In the last two years I have been in seven weddings. In addition to my bridesmaid dresses I also have a gown for each year of homecoming and prom from high school for a grand total of 13 dresses. Yes, 13 dresses patiently waiting in my closet for a chance to be dined and danced in once again. So what happens when the event is over and you are left with a truly gorgeous (or horribly awful) hot mess of a dress? Of course you can have it shortened and wear it as a cocktail dress right? As much was we would like to…we know no one does that. After doing some research I have found some places that can help your chiffon move on!
Give it up and Turn it Loose
Most men will never understand it, but we often attach ourselves to our clothing through memories we created while wearing them. Unfortunately not all girls get to experience this feeling. Instead of letting your dress sit in your closet let someone else breathe new life into it. There are some amazing organizations out there that help ‘recycle’ your gowns to create a special prom experience for girls who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend because of their financial situations, or organizations that sell your gown for a greater cause.
www.fairygodmothersinc.com has locations in New York, Virginia and Florida and you can also donate money to their cause.
www.glassslipperproject.org based in Chicago, IL has helped over 10,000 high school girls go to their prom because of their services.
www.rubyroomseattle.org is a nonprofit organization located in Seattle whose motto is “You felt great wearing it, now feel great sharing it.”
www.makingmemories.org raises money by selling recycled dresses to go towards making last wishes of terminal breast cancer patients.
Saying Goodbye
I know it is hard to say goodbye to these treasured pieces of your past, but with the help of friends everything can be made easier. You could host a party to gather your friends and their dresses to donate to one of these charitable organizations. Welcome guests to bring photographs and memorabilia from the special days that their dresses were worn so you can swap stories and reminisce. You could also make print outs of some of the things that each organization has done for guests to read.
Personally I have clothes in my closet that will never be worn again, but the thought of giving them up used to make me feel like they wouldn’t be there one day when I wanted them. It is shallow I realize, but my style is part of who I am. When it comes down to it though, these are just material things. Material things that could move on to create memories for another young woman or raise money to make a sick man or woman’s last dream a reality, and that is worth letting any garment go.
Invitations from left to right: Lily's Dress, Delightful Dress in Aqua, and We've Got Tonight.
Wow! I was able to relate to this article, because I just donated my old bridesmaid dresses to a co-worker of mine. She takes them to a local school and the dresses are used for children with special needs and they are able to have a dress of their choice for a dance that is held for them. These girls will definitely live the Glamorous life for a night and knowing that I contributed to their smile makes me feel so good!
Posted by: Amy Tustin | Friday, May 16, 2008 at 05:31 PM