29 Feb

Wedding Wednesday: What Should This Reader Do With Her Unused Wedding Dress?

Today, I’m answering a question sent in from a reader, just like you!  Kristine asks:

I have a wedding dress that I bought when I was with my ex-fiance, but the wedding was called off. Now I have an amazing Maggie Sottero dress hanging in my closet, and don’t know what to do with it.  My mom wants me to hold onto it for my next wedding (whenever that is) and maybe just change it up a little, like adding a colored sash or something.

I am split on making my decision. On one hand, I already have a dress, so thats one less expense down the road. On the other hand, that was a dress purchased for the wedding of my ex.  What do you think? Should I hang onto it, and just alter it in some way? Or sell it and get a whole new one when that time comes?  What did you do with your dress after the wedding?

{via}

Kristine, I can see how this would be such a tough decision!  It’s so much more than a dress— it’s a super emotional symbol of your past relationship, and that’s hard to part with.  But the truth is, that wedding dress was meant for a different wedding, a different man, and a different you.

You’re supposed to feel like a million bucks on your wedding day.  It’s an exciting new chapter and a time to look to the future.  Personally, I know I’d feel pretty uncomfortable wearing a dress that reminded me of a past relationship.  And there certainly shouldn’t be any pressure from your mom to hang onto it if that doesn’t feel right to you!  Just like the rest of your wedding day, the dress you choose is up to you and should reflect what you really want on your big day.

If selling your dress feels right to you, there are a few places you can list it.  Plenty of brides peruse Craigslist for wedding-related needs.  But you can also visit Preowned Wedding Dresses and Wedding Bee Classifieds, which will give it lots of exposure.  To save on wedding expenses down the line, you could always put the money you make from the gown into an account that’s earmarked for another dress when the time comes.

Hope this helps, Kristine… best of luck!

What do you think Kristine should do about the wedding dress in her closet?  Did I give her the right advice, or do you think she should hang onto the gown?  Help her out by sharing your opinion in the comments!

{5} comments


{ posted: Wednesday, February 29, 2012 }


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Comments: {5}

  • amanda writes:

    It depends how much you love the dress. I can see thinking of it as a symbol of a past relationship, but I can also see it as a beautiful dress who is waiting to be worn on the perfect day. Don’t listen to anyone else’s opinions just look at your dress when you are completely over your ex and see how you feel then.

  • Susannah Gill writes:

    I am a huge believer in getting rid of ANYTHING (even if you adore it) if it holds any negative feelings or will remind you of things that might be negative. Its tough because maybe you love the vase or the sweater, but if looking at it conjurers up those feelings- donate it, toss it or whatever- just don\’t surround yourself with it. On your wedding day thinking of your ex is probably the last thing you want to think about and also the last thing your groom should have to think about! Id say a new dress for a new love for a new life!!

  • nell writes:

    There is a website where people sell new and worn wedding dresses. My friend bought 2 dresses and was able to sell the unworn dress for almost what she spent. I forgot the name but it shouldn’t be hard to find.

  • Kris writes:

    Thanks Kim and Gals!! Your comments have been very helpful.. I think I have to agree with pretty much everything that has been stated.. I will have to look at these websites, and choose the right way to go. I know in my head that it is the right thing to do by getting rid of the dress.. Thanks again ladies!

  • Sarah writes:

    I totally agree with Kim. New relationship new dress. And at this point in your life you might feel like it is “the” dress for you, but you might feel differently in 6 months or a year. I love my wedding dress to this day, but I also love other wedding dresses that I didn’t see before my wedding. Good luck. I am sure you are going through a hard time, but things work out in the end.

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about {bb}

Kim Guiley | {blending beautiful}

Thanks for stopping by! I'm a blogger and hair stylist living in San Francisco with my wonderful husband. Please contact me for guest blogging and advertising inquiries.