All brides announce, "You'll be able to wear it again." No matter how wearable the bride may think it is, most traditional bridesmaid dresses are left to hang forlorn in the back of the closet. Bridesmaid dresses are hardly cheap, so repurposing them can take some sting out of the price tag.
1. Alter.
The style might not be your cup of tea, but a shorter hem, a reshaped neckline, adding straps, or even chopping the ensemble in half can transform an old bridesmaid dress into something you would actually wear to a cocktail party or another wedding. If a friend or family member can do the alterations, so much the better, as professional services can easily hit the $100 mark. Before plunging ahead, consider how much you spent on the dress and whether it merits a greater investment.
2. Dye.
Maybe the style suits you, but the color not so much. Dyeing the outfit can redeem it. Fabric dyes are made specifically for certain types of textiles, however, so do your homework. Bridalwear companies offer the service, but at $100-$150 a pop, the DIY route is far cheaper. If you choose the latter, take care. Fabric dyes are both messy and permanent and you could end up losing the dress altogether and perhaps ruining something else you didn't mean to dye.
3.Accessorize it.
Sometimes just a few accessories can make all the difference. Depending on the cut and color of the bridesmaid dress, you might add a jacket, jewelry, shoes, scarf, belt, or even leggings to completely transform the look. A jean jacket can dress down the outfit, while a scarf (around the waist) or a belt can temporarily shorten a long dress if you blouse out some of the fabric. Get creative enough and you may be able to fashion multiple outfits out of just one bridesmaid dress.
4. Sell it.
With the proliferation of online garage sales, unloading an unwanted bridesmaid dress has never been easier. You won't recoup your out-of-pocket cost, but something is better than nothing. You can also try selling the dress to a resale shop, although these vendors often prefer designer or brand-name dresses in perfect condition.
5. Donate it.
Many charities eagerly accept dress clothes destined for less fortunate youth. Thrift stores typically have a section for prom-like dresses and are a reliable spot for dress donation.
6. Wear it for Halloween.
There are an endless number of costumes that call for a fancy dress, even one that served a bridesmaid. You could dress as a prom queen, Ms. America, Barbie, or a princess. If partying as a couple, you can dress as a bride along with a groom, or as Cinderella and Prince Charming.
7. Reuse the Fabric.
There can be a lot of fabric in just one bridesmaid dress, especially a floor-length gown. If you have a sewing machine or a handy friend, take apart the dress and repurpose the fabric as pillow cases, children's dresses, the backing for a blanket, or something for yourself -- a skirt, perhaps?
8. Gift It to the Bride.
Once the wedding is over, many brides become more good-humored about their bridesmaids' dresses, sometimes going so far as to concede that perhaps the dresses weren't so practical to begin with. Use the fabric to make something for the new bride, such as a quilt, a wall hanging, or as part of a blanket for the first baby.
9. Play dress-up.
The longer you hang on to your old bridesmaid dresses, the more children you and your friends will have. While the old bridesmaid dresses won't fit the little ones, they can go into a designated bin for pretend play.
10. Play hostess.
If you have a collection of barely touched bridesmaid dresses, chances are your friends do, too. Host a party that requests invitees to don their neglected formal wear. Call it a prom, homecoming, tea party, or ball, and fancy-up the evening with finger foods and spiked punch.