THE AFTERLIFE OF YOUR WEDDING DRESS
One of my clients recently asked, "What do I do with my gown once the wedding is over?"
I suggested she might display the gown on a dress form in her living room or bedroom. I was glad she liked the idea because it sparked me to develop a concept around that 'What's next?' question all you brides are asking.
Okay, so, let's start with the display idea. Display is actually one way of storing a gown as a soft furnishing that everyone sees. If you have room in your home and are open to a new, unique way to make a decorating statement, go for it. Displaying your gown on a dress form makes for great conversation when folks come over to visit. It also looks pretty. These photos show different ways to arrange a dress form and offer additional display ideas.
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| Display is also a way to store a gown as a soft furnishing everyone can see. Displaying your gown on a dress form makes for great conversation when folks come over to visit. |
Because my clients have been looking for more options for recycling the wedding dress post-wedding, incorporating it into everyday wear is becoming the more eco-conscious option than storing it in a box. Keep in mind that you do have the option to choose a design you can rewear. Working your dress into your wardrobe can mean planning separates, elements that can be customized and transformed as double-duty pieces.
Maybe you’re into cotton and linen. A cotton eyelet dress or linen suit can work well as reusable bridal attire. If you’re drawn to simpler silhouettes in functional fabrics like wool and silk jersey, this works too. Consequently, the more practical you are (as opposed to sentimental), the more likely you are to re-wear your dress (or pants).
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| If you're looking for more options for recycling the wedding dress post-wedding, incorporating it into everyday wear is becoming the more eco-conscious option than storing it in a box.The Swiss dot tea-length dress above is ideal for summer socials and dinner out. |
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| The more practical you are, the more likely you are to re-wear your pantsuit. |
Bassinets, in particular, intrigue me; they keep the gown sentiment going as a story told through laces and silk. The bulk of the skirt wraps around the bassinet, and your wedding veil hangs as a head draping. If you wore a tiara, you’ve created a real fairy tale. I’ve actually known brides who have fashioned table runners out of galloons of lace removed from hemlines; others lined shelves in china cabinets with smaller pieces. And don’t laugh. The skirts of some gowns have made some of the most gorgeous tablecloths I’ve ever seen. Last season, a client brought me an exquisite antique tablecloth and asked me to fashion her wedding gown from it. I was awestruck. First by the cloth. It was an allover and rare Cluny Lace. Ten years ago this would have been considered by most as ‘chintzing it’ on your wedding day whereas these days it is not only applauded but even considered a sentimental gesture—in my client’s case—the tablecloth was lovingly left to her by her great-grandmother.
Lastly, you can always donate your gown. Sharing and giving are beautiful acts. Because some brides may be more eco-conscious than sentimental, that gown may have a truly exciting second life and give some other bride the chance to wear a splendid gown she otherwise wouldn't have been able to afford. Here you'll find a few deserving charities.
Some imagery in this post has been artistically adapted to explore variations in silhouette, fabric, and color.
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