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Your bridesmaid dress holds immense sentimental value but what do you do with it long after the party ends? Learn about keeping, selling, or donating it.

Bridesmaid dresses are often chosen with care and excitement before the big day but tend to collect dust in closets once the wedding ends. If your old bridesmaid dress is taking up valuable space and leaving you questioning its fate, don’t sweat it. Here, we’re exploring what to do with an old bridesmaid dress, including whether you should keep, sell, or donate it to a good cause.  

Sentimental Value and Creative Repurposing  

Keeping your bridesmaid’s dress isn’t necessarily a bad idea. Often, these dresses carry sentimental value, reminding you of the meaningful day you spent celebrating someone special. If that’s the case for you, consider preserving it as a keepsake.  

Alternatively, think of creative ways to repurpose the dress. With some tailoring, many bridesmaid dresses can transform into stylish cocktail dresses, evening gowns, or even trendy two-piece outfits. 

If you’re the practical type or in the market for versatile fashion, choosing a bridesmaid dress that you can wear again amplifies its worth long after the wedding is over. All it might take is a small alteration or dye job to give it a new life.   

Selling Your Dress  

Consider turning that gown into cash by selling it. Bridesmaid dresses tend to be in demand on secondhand platforms like Poshmark, eBay, or Mercari, especially wedding styles that are trendy, elegant, or only slightly worn. Take high-quality photos of the dress, accurately describe its size and condition, and list it at a reasonable price.  

Local consignment shops are also a great option. They allow you to sell your dress without dealing with online shipping and transaction processes. Some wedding-specific consignment stores focus on formalwear and might be particularly interested in your gown. You free up space in your closet and recoup some of the costs by selling the dress. 

Giving It a Purpose Through Donation  

If selling doesn’t appeal to you, donating your bridesmaid dress is an excellent way to put it to good use. Many charitable organizations accept formal dresses for individuals who may not be able to afford new gowns for special events like proms or weddings.  

Local thrift stores and shelters might also appreciate or benefit from your donation, especially during prom or wedding seasons when these dresses are in high demand. Donating is a generous act and a more sustainable choice, ensuring your dress doesn’t end up in a landfill. Plus, it’s satisfying to know that what once brought joy to you could now bring joy to someone else.  

Old bridesmaid dresses don’t have to become forgotten relics in the back of your closet. Whether you decide to keep, sell, or donate, giving the dress a renewed purpose is easier than you think. Thoughtfully considering these options means you’re making better use of the dress, while also decluttering your space and contributing to something greater.  

 

Photo Credit: Logical Position