First, you said YES to the perfect dress. Then you married your sweetheart in that dress. What’s next for the most important dress of your life {besides swooning over and posting so many gorgeous photos from your wedding day}? Without knowing what to do with their wedding dress after the “I do’s”, many brides leave their gown in a closet or {gasp} in an attic to yellow and collect dust. We offer some great alternatives for your wedding dress:
1. Gown Preservation
After all, your wedding gown is a valuable investment. Have it professionally cleaned and preserved for future generations to enjoy. Interested in gown cleaning and/or preservation services? Just bring your dress to us and we will take care of the rest. Up to two accessories are included, so don’t forget to bring your veil or sash to be preserved. If your dress was damaged during the festivities, gown repair options are also available for an additional cost.
2. Bridal Consignment
If you’re not the sentimental type or just looking to recoup some cash, reselling your dress is a great option. We are happy to offer luxury bridal consignment to give a second life to designer bridal gowns purchased within the past four years. You recoup some cash, someone else gets a gorgeous gown at a discount- it’s a win win! For more information on reselling your gown with us, visit our consignment page.
3. Make Your Daughter’s Rehearsal Dress
We love the idea of reusing a parent or grandparent’s wedding dress for the engagement party, rehearsal dinner, or even a cool vintage photoshoot. Not quite her size or style? A talented bridal seamstress can alter the dress to fit her and her personal style. Adorable Ava Clara bride, Meredith, entrusted her grandma’s vintage wedding dress with our seamstress to create the perfect rehearsal dress. Her satin gown, handmade in 1954 by her great grandmother, was altered to fit Meredith and her personal style. We love the fun high-low hem, but mostly we love her sweet story and the meaning behind her beautiful dress.
4. Make a Christening Gown or Take An Adorable Infant Photoshoot
Ready for your daughter to wear your gown sooner than later? We are dying over this adorable photo that former Ava Clara bride, Karen, took of her baby girl in her Enaura Bridal gown. There are also seamstresses who will make a sweet Christening gown for a family heirloom that can be handed down for generations.
We can’t wait to see which option you will choose for your wedding dress after the big day. We would love to hear your ideas and see pictures of anything special that you did with your wedding or rehearsal dress. Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @avaclarabridal or Facebook for a chance to be featured!