On the 17th of this month is our 17th anniversary. Yippeeee!! Now we weren't able to have any kids. Not by choice but its the way the ball goes sometimes however, when we got married, I had a beautiful wedding gown that I got really cheap cheap CHEAP and afterwards, I had it cleaned and sealed in a special box in case I ever had a daughter I could hand it down to her but that wasn't to be. So my question is, if you were in my shoes, what would you do with your wedding gown? I still have it in the sealed box but I often wonder what am I going to do with it now? It seems to be a waste of space to keep it but yet it does have sentimental value to me and my husband. I'm going around in circles so what do you think?
[question posted by CatsandDogs]
responses and comments:
If you are good at sewing Cats, you can cut up the gown into the fabric and make throw pillows and things. I saw an article on Associated Content. Here it is: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/622467/your_wedding_gown_so_beautiful_what.html?cat=7 If you have any nieces you can also make some mementos for them also. [OreoCookie3]
It's too pretty to cut up. Not saying that because it's my gown but seriously, it is too pretty to cut up. I do have a God daughter though and she wore my Christening gown that I wore as a baby to her Christening so who knows, she may want to wear my gown but then again, she's a tall gal and at the age of almost 13, her shoe size is about an 8 I think. Her father is really tall and she's taking after him so she might be too tall. I don't know what I'm going to do because it's silly to keep it but I don't want to give it up but..... arg!! LOL I'm going around in circles... lol Right now it's in a sealed container that I can't open but let the dry cleaners open it because it has a life time warrenty on it and the warrenty is no good if I open it but it is if the dry cleaners do it and if anything is damaged, it'll be covered by insurance so I can't get to it but I can see it through a plastic cover that's like a window but I can't touch it and I had it done for a reason, one because it's sentimental and because I may have a daughter some day which never materialized so bla bla bla.... I could go on forever about this dress. I'd hate to see anything bad to happen to it. Am I weird? LOL [CatsandDogs]
My mother's friend also wasn't blessed with children. They 'adopted' the two children of a neighboring family. Those two will in fact one day inherit the couple's house. My husband's ex-boss was in a similar situation. They 'adopted' their nephew. So, is there a special child in your life like a niece, neighbor girl, somebody? That would be the person I would offer the dress to. Otherwise, either keep it for sentimental value or sell it and maybe you can get enough money for a second mini-honeymoon;) Also, keep in mind that a daughter may not have fit into or even liked the dress. I kept mine, but know my oldest will be much taller than me. My middle one may fit into it as an adult if her current growth rate is any indication, but who knows if she'll like it. I keep mine for sentimental values although I myself will probably not fit into it again either, lol. Darn pounds want 'melt' off;) [jonesy123]
My daughter did not fit my dress, or like it. On the other hand, the sleeves were Irish crochet, made by my mother, who is dead. We picked a style of dress that we could remove the sleeves and put on Samantha's gown. That is what worked for me. My daughter got to have something in her wedding made by her grandma, as well. [GardenGerty]
well i guess handing it down to my daughter will do the trick..that is if im in you shoes...and of course depending if my daughter likes it also and fit her well and everyhting...or maybe since i had some sentimental value on it..then i had to keep it somewhere safe...or the reverse..give it or sell it.. [vanities]
It's just too pretty to give away or even sell it but then again to me, it's a waste sitting in the box but it does have sentimental value to me. I just might keep it for I don't know what's down the road. [CatsandDogs]
That's a difficult one to answer. If it were me, I would probably try to find someone who could not afford a nice wedding gown. How I would go about doing that is another question. Perhaps I would let the pastors in the area know that I had it. Or perhaps I might contact the local newspaper and see if they might want to write about it and help you find a deserving woman. [kenzie45230]
Those are really good suggestions however, it's too pretty to give to just anybody. Not only that, it has sentimental value to it. I'd rather let someone I knew borrow it so I could get it back but then it's like a waste to take it back for I have no one to hand it down to. Oh I don't know what I'm going to do yet. lol BTW, I've put some pictures of it above yours. [CatsandDogs]
Are there some keepsake kinds of items you could have made from it, such as a cover for a photo album, maybe the album of your wedding pictures? Is it trimmed in lace? Could a section be cut, or more than one, and framed, maybe in a shadow box? Do you have any nieces you are close to that you could pass it to? Those are some things that come to my mind. I also think of the charitable organizations that give beautiful clothes to poor, or abused women, to help their self esteem. I cannot remember any of the names, but that might be wonderful, say to give it to someone who has survived a serious illness and is able to get married. If that were the case, I would take beautiful pictures of it to keep, and also of the recipient. Remember, getting rid of the dress does not get rid of the memories, or the meaning it had for you. Only gives you space, and gives the dress another life. [GardenGerty]
You are right about that, I'll definetly have my memories but the dress is so pretty that I don't want to cut it up nor do I want to give it to just anybody because of it's sentimental value but yet at the same time, it's a waste sitting in a sealed box. Oh maybe a few more years of thinking, I'll eventually come up with something. I've put up some pictures in a couple of responses above yours if you want to see it. [CatsandDogs]
I had a dress made in red, my favourite colour, tat I could wea again. My sister is in the same boat you ae, with nohing to do wih her wedding gown. She and her hsband didn't want children, and that's all well ad good, ecause they boh have illnesses hat could be passed on. Her dress is still sealed in a box at Mom's place. My dress will be worn again and again and again by me. I'll probably be cremated in it. LOL [danishcanadian]
LOL Red, huh? I bet it's really pretty! That's the smartest way to go for you're not wasting any money in a traditional wedding gown. If only I had the smarts to do that back then I wouldn't be in this dilema now. Oh la la.... lol [CatsandDogs]
I think I would take it out on your anniversary this month and you and hubby can remember what your wedding day was like. Then after that, I think I'd sell it or give it to someone. That way someone else will be able to use and get the happiness from it that you have. Only you can decide though, I know it is a haard decision to make. [Sherry12]
I can't take it out of the box because it's sealed and if I open it then the warrenty will be invalid. I have to take it to the cleaners to have them open it for the warrenty to be good and then it costs around $150. $200. to have it resealed so it's not an option. [CatsandDogs]
Well if it's a certain type of material you could have it dyed black or another color and have it cut in length to turn it into a lovely party dress ... to wear to dinner or to special events. I have heard that this is a popular way to recycle a beautiful wedding gown. You could sell it on e-bay, or Craigs List or in your local "want ads" in the newspaper. A lot of people look for their wedding gowns this way. Upload a photo of it on your computer. You could also try consignment shops ... where you would get a percentage of the proceeds. If it has sentimental value to you ... you may not want to part with it. If you decide to sell it ... if you wore a veil I would keep the veil and just just sell the dress. Good Luck to you! [barbiedollgirl]
Oh my yes ... that is a beautiful wedding gown. I would definitely see if someone else could wear it for their wedding. I love the sleeves and the train. [barbiedollgirl]
If it is too hard to part with, keep it. Or you could sell it on Ebay for a reasonable price and give someone else as much joy as you got in wearing it. Just remember, you will always have pictures. [Rozie37]
If you feel that strongly about it, I think that you should keep it. You never know what could happen later on down the line. I know that there have been many times that I have gotten rid of something and then later wished that I had kept it. There may come a time when you will want to give/lend it to someone and your heart will know. You will feel a irresistable tugging and you will have no problem giving in to that feeling when it comes. [Rozie37]
When we moved I left mine in California. Shurgs didn't know what else I would be doing with it. I wasn't blessed with any kids either. You could put it up on e-bay or in a consignment shop. Dunno if you go to church if so maybe a young woman there would like to wear it? There is this one place that takes wedding dresses and sells them to raise money for a charity but I can't remember which charity. Should sell or give it away and let someone else enjoy it as much as you did. [shooie]
I know I should do something with it but I can't seem to part with it for sentimental reasons. I'd be so happy to give it to someone close to me but there aren't any females except for my niece and she got married last year. But then again, I hate for it to continue to sit in a sealed box forever.... [CatsandDogs]
im already 30 and i dunno if i will be blessed with children. but im also thinking of what i will do with my wedding gown. here are some suggestions. i know you said its too pretty to cut up, has so much sentimental value but too space consuming...still,if you change your mind about cutting it up, you can ask a professional to make miniature version of the wedding gown and have it displayed in a small glass box. The remaining fabric can be used as a boarder to a large photo frame with your wedding picture on it. and if there's some more remaining fabric, you can ask a special niece or god daughter to make it a part of a her new wedding gown, that way, a part of your dress will live on... [lipsticknladdles]
Oh I love the idea of making a shorter version of the gown! That's a wonderful idea! I'm going to have to think on that one though for it's a right pretty dress. One that I thought I'd never be able to afford until I heard the price of it which was some where around $325. I liked to have picked up my jaw off the floor and bought it on the spot! I have pictures of it on the first page of this discussion if you'd like to see it. It's under my response with #2 and #3. [CatsandDogs]
hi friend, advance happy anniversary to you and your hubby.If your or neibhour have babies means you give this gown to that babies.take care. [vimaal]
My husband and I can't have babies and my neighbors babies have all grown. My only niece got married last year. I just might keep it in hopes to find someone who could use it in the future. [CatsandDogs]
hi Cats considering the sentimental value of that gown I would say, keep it and enjoy reminiscing in the good old times when you have that box in your hands now and then when rearranging stuff in your house. [book1962]
Hi book!! Welcome to mylot Kelly!! You both are very right, it is a memory that we'll like to reminisce for years to come. I think I might keep it for a few more years and maybe display it in a glass box on a dummy doll. I can only imagine the idea itself is expensive but it might be worth it to get to see it more often than just the front of it in a sealed box. [CatsandDogs]
Firstly, I'd like to congratulate you for 17 years of marriage. Only a few lucky couples are able to stay together that long, and I hope I'll be one of them. It's too bad that you don't have any kids, but I'm sure your love is expressed elsewhere be it through charitable work or caring for animals. With regards to the dress, perhaps you can lend/give it a niece? If it still fits you, then you can also wear it to celebrate your golden anniversary. [mimico]
Thank You!! You are right, few stay together this long but it's because divorce is too easily to get these days and very few people really work at their marriage. We've had our share of problems but we've been able to work through them with lots and lots of communication and support of each other. Anyway, since we don't have kids we've had lots and lots of fur babies. Right now we have 9 cats and 3 dogs which we dearly love. lol My only niece got married last year so that idea is out and there's no more girls in this family.... dang it!! lol About the dress size, that's another story so I'll leave THAT one alone! lol rasp [CatsandDogs]
Do you have a favourite Niece or a very good Friend who has a Daughter that maybe you could pass it on to? The only thing I suggest is do keep hold of it as maybe one Day someone might need it you just never know I know it is taking up space but as you say it means a lot to you [gabs8513]
Cats it is beautiful I have left you a Comment [gabs8513]
As Ur Husband have an Sentimental Value U shud atleast keep. I have things that are atleast 20 years old. But still have it. My mother have a Bangle when she was 6 years old. Still she has not yet removed from her hand. Clean it sealed in a special box in case I ever had a daughter I could hand it to.When she got Old [BunnyxD]
I think I might keep it a few more years for I never know what the future holds. I might find someone worthy of wearing it, someone who'll take good care of it. Time will tell. [CatsandDogs]
i think you should keep it until forever for jit is of a good value to you .maybe you can give it to you daughter as a memorial [iambaiyunlvshui]
You didn't read my discussion through because I stated we aren't able to have children. We tried for a long time but it just wasn't meant to be. I'm going to keep the dress a few more years in hopes someone will come along and want to wear it. [CatsandDogs]
I guess it would all depend on what you may want to do with it. A friend of mine and I just recently had this discussion. She and I are both plus size girls and do not want to see our children this size when they get married. She had a great idea for us...make something out of the gown. If all it is going to do is take up space, make something out of it. We discussed using the lace on the gowns for a border on a pillow made from the satin on the gown. Since you have already had it cleaned and preserved, it shouldn't be a problem doing this. We had also thought about getting a keepsake box for all of the wedding memories from that special day (the cake server, glasses, etc.) and then you could pad and cover the outside of the box with the material from the gown and keep it in your living room or bedroom. There is always the option of putting the gown up on EBay and selling it there or taking it to you local consignment shop if you can't bear the thought of cutting into the gown to make something out of it. There are many people out there that look for inexpensive gowns for their big day. [morinc15]
When I first got married, I was a size 6. I can only dream of being such a size today!! LOL I'm more than twice that size but you know what? I don't care because I'm happy and that's all that matters so don't cut yourself down sweetie because there's more of you and ME to love!! w00t I think I'm going to keep it for a few more years in hopes to find someone really special to wear it again. It is too pretty to cut up into pieces so I think I'm going to wait a little more and think on it. Thanks though!! You gave very good suggestions! [CatsandDogs]
There are several things, perhaps hadn it down to a niece or a younger sister, some other younger female that you are especially close with. You can sell it, ebay is a great place, to sell and tget a decent price for it, or at a consignment shop. If you are creative and can sew, you can use it to make other garments, and perhaps keep a part of it such as the train if it had one, as your rememberance for the sentimental value. [faln_angel1205]
I wish I could sew but it's not one of my specialties. sad I learned how to do that in jr high school but that was so long ago that I can't remember what is what on the machines. I'd love to take classes some day and will if ever given the chance. I think I might keep the dress a little while longer for I have a tall God daughter who may want to wear it on her wedding day. That is, if she can find a way to make it longer for I know she'll be much taller than I am when she finishes growing. [CatsandDogs]
You could always dontate it or give it to any neices you may have. [sedel1027]
I'm afraid to donate it to just anybody out of fear it won't be appreciated for it's beauty. I know that sounds silly but it's true. The dress is really pretty and it's very sentimental to me so I'd want someone who's close to me to borrow it so I think I'm going to keep it a while longer and see how the future holds. My only niece got married last year but it was a good suggestion though! Thanks! [CatsandDogs]
I'm sorry to hear that you were not able to have children. However, if I were you I would pass the wedding gown down to either a niece, cousin, or some other close family member. This way they are able to understand the great sentimental value that is has to you and your husband. Or if you are feeling extremely giving, you could donate it to the local salvation army or goodwill store. Most people would not want to do that with their wedding gown though. Good luck in whatever you do and I'm sure that everything will work out for the best! [shell1986]
Thanks but it's ok, God has other plans for us but we're getting older and not knowing what He wants is making me wonder!! LOL Most of my family members are males, my only niece got married last year so that's out but I do have a God daughter who is very tall and will be 14 next month, who'll might want to wear it so I'm going to keep it a while longer before decideing what exactly to do with it. Thanks! [CatsandDogs]
I cannot say what I would do in your situation because I would be devastated if I could not have children. However, if you have a niece, cousin or sister with whom you are very close you could give it to them. They would better be able to understand the sentimentality of the dress better than a stranger would. Also, if you are feeling especially generous you could donate it to the local goodwill or salvation army store. Good luck in whatever you decide and I'm sure everything will work out for the best. [shell1986]
Did you respond twice? lol Did you realize that? Don't worry, we've all done it a time or two when we were new. No biggy!! Happy mylotting!! and Welcome!! [CatsandDogs]
I would say that if the dress means that much to you and your husband then keep it but if you have a niece or cousin, maybe you can hand it down to them. Or maybe if you plan to adopt you could keep the dress and hand it down to your adopted daughter. If not, then maybe you could donate it to Good will or the Salvation army. :) [cwilson26]
Well my only niece got married last year, my cousins and I haven't talked in years due to having our own lives... sad I know but it's life I guess. My God daughter might be able to wear it but then again, she's growing like a weed so she may be too tall. We're not planning on adopting so that idea is out. lol Who knows, something or someone might come up and want to borrow it. Thanks for your suggestions!! [CatsandDogs]
it seems you are so much attached to your weeding dress that you cant give it as a gift so keep it and let it be in the box. the best thing you can do is to give this valuable dress as a wonderful present for would be young couples and they will forever be greatful. but it seems you cant part with it [Favour3]
I wouldn't mind lending it to someone who'd take care of it but not to just anybody because, yeah, it does mean a lot to me. I knowit's crazy to keep it especially in a box but it is mine and I paid for it so why should I be so careless in who gets it if anybody? [CatsandDogs]
Here in Israel we have several organizations that loan wedding gown to poor brides who can't afford to rent or buy one. The bride just has to dry clean it before returning it for the next young woman to use. You might want to see if there is such a service in your area. They are usually run by religious and charitable organizations. Check the yellow pages or call your favorite charities. You could make many young women very happy to be married in a beautiful gown. Alternatively you could take it to a consignment shop and it would become someone else's heirloom gown. Purrs and wags, The Cat Lady [TheCatLady]
That is a neat idea! I don't know if there's such a thing here and don't know how to find out but I will once things slow down a bit. Been so busy with my sick mom (stroke) and now I'm down with a sinus infection so eventually I'll check into it. Thanks for the suggestions!! Woof woof!! and Meow meow!! lol [CatsandDogs]
Happy Anniversary! I would check and see if there is anyone in your family getting married that needs a dress. If not, there might be some organization around that helps poor girls with a dress to get married in. We have one in Austin that helps poor girls have nice dresses to go to the prom in called - I think - Fairy Godmother. I think that there might be something if not in your town, in a city nearby. Finally, if you need some cash, there might a vintage type place that will sell it for you. [ElicBxn]
I'm sorry to hear about your mom - again. I know its terrible to lose a parent, or especially both parents, but there does come a point where the pain of watching them living the way they are is worse than the idea of their dying. [ElicBxn]
I had various ball gowns including my beautiful debut gown and my Mum got rid of them. I don't know what happened to them. I was thrown out of home when I was 16 and when I went back years later, all my stuff was gone. I don't know what I would have done with them. Possibly kept them out of interest. I gave away my wedding dress...it was an off white wool mini dress. I gave away a black crepe halter neck I wish I'd kept. I have a few bits and pieces that I hope my grandkids will be interested in. My daughters are not into the sentimental things I've collected. [MsTickle]
My daughters are both in their late 30's ...just not sentimental. Hope you get your hanky back but I reckon she's lost it., [MsTickle]
Hi,I am going to get married on 10th January 2009. Usually people wear a saree in India, but I would like to wear a gown on my marriage. It is difficult to find a good gown in India and it costs atleast Rs 10000/-. I can't afford such a big price. I saw the picture of your wedding gown. It is very pretty! If you don't mind please send it to me. I will pay for the shipping and keep it safe. I look forward hearing from you. Regards, Dalia [daliaj]