Making the Most of Old Bridesmaid Dresses

Always a bridesmaid, but never a bride. Does this ring true for you? If so, you probably have a closet full of dresses that you will never wear. Like me, they are more than likely colors that were unflattering and ones you would never choose to wear on purpose. What is one to do with all of those dresses? Here are some ways you can make the most of your bridesmaid-dress collection.

Keep a piece of each of your dresses as a memento. Even though you may not want to keep all of your dresses, you probably want to remember the day your friend or family member got hitched. Cut a piece of the fabric, trim a few buttons, or pull off the rosette on the front. Purchase a keepsake box, label each piece with the bride's name and wedding date, and store away for safe keeping. This will save you a lot of closet space.

Sell your dresses to a resale shop. You may just make a few bucks. Believe it or not, even though you may not like them, there is probably someone out there that will like your old bridesmaid dresses. Make sure that they are clean and pressed. Resale shops are less likely to accept your clothing if it is not presentable since it probably won't sell anyway.

Recycle your dress as a Halloween costume. There are many costume ideas that you could transform your dress into. Why not be a bridesmaid? You already have a costume and everyone will think you are quite humorous. Other Halloween costume ideas include a princess, queen, Cinderella, or beauty pageant contestant. You may just need to add a tiara and maybe a sash.

Give your dresses to a niece or friend's daughter for her dress up collection. Little girls love to dress up and what better things to play with than real dress up clothes. You will put a smile on some little girl's face and do some cleaning out at the same time. It will be funny to see them being put to good use!

Donate your dresses to a local charity. Get rid of your bridesmaid dresses once and for all and receive a tax deduction at the same time. Gather them together, place in a bag, and call a local charity for a pickup.

And you thought you were doomed to have those dresses hanging in your closet forever! Don't forget to offer these bridesmaid dress solutions to your bridesmaids some day.