So you’re married. Congratulations! Hopefully the day was heartfelt and fun and maybe your wedding dress has the red wine stains to prove it. But what happens now to that perfectly tailored, white sequined satin gown that’s completely inappropriate at any other occasion? We’ve found five solutions to the conundrum of what to do with your wedding dress after the wedding.
Consign
Chances are your dream gown cost a pretty penny. The easiest way to recoup some of that dough is by consigning it. The Bragging Bride in Inglewood accepts once worn, professionally dry cleaned wedding gowns that are two years old or newer. You’ve worked hard in all that organza, so get some cash back. (1048 21 Ave. S.E., 403-919-4527, thebraggingbride.ca)
Donate
Spread some of the love from your big day and donate your gown to charity. Women in Need Society will accept wedding dresses to sell in one of its multiple thrift store locations in the city. Angel Gowns by Charity accepts wedding dresses in order to make infant burial gowns for grieving parents. (womeninneed.net and facebook.com/angelgownsbycharity)
Remodel
Depending on the style and cut of your dress, consider taking it to a tailor or seamstress to have it remodeled into a super stylish evening gown. Chop off the train, bring it to knee length, lose the puffy sleeves and maybe even dye it. Marianna’s Alterations will happily turn your gown into a chic cocktail dress. (104 10816 Macleod Tr. S.E., 403-278-2655, mariannasalterations.com)
Preserve
Cleaning and carefully boxing your wedding dress means you can look at it and remember when your love was new and you still went to the bathroom with the door closed. Most dry cleaners offer wedding dress services where they carefully clean, press and pack your dress up for you. Martinizing by Stephen Cleaners has multiple Calgary locations, martinizing.ca.
Get Crafty
Put that five foot train to good use and get crafty. Cut up your dress and re-purpose the fabric into pretty satin or lace throw pillows. Pull off rhinestone and lace embellishments for headbands, necklaces, cloth bracelets and broaches. Whip up an adorable evening gown for your dog…you get the picture. Head to Pinterest.