Are you contemplating selling your wedding dress but worried it might be bad luck? There are quite a few differing opinions around this matter on both sides – some say ‘yes’, while others say ‘no’. Most brides could never imagine selling their wedding dress at first thought, especially if they have yet to wear it. However, others may see it more of an investment – that once the fun has been had and the memories have been made, they are are than willing to part with their dress.
Source: Bel Flore Bridal
Whether you are thinking of selling your dress or know you want to keep it forever, it’s really up to you as to whether or not YOU think it’s bad luck to sell your wedding dress. Based on what you think, here are some options to consider…
If you think it IS bad luck, consider preserving it for safe keeping…
Although selling your wedding dress is probably not actually bad luck, like many brides, you may want to keep it as a cherished memory for yourself. Keeping it can allow you to pass it on to a family member later. The best option for protecting your dress, even in the short run, is professionally cleaning and preserving your dress to keep your dress in the best condition as possible. There are cleaning services and preservation techniques that will keep a dress in mint condition for many years thereby adding value to the dress. When you preserve your wedding dress as the first step, you have time to think about it before making a decision on it’s destiny, and your dress is well protected in the meantime.
At a minimum, you will want to have your dress professionally cleaned as soon as possible. This is because invisible stains are usually hiding on the dress waiting to surface over time. The initially invisible stains are usually from perspiration, champagne, lotions, perfumes, and cake frosting. Professional companies who specialize in wedding dresses will examine your dress under an ultraviolet light. The UV light will show those to the technician who will hand treat them to prevent the deterioration of the fabric over time.
If you are hesitant to preserve it, check out the Top 5 Myths About Wedding Dress Preservation. You might be surprised how inexpensive wedding gown preservation can be!
If you think it’s NOT bad luck, consider passing it on, selling it, or donating it…
Selling Your Dress – Aside from creating beautiful memories in this dress, you probably spent some hard earned dollars on your dress. Selling your wedding dress will not only eliminate space in your closet, but might also help you and your new spouse with a honeymoon trip, renovating your home, or paying off some debt. Be aware that selling a wedding dress is not that easy unless you have a very popular manufacturer and a recent style. If you decide to sell your wedding dress online, it’s highly recommended that you have it both cleaned and preserved since once it’s preserved, it will come back to you in a sturdy shipping box that will be perfect for shipping it to the next owner.
Passing It On – The dress you dreamed about as a little girl came to life and helped make your wedding day dreams come true. Parting with it may be difficult for this reason, but keep in mind; your dress may be someone else’s dream come true as well. The opportunity to pass on such a treasured piece that may mean just as much to you as it does to someone else is a blessing. And plus, it may win you some good karma! Whether you donate it or give it to a friend or family member, they are sure to appreciate such a special gift. If this is the way you decide to go, keep in mind that the next ‘bride to be’ will also want it professionally cleaned beforehand.
