WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR DRESS AFTER “I DO”

So, you've officially tied the knot, but you’ve likely got a few lovely loose ends to tie up; opening cards and gifts, thanking your guests for helping make your big day so special and perhaps preparing for your honeymoon. You might also be wondering what to do with your beloved wedding dress. There are now a huge range of different options for new brides after you conclude your 'I-dos'. Here are a few of our favourites:

Preserve and store

Your wedding dress is perhaps the most special piece of clothing you'll ever own, so it’s not surprising that many brides don’t want to part with it. If you want to keep your gown for sentimental reasons, or perhaps to pass down the generations, proper cleaning and storage is essential. Making any repairs, wrapping correctly in acid-free tissue and storing away from light, heat and moisture are non-negotiables. 

For brides who want the utmost assurance that their wedding dress will remain in mint condition, we offer a service that takes care of the repair and careful packaging of their dress using the correct techniques and materials. We recommend a local business, West End Dry Cleaners in Felixstowe who are experts in bridal wear…. once they’ve worked their magic, we can take care of the rest. This is ideal for brides wanting peace of mind knowing that every measure has been taken to preserve the beauty of their special gown. 

Resale

Many newlyweds opt to sell their wedding dress. This option can be beneficial in many ways, not least because it recoups some of your wedding costs. It can also be wonderful to see your beloved gown make another bride get the look of their dreams for less, all while being eco-conscious (a major win-win, if you ask us).

There are more options than ever before for resale with Stillwhite and bridal Bridal Reloved making it easier than ever before to find your gown a new home. For brides with sustainability at the forefront of their minds, Rock My Wedding’s Recycle My Wedding platform is working to transform the industry into a force of good for the natural world.  10% of every listing fee is donated to Trees for Life, and quality garments are given a second life with a new owner.  

If you’re keen to sell your dress but would like a small memento for sentimental reasons, we are able to discreetly and invisibly remove a small piece of lace, beading or embellishment before you sell it and use this to create a keepsake you can treasure. We have created beautify lace trimmed silk robes for some brides recently which feels both special and practical. 

Frame and display

For brides who love their dress so much they want to enjoy it every day, it’s now possible to turn your dress into art by getting it framed. Companies like The Beautiful Frame Company and Frame My Frock will work with you to frame your wedding gown. Hang it on your wall as a stunning art piece and a sentimental reminder of your wedding day.

Donate to charity

For brides keen to give an even more meaningful second life to their wedding gown, there are a number of charities and donation platforms that support a range of initiatives. 

Both Oxfam and Red Cross have dedicated bridal stores and nationwide coverage meaning it’s a super-convenient option as well as fabulous cause. They also accept shoes, accessories, and wedding attire such as men’s wedding suits and mother-of-the-bride outfits.

Sustainable bridal boutique, Brides Do Good supports the funding of projects to end child marriage and empower women. The organisation stocks both new and pre-loved gowns and their boutiques in London and Bicester offer a first-class experience. 

 Alter Your Dress Into Something New

If you don't love the idea of retiring your wedding dress to storage, consider getting it altered into a more wearable garment. We love nothing more than working with brides after their big day to create a brand new piece of clothing you can wear again and again. Shorter dresses are popular or two-piece sets made using the fabric from your dress. We've also created beautiful robes using lace from a brides dress. 

Here at Milli’s Sewing Studio we specialise in wedding dress and occasionwear alterations. Our studio is located at the picturesque Hall Farm Barns in Old Martlesham, Suffolk. We’re a small team of experienced dressmakers and seamstresses who pride ourselves in giving our customers a break from their hectic schedules when they visit us at our calm, rural setting. 

If you’d like to discuss options and ideas, just reach out for a no-obligation chat with one of the team, we’d love to hear from you.