It takes a lot of time selecting the perfect dress for your wedding day. The gown is mostly fitted to the body with precision by a seamstress, so it fits perfectly. Sadly, that generally suggests that the wedding robe will never be used, and possibly not even seen out, again. But there are several ways to recycle a wedding dress, making all the cost and effort appear more worthwhile. So, what do you with the bridal dress after your big day? 

You Can Preserve It - Many younger girls dream their complete lives about wearing the same bridal ensemble their mother walked down the aisle in. So preserving the wedding dress so future daughters (or daughters-in-law) can use it is a very popular option. At this point the robe can be changed to fit and suit the taste of the new bride. 

You Can Sell It - Local consignment shops, eBay and many other venues can help sell unwanted wedding outfits, giving at least a return on the money spent on it when it was brand new. In the current economy, many girls are trying to trim down the budget of a wedding, but still wish to retain many of the normal frills. Purchasing a second hand, once worn wedding ensemble can represent a big saving. And if tiny modifications are made before the important day then the dress can still be customised toward the new bride. 

You Can Donate It - Wedding outfits can be donated to different charities to help somebody else realize their dream. Giving your wedding outfit will free up space for storage if you're not planning on holding onto it in the long term. And knowing you have helped someone else's important day more special than it may have been is reward in itself. 

As a Naples wedding planner I'm of the opinion that a bride's big day is not built only on the look and type of her wedding dress. Yes, it is a large part of the celebration, and also can help in building expectation, typically among the female guests who are trying to guess the style the bride might select. In the same vein memories of the wedding remain within the bride's mind, irrespective of the style of dress she was wearing. The constant reminders come from images and videos, maybe even a special song that was played in the reception. But having an expensive bridal outfit become dusty in a box placed in the wardrobe does nothing to enhance the memories. So if you can bear to let it go, sharing the thrill of wearing that wedding dress with someone who is less financially well off than yourself could be a way of extending your pleasure just that bit longer. 

Carol Damon is a Naples wedding planner and event coordinator who has helped planned and orchestrate many wedding all over the United States. If you are seeking out the finest wedding planner Naples has to offer then visit www.carriedarlingevents.com