Terri Ramsey Beavers While getting to say yes to the dress is something that’s super exciting, it can be stressful, right? You have to get this dress just perfectly, but at the same time, you’re spending so much time and money and thinking all about this. With endless options out there, it might surprise you to know that one of the best choices you can make is to wear a wedding dress passed down from your mother, grandmother, or another beloved family member.
Again, wedding dresses are so expensive and it’s rarely ever a good idea to even buy them online either (but sometimes bridal boutiques are so limited too).
So, not only does this choice carry emotional weight, but it also comes with a host of other benefits that might just make your decision easier. Sure, the idea is absolutely cute, and that’s one of the biggest reasons why so many moms and grandmas keep their dresses, but again, there are benefits for you, too. So, let’s take a look!
It’s a Tangible Connection to Your Family’s Legacy
One of the most beautiful aspects of wearing a family heirloom wedding dress is the deep connection it creates between you and the women in your family who came before you. The idea of saving your dress for your daughter, niece, or even granddaughter sounds so sweet, right? Seriously, just imagine walking down the aisle in the same gown your mother wore when she married your father or the dress your grandmother wore in her youth.
These dresses aren’t just pieces of fabric—they’re symbols of love, commitment, and the continuation of family traditions. They carry stories, memories, and the hopes of generations. A brand-new dress just can’t replicate the feeling you’re going to get when you wear something vintage.
It’s Way Cheaper
It’s really important to keep in mind that bridal gowns can eat up a large chunk of your budget. So, if you’re thinking about choosing a dress that’s already in your family, you’re saving a significant amount of money—money that can be better spent on other aspects of your wedding or even your honeymoon.
For the most part, all you’re going to have to do is invest in alterations, ideally you don’t do these yourself of course but instead invest in master level bridal alterations, which is still really cheap and this still helps make the dress uniquely yours (such as turning an 1980s dress into one that looks more modern).
Think About the Eco-Friendly Aspect
It’s just not eco-friendly having a wedding dress made for you. So, you have to keep in mind that at bridal stores, they take your measurements and the model you like, but it’s people, usually in Ukraine or Romania that make the dress based on those measurements. So a whole new dress is made just for you. Plus, you wear this once, and it needs to be shipped to you or the boutique too- something else to think about.
Overall, by reusing a family dress, you’re reducing the demand for new materials and lessening your environmental impact. It’s a small but meaningful way to honor the planet while celebrating your love.