Your wedding dress contains all the sweet, sentimental memories of your special day in a beautiful garment. But once the last dance is over and the cake is gone, your gown still has plenty of life left. 

Whether you want to preserve it forever or pass it on to another bride, here’s your ultimate guide to what to do with your dress after the big day:

Not sure what to do yet? Ask yourself:

Will I ever want to wear or display this again?

Am I holding onto it for me, or for someone else?

Would I feel happier knowing it’s being used and loved by someone new?

Whatever you choose, remember: there’s no wrong answer. It’s all about what feels most meaningful to you. Still unsure? Here are some pros, cons and options.

Keeping your gown may seem like the obvious decision due to the memories, meaning and maybe even the happy tears it’s packed with. You spent months (or let’s be real, maybe years) choosing the dress, so it makes sense why you would want to hold onto it. Whether you imagine rewearing it for a vow renewal, repurposing it into something new or saving it for a future daughter, there’s a lot of heart behind keeping it close.

If you’re keeping it…

Preserve it: have it professionally cleaned and boxed up so it stays as dreamy as the day you wore it. If you ever want it for an anniversary, vow renewal or to pass it down, you’ll be glad it’s preserved.

Local tip: Many local bridal boutiques offer gown cleaning and preservation. Try Unveiled Bridal Studio (Little Rock), Gown Preservation Arkansas or ask your seamstress for trusted vendors.

Repurpose it: Turn it into a cocktail dress, robe, christening gown, garter, jewelry or even lingerie.

Make it a household keepsake: Your gown can become pillows, a quilt, stuffed animals, ornaments or even a tree skirt.

Just store it: Maybe you’re not sure yet, and that’s okay! Keep it tucked away while you figure it out. Some things are worth holding onto until you’re ready.

Giving your gown away might seem like a big decision, especially with all the new gifts, responsibilities and emotions swirling around post-wedding. While the idea of preserving your dress for sentimental reasons is sweet, the reality of storing it (leaving it potentially untouched for decades) can feel overwhelming. That’s why giving it a new life can be such a beautiful alternative. Passing your dress on not only clears some physical (and emotional!) space, but it also symbolizes stepping into your next chapter. It could also make another bride’s dream come true. Just remember—letting go doesn’t mean throwing it away. Your gown still deserves love, even if it’s not staying in your closet.

Sell or rent it

StillWhite (Little Rock): Currently showcasing dozens of bridal gowns in Little Rock, with huge markdowns.

Nearly Newlywed: Online bridal marketplace.

Eastgate Bridal Rental (Eureka Springs): Offers full bridal gown rentals—perfect for gowns you want to share for a day, not sell.

Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, etc.

Donate it

Brides Across America: In support of military and first-responder brides—donate online and help outfit a life-saving wedding.

Brides Against Breast Cancer: Resells gowns to fund breast cancer programs. Must be in excellent condition and under three years old.

Angel Gown Program: Convert your dress into burial gowns for infants.

Local charities, Goodwill, Salvation Army

Do a “Trash the Dress” shoot: Trash the Dress photoshoots are creative, artsy ways to say goodbye to your gown in style—think sandy beach shots, paint parties or dreamy river dips. It’s the ultimate “let go” moment (with a side of glam).

Gift it to a friend or family member: If someone special has always loved your dress, surprise them with it. It’s personal, heartfelt, and keeps the love in the family.

Consignment and vintage stores to consider donating or selling to…

Beautiful Lives Thrift Boutique (Fayetteville, Bentonville and Siloam Springs): women’s thrift store.

Trio’s Consign & Design (Conway): A local consignment spot that takes bridal gowns alongside formalwear and home goods.

Yours Truly Consignment Shoppe (Conway): Offers bridal consignment among its curated fashion pieces.

Heels to Boots Consignment (Conway) & Magnolias (Conway): Both welcome bridal gowns and other occasion wear.

Viki’s @ The Village (Conway): Specializes in bridal consignment and even rentals.

Gently Loved Bridal (Bryant): Provides gently used designer wedding dresses.

Whether you box it up, repurpose it into something new or gift it to another lucky bride, your dress has already done its job by helping tell your love story. Now it’s your turn to give it a new story, in whatever way feels most you.