How To Upcycle Your Wedding Dress

Your wedding is over and you are thinking about repurposing your gown. So, what can you make from it – virtually anything.  Here are some ideas from our tailors. And if you need help, be sure to bring your ideas and your dress to Flair Cleaners.

Garments

We get it, you don’t want to part with your cherished gown, but you want to extend the value and use. No problem. If you are not a seamstress, consider working with one of the tailors at Flair Cleaners to create a new, upcycled garment. And, depending on the dress, you might get more than one garment from it. Then you can wear your newly fashioned dress virtually anywhere. Here are some ideas:

• Create a party dress by changing the color, shortening it, and tailoring it to fit special occasions, parties, and date nights.
• Transform the train into a lovely skirt. Add lace for an extra special touch.
• Use it as a christening gown.
• Share it with a friend or family member for use as a flower girl’s dress.
• Make holiday outfits for your children.

Be careful when dying the dress as not all fabrics and embellishments dye well. Lace, for example, won’t soak up color while silk usually dyes well. It’s best to consult a professional before you dye the gown.

Decor & Accessories

Creating accessories for your home will let you enjoy fond memories every day. For example:

• Transform your dress into tablecloths, table runners, or even curtains.
• Cover your wedding photo album or wedding card keepsake box using fabric from your wedding gown or veil.
• Create a new holiday tradition. Use part of the dress to make a tree skirt for your Christmas tree.
• Make a throw pillow, using the adornments on the front of the pillow and the plainer fabric on the reverse.

Donate

• Create a children’s “dress-up” outfit and donate it to a shelter, pediatric hospital, dentist, or other organization where it will be lovingly used by kids.
• Donate the dress to any number of charities and nonprofits. Be sure to do it quickly, however, as most won’t take dresses more than five years old.