gold – splash an array of paint on your dress for a wonderfully pretty technicolor creation. Who knows, you may even go viral!
Reuse
Hang on to your dress in the hope of handing it down as a vintage piece to any younger relatives or future grandchildren. Wedding trends change from year to year but we often see styles cropping up again throughout each decade. Ensure you store your gown in proper storage to keep it in mint condition. Alternatively, if you have a little girl, get the material cropped and ask a good seamstress to create a christening gown or a fairytale princess dress – this is sure to go down a treat! If you are the queen of fancy dress, wake your creation from the dead and bring it back to life as a gruesome zombie bride costume.
Donate
Okay, giving up your prized bridal possession will have you experiencing a little separation anxiety. But hey, its for a good cause and we promise this act of kindness will have you walking on cloud nine. Loads of charities accept donations of wedding dresses from Cherished Gowns For Angel Babies to The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation. All worthy causes, and after all sharing is caring.
Up-style
A personal favourite, the options for up-styling your gown are endless! Cut up to design a pretty cocktail dress, use extra under-laying to create a whimsical tulle midi skirt or for something really special, research bespoke lingerie for your first year wedding anniversary. You will be super stylish for months to come and being money savvy will ensure you really get bang for your wedding buck.
Sell
Not for ladies who wear their heart on their sleeves, this option is a tad drastic. If you have decided to wait a while before heading on your dream honeymoon, selling your wedding dress will give your fund a much needed kick-start. Plus you are passing on some good luck to the next bride who will walk up the aisle. Take a deep breath when handing it over and think of all the happy memories and treasured moments that will live on through each stunning embellishment and inch of fabric. Easy peasy…
Image Credits: Color Me Rad via Rock N Roll Bride.
