Determining what to do with your wedding gown after the excitement of your big day has faded can be quite challenging, and the difficulty level increases even more when making this choice after a divorce. Although it may be tempting to dispose of it hastily, such as throwing it into the nearest trash bin, dousing it in gasoline, and setting it ablaze, there are much better alternatives available. Here are some of them.
1. Say 'Dye Dye Dye' Not 'Bye Bye Bye'
One of my acquaintances had her beautiful and sleek silk dress dyed professionally and wore it as a guest to another wedding. She was quite clever and had it dyed in a light sandy hue to begin with. Later, she took it back and had it transformed into a pinkish-peach shade. The material is of such high quality that it can endure many more dyeing processes than most other clothing you'll ever purchase. Additionally, you can change the styling each time by altering accessories, makeup, and the people you bring along. And the best part? No one needs to be aware of it.
2. Disney It Up
If you're a parent, you might want to borrow a page from Angelina Jolie's wedding guestbook. She had her children's drawings transferred onto her gown for the actual ceremony. Collaborating with your kids to color sections of the dress together or embellishing it with diamantes and fabric glitter could help alleviate the pain of discussing your separation or divorce with your children. You can never have enough indoor activities to keep your children occupied. Additionally, you'll be ahead of the game if you receive an invitation to a Disney princess ball!
3. Trick And Treat It, Don't Beat It
There are numerous possibilities for transforming your dress into a spooky Halloween costume. You could dress up as a zombie bride, the Princess Bride, the Corpse Bride, the Bride of Frankenstein, Julia Roberts' character in Runaway Bride, Morticia Addams, or even yourself!
4. Put A Barbie-bright Smile On The Faces Of Some Local Children
Consider the joy you felt when you found "The One" - I'm referring to the dress, not the significant other! Now, envision the numerous tiny Barbie doll dresses that could be crafted from it. There are many disadvantaged children who would be thrilled to receive such a luxurious garment for their beloved toy.
5. Drop A Paint-bomb
If you're feeling angry after a recent breakup, or if you happen to run into your ex's seemingly flawless new girlfriend, consider trying art therapy. By refurbishing your dress while producing a contemporary work of art, you can accomplish two goals at once. To get started, gather your dress, some paint-filled balloons, your closest friends, and head to an outdoor area with enough space to paint freely. With a strong right arm, you're all set!
6. Don't Linger Over Lingerie
Numerous specialized companies and local seamstresses possess expertise in transforming outerwear into elegant, alluring, and simply amazing undergarments. For instance, if your wedding dress provides excellent chest support, why not retain it and repurpose it as a bra? Alternatively, you could amplify your charitable efforts by sending the undergarments to regions such as West Africa, where there's a shortage of facilities that manufacture bras.
7. Wear It On Laundry Day
Why not rock your dress for a practical purpose, such as laundry day or when you've suddenly shed some weight and nothing else fits? If you haven't watched the episode of Friends where Rachel, Monica, and Phoebe don their dresses, grab some beers, and watch TV, do yourself a favor and watch it. Better yet, why not organize a girl squad gathering and enjoy the episode together via group text?
8. Do Absolutely Nothing And Don't Apologize
I selected my own wedding dress, and I doubt I've ever felt as stunning or extraordinary as I did when I last wore it (which, for the record, was not my wedding day). I chose the material, the fit, and the style that best reflected my personality, and it didn't have much to do with my ex, to be honest. So why shouldn't I be able to keep it, wear it repeatedly, and feel fantastic?
