What to Do with Your Wedding Dress After the Big Day: A Guide for Irish Brides
Many people will agree that finding the perfect wedding dress is one of the most important parts of their big day. However, that's just it - it only lasts one day. The question then is, what do you do with your dress after the wedding is over? Whether you want to keep your dress or give it a new life, there are loads of different options available.
Preserve Your Memories
Professional Preservation
For brides who want to keep their dress as a cherished memento or pass it down as a family heirloom, professional wedding dress preservation is an excellent option. Talk to your local tailor or alteration shop about cleaning and preserving your wedding gown to prevent yellowing and fabric degradation over time.
DIY Preservation
If you're feeling crafty, you can also preserve your dress at home. After cleaning, wrap your dress in acid-free tissue paper, and store it in a cool, dry place to help maintain your dress's condition for years to come.
Give Back to the Community
Donate to Charity
Giving your dress new life by donating it to a charitable organisation is a wonderful option. There are dozens of organisations that will take your donated wedding dress and give the resale proceeds to different charities.
Oxfam Bridal in Dublin is committed to bettering the lives of people living in poverty worldwide. Another option is Barnardos Bridal in Dun Laoghaire and Wexford, which works to aid children in Ireland affected by poverty, neglect, and abuse while also providing support for parents.
Sell and Recoup Costs
You can also recoup some of the wedding costs by selling your dress on sites like eBay or Amazon. Additionally, consider local Irish online forums or social media groups like Help I’m Getting Married where brides can share ideas or sell and exchange dresses. These platforms offer a great opportunity to connect with other brides and potentially find a new home for your gown.
Repurpose with a Personal Touch
Traditional Repurposing
Saving your dress and having Christening dresses for children or grandchildren made out of the fabric has been a popular idea for a long time. You can also use the material to create a bouquet wrap or garter for future daughters or nieces. Some brides choose to fashion handkerchiefs or even a Christmas tree skirt from their wedding dress, keeping the memory of their special day alive in everyday items.
Modern Twists
For a more contemporary approach, consider taking your dress to a seamstress and having it transformed into a cocktail dress – shorten it, dye it, and you have an entirely new outfit! Some brides are opting to keep things interesting and use the fabric from their dresses to create custom lingerie, adding a touch of bridal nostalgia to their wardrobe. Another popular option is crafting a lace-pendant necklace as a wearable keepsake.
Irish-Inspired Upcycling
For a uniquely Irish twist, consider creating a christening gown with Celtic embroidery or using the fabric to make a traditional Irish dancing costume. You could also incorporate pieces of the dress into Irish wedding traditions, such as wrapping a Claddagh ring or creating a horseshoe charm for good luck.
Make a Statement: Trash the Dress
Artistic Destruction
Some brides choose to do a post-wedding, professional photoshoot that's a little less traditional than their pre-wedding photos. The concept of "trashing" your dress might sound a bit odd or even horrific, but it can really be a lot of fun! You could opt for a colorful twist by using spray paint, splatter paint, or even engaging in a paintball war. Another popular idea is to arrange an underwater or beach photoshoot. While your dress may not make it out unscathed, the resulting pictures will be truly stunning!
Alternative Options
Rent It Out
Consider putting your dress up for rent. The wedding dress rental market in Ireland is growing, allowing you to share your dress with other brides while generating some income. Check out Covet, The Sustainable Bride, and Designer Room. This option not only gives your dress more opportunities to shine but also helps budget-conscious brides access beautiful gowns.
Donate to Museums or Exhibitions
Some museums or exhibitions in Ireland accept wedding dress donations for historical or cultural displays. This could be an excellent option for vintage or uniquely Irish wedding dresses. By donating your dress, you could contribute to preserving Irish wedding traditions and fashion history for future generations.
Concluding Your Dress's Story
Whatever you choose to do with your wedding dress after the celebration, make sure it's a decision that feels right for you. Whether you're preserving memories, supporting charities, or creating something entirely new, your wedding dress can continue to bring joy long after you say "I do."
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