As the mother of the bride, you likely spent a lot of time and money finding the perfect dress for your daughter’s big day. But now that the wedding is over, what should you do with the dress? Rather than letting it collect dust in your closet, consider donating it to a worthy cause. Not only will you be helping someone in need, but you’ll also be doing your part to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
Local Charities
One option for donating your mother of the bride dress is to check with local charities in your area. Many organizations, such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army, accept gently used formalwear and sell it to raise funds for their programs. Another option is to look for charities that specifically focus on providing prom or formal dresses to underserved teens. These organizations often accept donations of all types of formalwear, including mother of the bride dresses.
Online Donation Platforms
If you’re unable to find a local charity that accepts formalwear donations, consider looking into online donation platforms. Websites such as DonateMyDress.org and Becca’s Closet allow you to ship your dress directly to them, and they will distribute it to teens in need. These organizations often have specific guidelines for the types of dresses they accept, so be sure to read their requirements carefully before donating.
Wedding Dress Donation Programs
If you’re looking to donate both your mother of the bride dress and your wedding dress, consider looking into wedding dress donation programs. Organizations such as Brides Across America and Wish Upon A Wedding accept donated wedding dresses and provide them to military brides or couples facing serious illness. While not all of these programs accept mother of the bride dresses, it’s worth checking to see if any in your area do.
FAQ
Is it okay if my dress has some minor wear and tear?
Most donation programs and charities will accept dresses with minor wear and tear, such as loose buttons or small stains. However, it’s best to check with the organization first to confirm their policies.
Do I need to have my dress dry cleaned before donating?
While it’s not always necessary to have your dress dry cleaned before donating, it’s a good idea to do so if it’s in your budget. This will ensure that the dress is in the best possible condition for the recipient.
Can I write off my donation on my taxes?
Yes, in most cases, donations to registered charities are tax-deductible. Be sure to ask for a receipt or acknowledgment of your donation for tax purposes.
Can I donate my dress if it’s a non-traditional color or style?
Yes! Many organizations accept dresses of all colors and styles, as long as they are in good condition and appropriate for formal occasions.
What should I do if I can’t find a charity or organization that accepts formalwear donations?
If you’re having trouble finding a local charity or online platform that accepts formalwear donations, consider reaching out to local high schools or community theaters to see if they have a need for costumes or props. You could also try selling the dress online and donating the proceeds to a charity of your choice.
Will my dress definitely be given to someone in need?
While most donation programs and charities have policies in place to ensure that donated items are given to those in need, it’s always possible that your dress may be sold or used in a different way. If it’s important to you that your dress goes directly to someone in need, consider looking for organizations with a specific focus on providing formalwear to underserved populations.
Should I include any accessories or shoes with my dress?
While it’s not necessary to include accessories or shoes with your dress, some organizations may accept them if they are in good condition and appropriate for formal occasions.
Can I donate my dress if it’s several years old?
Yes! As long as the dress is in good condition and appropriate for formal occasions, it can still be valuable to someone in need.
Donating your mother of the bride dress is a great way to give back to your community and promote sustainability. Not only will you be helping someone in need, but you’ll also be freeing up space in your closet for new memories and adventures. Consider donating your dress today!
Pros
Donating your mother of the bride dress can help those in need, promote sustainability, and free up space in your closet.
Tips
Be sure to read the guidelines carefully for any organization or charity you’re considering donating to. Consider having your dress dry cleaned before donating if it’s in your budget.
Summary
If you’re wondering what to do with your mother of the bride dress after the wedding, consider donating it to a local charity or online platform. Wedding dress donation programs and organizations that provide formalwear to underserved teens are also great options. With a little research, you can find a worthy cause to give your dress a second life.
