1. DRY CLEAN IT
Whatever your dress’ ultimate use, the first thing you must do following your big day is take it to the dry cleaners. Make sure you choose a reputable company, which specialises in delicate cleaning, and highlight any lace, beads or sequins they need to watch out for. It will cost a pretty penny, but you can’t exactly keep it smelling of food, drink and venue.
2. SELL IT
Yes, you heard us. You might love it; you might have beautiful memories of the day you wore it (and we hope so too!), but this does not mean it needs to take up precious wardrobe real estate for ever after. Your marriage is for keeps, not your wedding dress. Sell it, make another bride-to-be happy, and use the money to do something special with your new hubby.
3. GIVE IT TO CHARITY
Not everyone can afford the celebration you’ve had. There are women who would be forever grateful for a chance to wear a stunning gown on their big day. Inspire foundation, an NGO dedicated to helping people with disabilities, is always grateful for donations, as are Paws 4 A Cause who sell the threads to make money in aid of the MSPCA.
4. TRANSFORM IT
If you’re adamant you don’t want to part with the dress which has meant so much to you, perhaps you should consider creating something new out of the old. Whether you use the material to create a handbag, a summer’s dress, a christening gown or, even, your daughter or niece’s holy communion outfit, don’t let it go to waste.
5. CREATE ART!
Why not give your dress to a local artist to create something unique? The key is imagination, whether the cloth is used in a collage, to reflect the feelings and emotions of your big day or used as a mould to create a sculpture reflecting the love you have for each other.
6. CUSTOM LINGERIE
Get a lingerie designer to transform your dress into a sexy little number which is for his eyes only, and just wait for your husband to rip it off again, and again, and again.