what to do with mother of bride dress after wedding

November 21, 2021

What to do with Mother-of-the-Bride dress after the wedding?

My mother passed away Nov 3rd. My wedding was a year ago, and it was a very happy time for mom. I know how much she treasured being a part of that and the week we spent together getting everything ready. When I visited my father earlier this month, the dress mom wore to our wedding was still in the closet, and I asked if I could have it. So, now I do. But I'm not sure what to do with it. It seems wrong to leave it hanging in the closet with no one to love it.

I'm considering donating it to a worthy cause or repurposing it somehow. Does anyone have an suggestions/ideas?

9 Comments

Master September 2016
Mrs. RATR · on November 22, 2015 at 4:16 PM
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So sorry for your loss. I know a bride recently made a quilt out of her dress--could that be an option? I believe it was @CatsBoninCats. Thinking of you!
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Master August 2016
Kimi · on November 22, 2015 at 4:18 PM
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I'm a big fan of the businesses that make stuffed bears out of clothing. A former co-worker had her FIL's dress firefighter uniforms made into bears for his children. I plan to do this with a nightgown of my grandmother's and possibly my wedding dress.
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Super October 2016
Ashley771 · on November 22, 2015 at 4:23 PM
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I'm so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I love the idea of having it made into something else. It could be some sort of a quilt for you or teddy bears for worthy causes.

The other thought to consider is if it is a timeless dress. If it is something that you could see yourself wearing to a wedding if you have children that get married you might be glad you saved it.

I am wearing my grandmother's wedding dress when I get married. I am so beyond thankful that she kept it around. I know a MOB dress is different than a wedding dress, but if you are a very sentimental person you may be glad to have it some day down the line.
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VIP October 2014
heidi · on November 22, 2015 at 4:24 PM
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I actually really like the quilt idea. Something that could keep her close.

I have no idea how to make a quilt, but I'm sure I could figure it out.
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WeddingWire Administrator October 2016
Lynnie · on November 23, 2015 at 11:19 AM
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You could also save just a piece of the dress and use it in a commemorative way: display it in a photo album, picture frame, shadowbox, have a handkerchief made out of it, etc.

I'm sure you could hire someone to make the quilt for you as well!
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VIP September 2015
Does it have a specific part you could keep to turn into a necklace or a bracelet - or do you or are you planning on having kids to where some of the fabric could be used as a blanket?
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Master September 2015
Reggie · on November 23, 2015 at 11:47 AM
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Personally, I think I would save it to wear to my future kids weddings. I just like the meaning in that. But besides that I might make it into something. I do like the quilt idea.
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VIP October 2014
heidi · on November 24, 2015 at 11:24 AM
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I found a nice lady online who will make it into a quilt for me by commission. I think I'm going to wait and see if my wedding dress sells. If not, I can send in some of the fabric from that to mix with mom's dress pieces.
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NenaBear · on November 24, 2015 at 11:44 AM
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This ^^^ is a really sweet idea. Bonding the 2 of you together is an adorable way.
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