Challenge Ethical Weddings
What to do with an already recycled wedding dress?
The challenge:
"There was a recent discussion on one of my favourite wedding blogs regarding the wastefulness of the trendy “Trash the Dress” photos. I completely agree, except for the notion that sealing up and saving your dress is equally wasteful.I proudly wore my Mother’s dress from 1978 and it made for an eco-friendly, and meaningful choice. (With a few alterations - that’s what happens when you’re 5 inches taller than you Mom, and not quite a size 2)
However, now I find myself torn over what to do with it. With family history attached to it, I don’t think I could bear to give it away or cut it up and recycle it. It was probably one of the most uncomfortable things I’ve ever worn, so I can’t see re-wearing it.
And sealing it up and saving it again? Even if I thought it could last another thirty years, Tim and I don’t intend to have children, so I’m not sure who I’d pass it on to. Hypothetical nieces?
I know there are plenty of crafty folks reading this blog. If anyone has any suggestions for re-using this dress, while keeping it more or less intact, I am all ears!"
How we tackled it:
I don’t know if this is too much pressure to stay exactly the same size or something, but I have thought about the idea of taking an informal snapshot on every wedding anniversary in your wedding dress and your groom in his suit doing whatever, wherever. The dress would probably eventually get dirty, yes, but you’d still be using it once a year and could get it altered if you really needed to. And I think it would be cool to see a couple growing older through photos like this (although it might freak some people out)Suggestion from 'A' on Ethical Weddings comments board
I’ve heard of people making quilts and christening gowns from a wedding dress. If you have a friend who quilts they might be able to help you make a quilt. I disagree. Trash the dress rarely trashes the dress. Usually the dress just get dirtier than it would during a traditional wedding (church and hall reception). I think trash the dress sessions produce some amazing nontraditional photos. I would keep your dress. Perhaps you’ll meet someone later in life who might be able to wear your dress.
Suggestion from Linda on Ethical Weddings comments board
I have to say, I really like the idea of getting dressed up in our wedding outfits again for pictures. Especially if we took pics doing something really silly and un-weddingy in them. It’s actually sort of borrowing from the “Trash the Dress” idea.
Actually, from what I’ve read, and the resulting comments on Offbeat Bride, it sounds like many TTD photo sessions do not actually result in literally trashing the dress. So I guess it’s just a poorly chosen name for the trend. (Though clearly some are damaged beyond the point of wearing them again.)
Thank you from Sharon
