12 Places to Donate a Wedding Gown

Photo by Viktor-G entitled Hochzeit in Hamburg. Found on Flickr. Licensed under Creative Commons.

So here’s my advice. Elope, but if you have to have a traditional wedding get the dress you want and then SELL IT IMMEDIATELY after you get married and buy Apple stock. — Dr. Jen Gumter

Dr. Jen didn’t follow her advice, and eventually wound up dying her gown, turning it into a Cinderella dress for Halloween. But her point is good; it’s much easier to sell or donate a relatively new dress than an older one.

But you can find places to donate gowns of varying ages. While this list is limited to places in the U.S., there are certainly places in other countries: The Brides’ Project in Canada, for example. And places that don’t focus on wedding gowns, such as Goodwill, are always an alternative.


Places to donate relatively new gowns:

1. Brides Against Breast Cancer
Criteria: Gown must be less than two years old — up to four years old if it’s a classic “couture” dress with no yellowing. Original retail price must be greater than $999. Gowns from David’s Bridal or BHLDN are not accepted (unless it's a designer brand). Must be in excellent condition. Prefers gown to be cleaned but that’s not required; if it’s not cleaned, you may choose to donate $50 to cover cleaning.

2. Wish Upon a Wedding
Criteria: Gown must be less than three years old, professionally cleaned. Luxury designers preferred; gowns from David’s Bridal not accepted.

3. Adorned in Grace
Criteria: Gown must be five years old or newer. Much appreciated if the gown is cleaned — or if a check for $50 or more is included with the donation, to cover cleaning costs.

4. Brides for a Cause
Criteria: Gown must be no more than five years old. (Vintage dresses not being accepted at this time.) Appreciates gowns being clean, but can take care of it if they are not.

5. The Bridal Garden
Criteria: Gown must have been purchased within the last five years; must be in fairly clean, sellable condition.


Places to donate both new and vintage gowns:

6. Gowns for a Cause
Criteria: Gown must be three years old or newer; slightly worn and in near-perfect condition. Also takes vintage gowns, 20 years old or older.

7. Brides Across America
Criteria: Gown must be less than five years old; in good condition. May not be able to accept a gown if they already have enough in that size and style. May also be able to take your vintage gown.

8. Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring
Criteria: Gown must be five years old or less. Must arrive clean, or with payment of $100 to cover cleaning costs. Might possibly take a vintage gown, if it’s one a bride today might like.


Places to donate older gowns:

9. Cherie Amour
Criteria: Gowns must be less than 10 years old. No cleaning necessary.

10. St. Anthony’s Bridal
Criteria: Any age OK, as long as the gown has been well preserved, hasn’t significantly yellowed, and hasn’t been moth-eaten or pest-eaten. If in doubt about the cleanliness, include a check for $50 to cover cleaning.


Places to donate gowns to be re-purposed:

These are places that take wedding gowns and turn them into burial gowns for babies who have died. While I’m listing two such programs, you can easily find others with an online search.

11. NICU Helping Hands — Angel Gowns program
Criteria: All gowns OK if they are clean and in good condition. Gowns should be cleaned if they have any odor. If the gown is heavily stained or unevenly yellowed with age, it might not be usable. Gowns should come from smoke-free homes. Note: Gowns are accepted on an as-needed basis. You fill out the form and get placed on a waiting list.

12. Phoenix Leadership Center — West Coast Angel Gowns
Criteria: Gowns should be gently used.


Places not currently accepting gowns due to overstock:

I’m noting these because they may open for donations again in the future.

Every Girls Dream
Mary Madeline Project (an angel-gown type of organization)