What To Do With Mom’s Wedding Dress: 7 Creative Ways to Repurpose Mom’s Wedding Dress

Have you found yourself in possession of a cherished wedding dress? Whether your mom lovingly pulled hers out of storage after your engagement or you stumbled upon a vintage gem at a thrift store, there are countless ways to breathe new life into it. While wearing the dress as-is is always an option, it might not align with your personal style — and that’s perfectly okay! Let’s explore what to do with mom’s wedding dress and how to incorporate it into your big day in a way that feels unique to you.

Why Repurpose Mom’s Wedding Dress?

There are so many meaningful reasons to repurpose mom’s wedding dress. For starters, it’s a beautiful way to honor the person who wore it before you, whether it’s your mom, grandmother, or another loved one. It’s also an eco-conscious choice, reducing waste by giving an old dress a new purpose. Plus, it’s often a budget-friendly option! Altering or reusing a dress is typically far less expensive than buying a brand-new one. And let’s not forget the sentimental value of incorporating such a special piece into your wedding day.

What To Do With Mom’s Wedding Dress? 7 Ideas To Reuse, Remake, and Redesign

If you’re wondering what to do with mom’s wedding dress, we’re here to help. Whether it’s a family heirloom or a way to honor a passed loved one, here are seven creative ways to repurpose mom’s wedding dress for your big day.

1. Alter and Wear the Dress

If the dress is in good condition and your family is on board, consider altering it to match your style. This could mean modernizing mom’s wedding dress by updating outdated features like puffy sleeves or a high neckline. It’s an eco-friendly option that minimizes waste and is sure to make your mom feel incredibly special.

2. Incorporate Details into Your Dress

Love certain elements of the dress but not the whole thing? You can repurpose mother’s wedding dress by taking specific details — like lace trim, pearl buttons, or beading — and adding them to your own gown. This way, you carry a piece of the original dress with you while still staying true to your personal style.

3. Transform the Fabric into a Tie or Pocket Square

If you or your partner is wearing a suit, you might be wondering what to do with mom’s wedding dress in a way that fits your attire. One idea is to use the fabric to create a custom tie, bowtie, or pocket square. It’s a subtle yet meaningful way to incorporate the dress into your wedding look.

4. Wrap Your Bouquet with Dress Fabric

Bouquets often feature fabric wraps to hold the stems together, so why not use material from your mom’s dress? This is a simple yet elegant way to repurpose mom’s wedding dress. You can even use extra fabric to wrap your partner’s boutonniere for a coordinated touch.

5. Create a Hair Accessory

Another creative way to repurpose mother’s wedding dress is to turn its fabric into a hair accessory. Whether it’s a headband, clip, or veil, incorporating lace or buttons from the dress into your hairstyle adds a personal and stylish touch.

6. Make a Garter

If you’re looking for a small but meaningful way to include your mom’s dress, use the fabric to create a custom garter. It’s a sweet and sentimental way to repurpose mom’s wedding dress without needing much material.

7. Wear it for a Special Wedding Moment

If you’d rather not alter the dress, you can still honor your mom by wearing it as-is during a special moment. For example, change into it for your father-daughter dance or the bouquet toss. This is a heartfelt way to showcase mom’s wedding dress remade without making permanent changes. To make it even more memorable, keep it a surprise for your mom — she’ll never forget the moment she sees you in her dress!

Find More Creative Eco-Friendly Wedding Ideas

Whether you’re working with your mom’s dress, a grandparent’s gown, or a thrifted treasure, these ideas for redesigning mom’s wedding dress are perfect for creating a meaningful and sustainable wedding. If you’re looking for even more eco-friendly inspiration, you’ve stumbled upon the best resource.

As a sustainable wedding planning company in Lake Tahoe, we specialize in helping couples curate breathtaking, eco-conscious celebrations. From eco-friendly wedding favors to waste-reducing post-wedding ideas, we’re here to help you plan the Lake Tahoe eco-friendly wedding of your dreams!