The Joy of Giving: Why Donating Your Wedding Dress to Charity is an Incredible Act of Kindness

Your wedding day is undoubtedly one of the most special and cherished moments in your life. A beautiful wedding dress is not only a symbol of love and commitment but also holds sentimental value for many brides. However, once the big day is over, have you ever considered giving your wedding dress a second life by donating it to a charitable organization? In this blog, we will explore the numerous reasons why donating your wedding dress to a charity is a selfless and meaningful act that can make a significant impact on someone else's life.

1. Bringing Joy to Others: By donating your wedding dress, you have the power to bring happiness and joy to a bride who otherwise might not have the means to afford a dream gown. Your dress can make a world of difference in helping someone else feel beautiful, confident, and special on their big day. Imagine the smiles, gratitude, and appreciation you will receive from a person who is given the opportunity to wear a dress they otherwise could never have afforded.

2. Supporting a Worthy Cause: Charitable organizations that accept wedding dress donations use the proceeds from sales to support important causes. Whether it is funding medical research, providing support to disadvantaged communities, or helping individuals in need, your donation plays a vital role in making a positive impact. By giving your wedding dress to Adorned in Grace Bridal and Formalwear, you are contributing to help raise awareness and funds for the prevention of exploitation and support for victims – making a difference in the lives of others.

3. Environmental Sustainability: The fashion industry is known for its negative impact on the environment. Wedding dresses are often made from luxurious fabrics and intricate details, resulting in high production costs and waste. By donating your wedding dress, you are actively participating in sustainable fashion practices by ensuring that the dress is reused and loved by another bride rather than becoming another piece of textile waste. Your contribution promotes eco-consciousness and reduces the carbon footprint associated with the creation of new dresses.

4. Preserving Memories: While parting with your wedding dress might feel emotional, donating it to Adorned in Grace Bridal ensures that it will continue to create beautiful memories for someone else. Rather than storing it away in a closet, where it may never be seen or appreciated again, you are giving it the opportunity to be cherished, adored, and worn with love once more. The dress will continue to evoke joy and happiness, becoming part of new stories and experiences for others.

5. Tax Benefits: Donating your wedding dress can have financial advantages as well. As an approved 501c3 nonprofit organization, Adorned in Grace Bridal and Formalwear provides tax deductible receipts for donated items, including wedding dresses. You receive a tax benefit for your generous donation while supporting a cause close to your heart.

Donating your wedding dress to Adorned in Grace iis an extraordinary act of kindness that extends the joy and love of your special day to others. By bringing happiness to underprivileged brides, supporting a worthy cause, promoting environmental sustainability, preserving memories, and potentially receiving a tax benefit, your wedding dress can have a profound impact beyond your own wedding day. Embrace the opportunity to make someone else's dreams come true and experience the fulfillment that comes with giving back through this selfless act.

The New Go-To for Trendy Brides in 2023: Resale Shops

In the fashion realm, bridal wear is an arena that continually evolves, reflecting the aesthetic ethos of each era. The bridal gown industry is experiencing a fresh wave of trends that are redefining the traditional image of the bride wearing a white, voluminous, lace-embellished gown. What's more, the spotlight is also shifting towards a new shopping trend - bridal resale shops. But why are brides opting for resale shops? Let's delve into the bridal gown trends of 2023 and the growing appeal of these pre-loved boutiques.

One of the most prominent trends in 2023 bridal wear is embracing individuality and diversity. Brides are veering away from the cookie-cutter bridal look, preferring designs that reflect their unique style and personality. Purchasing a unique gown from the nonprofit bridal shop, Adorned in Grace, allows brides to also express their personal values.

1. Colorful Gowns: The classic white gown is being replaced with dresses that feature subtle hues and even bold colors. Think blush pink, light blue, champagne, and even black for the adventurous brides. These colored gowns make a beautiful statement and allow brides to express their individuality.

2. Minimalist Designs: Another trend making waves in 2023 is the minimalist aesthetic. Brides are choosing sleek, clean lines and simple designs over heavily embellished gowns. This trend highlights the beauty of the bride, focusing on cut, fit, and fabric quality.

3. Eco-friendly Materials: With the growing focus on sustainability, brides are opting for gowns crafted from eco-friendly materials. Organic cotton, hemp silk, and recycled fabrics are becoming popular choices, offering both style and environmental responsibility.

4. Versatile Two-Piece Gowns: Two-piece bridal gowns are another trend gaining traction in 2023. These versatile ensembles allow brides to mix and match pieces to create a look that truly represents them.

 Why brides are favoring resale shops for their dream wedding gown…

 Socially conscious brides are favoring resale shops for their dream wedding gown. Here’s why.

1. Cost-Effective: Wedding dresses can be quite expensive, especially when following the latest trends. Buying a used wedding dress can save a significant amount of money, making it a practical choice for brides on a budget.

2. Vintage Charm: For those who love vintage styles, resale shops are a treasure trove of unique, vintage gowns. These dresses offer a charm and elegance that new gowns may not capture.

3. Sustainability: Buying a pre-loved wedding dress is a great way to contribute to sustainability. It's a tangible step towards reducing waste and promoting conscious consumption.

4. Quality: Many resale shops offer gowns from high-end designers and reputable brands. These pre-owned dresses provide the same quality and craftsmanship as new ones but at a fraction of the cost. Many new-with-tags gowns are donated by high-end bridal shop owners and fashion designers who are compelled to support nonprofit’s cause.

The bridal gown trends of 2023 are all about self-expression, sustainability, and practicality. Similarly, the rise of bridal resale shops reflects these values. Brides are now able to find affordable, unique, and environmentally friendly gowns that align with their personal style. As we move forward, it's clear that the future of bridal fashion is inclusive, socially conscious, and wonderfully diverse.

 Adorned in Grace Bridal and Formalwear raises awareness and funds for the prevention of exploitation and support for victims. Generous donors make it possible for you to have extraordinary quality while standing with vulnerable youth and women through the purchase of your wedding dress. Choose from four locations and your appointment here!

Benefits of Buying Your Dress at Adorned In Grace

When looking for where to shop for your wedding dress, there are several important factors to consider before booking your appointments. Luckily, Adorned in Grace is here to help! Below are some of the biggest questions for brides right now and our answers and suggestions to keep you on track and ready for your big day.

Photographer: @crystalgenesphotography

1) How quickly can my dress come home with me? When shopping at a big-box retailer, it is important to remember that wedding dress shopping is NOT like normal retail shopping. While the dress you try on seems like it could go home with you, more often than not the shop will have to order your gown to be delivered, which can take 2-3 months at some retailers.

However, at Adorned in Grace, all the dresses available for trying on are also the gowns that can go home with you that day! All gowns and accessories are available for purchase and can go home with you immediately, meaning if you are getting tight on time or want to ensure your gown arrives in time, AIG is the choice for you.

2) How long will it take for my dress to be altered to fit me? Brides should plan to wait up to 2-3 months for their final alterations on their gown. If you are in for a tighter timeline on your big day, Adorned in Grace is a great option as most of the gowns in our inventory were already tailored. This means the excess fabric had been removed, the hems were already altered, etc. and that can save you a great deal of time and budget.

3) Is my purchase going to support a good cause? One of the many benefits of shopping at Adorned in Grace is that your purchase goes toward awareness and prevention of human trafficking. By purchasing your dress at any of our Adorned in Grace locations, your gorgeous gown and bridal accessories not only brings you joy, but brings hope and aid to women and children in need.

Photographer: @myrtlecreativeco

Are you ready to find your wedding gown at Adorned in Grace?

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred. Click the link below to book an appointment at your local Adorned in Grace shop today to find your perfect dress and matching accessories! Appointments are available to fit your schedule and help you find everything you are looking for today.

Finding Family at the Adorned In Grace Bridal Shop

We are excited to welcome our next SummerWorks intern at Adorned in Grace Bridal and Formalwear! Stayed tuned, but in the meantime, please read Destiny’s story…

Destiny spent her summer working at our Adorned In Grace Bridal Shop through the SummerWorks program. Her goal was to learn career skills and support the anti-trafficking mission, but what she didn’t count on was finding a support system of women who surrounded her with love, gave her confidence, and became like family. We are very grateful to Destiny for sharing her inspiring story with us! 

“I came to the Bridal Shop through the SummerWorks program. I saw the opportunity and thought, okay, I've never worked in a bridal shop before but it seems like a really good fit for me. I'm in the process of trying to go to school for cosmetology and I want to be able to get into retail, so I felt like working in a bridal shop was a good stepping point. 

I also got into it because the cause is something I'm passionate about. I personally was almost a victim of human trafficking but I got lucky and managed to get away before I actually did become a victim. I like the fact that Adorned In Grace helps a lot of people who have gone through similar experiences to have their voices finally heard. Being able to hear someone else's voice, someone else's story, is just so important to me because I personally haven't had my voice heard and haven't really been able to get justice.

Destiny modeling a wedding gown with details as unique as she is!

Saying Yes to Having Fun!

My favorite part of working at the Bridal Shop was the brides who said yes to the first dress they tried on because it fit perfectly or needed only minor alterations. I loved seeing them looking so ecstatic in their wedding dress and knowing, this is my dress. 

I remember this specific bride I was helping, she was more of a plus size model and was struggling to find dresses. She was a doll to work with, she was so sweet and had such a bubbly personality. I convinced her to try on a hoop skirt for me and she turned all around, just laughing and watching the skirt spin, and I thought, that's what I want to be as a bride. I may not be getting married anytime soon, but that's what I want to be like--to just have fun with it.

“I’m so grateful for the support that everyone at the Bridal Shop offered me. I’m so happy I actually did this. And I can sit here and say, now I know seven different shades between white, eggshell, and cream. And I know that if I were to call them up […] they would welcome me with open arms.”

As I was helping her with her second fitting, we got this dress donated in the mail. I saw the really big, ballroom style, rainbow dress come out of the bag and had to try it on. The bride was okay with me trying it on during her appointment. She's like “you really rock that dress.” It was such a “me” dress because at the time I had blue hair. I loved every minute of it. 

Just being able to have fun with the brides is such a great feeling. Every time I had a bride who was laughing and having a good time, it was almost guaranteed they would buy the dress. And you know, it didn’t matter to me that I sold the dress, it mattered that they found their dress and were happy in it. I think being happy and comfortable in a wedding dress is way more important than how it looks. 

When You’re Here, You’re Family

To someone who is thinking about volunteering, I would definitely say do it. Every day is different. Some days it could be really slow and other days it could be all hands on deck. Everyone is needed and we all just have a great time together. Everyone is so kind and patient, even the brides. I have a hard time sometimes speaking properly and being able to formulate words, but they're always so kind and they don't judge me for it. 

Plus it is helping a good cause and you get to meet all these new people who ask you, “Okay, what do you think of this dress? Do you think we could sell this dress? Do you think we can fix this dress?” Being part of a team that all works together is such a nice feeling. It's kind of like having a little tiny family. There's a lot of love there for sure. The people are so kind and compassionate. 

I don't have a maternal figure in my life lately, and it's been hard trying to navigate the world. There are moments where I've said to myself, “I need my mom,” but my mom isn't going to talk to me so I need to find the next best thing. 

I tried to keep my life separate at work but I just happened to have some moments where everything went wrong. I just had so much going on outside in life that I just needed someone. Naphtali [Adorned In Grace Bridal’s Volunteer Developer] was so kind and understanding when I sat down and cried and said, I'm not doing okay, I have all this going on.” 

I really appreciate the patience Naphtali had with me and how willing she was to work with me. I felt confident because Naphtali trusted me. She was just so kind and compassionate towards me, and I look up to her like the loving older sister that I've needed in my life. 

I'm so grateful for the support that everyone at the bridal shop offered me. I'm so happy I actually did this. And I can sit here and say, now I know seven different shades between white, eggshell, and cream. And I know that if I were to call them up and say, “Hey, I'm going to make an appointment to come see dresses,” they would welcome me with open arms.

What Adorned In Grace does is so important and I feel like every young woman should be a part of it, or really anyone who is interested in volunteering.

Even staff and volunteers have to try on the dresses every once in a while!

Beauty from Pain

I have been aware of a lot of suffering in the community personally because I was in the foster care system. I'd like to say that I got the lucky end of the stick because I've met some kids who had more than ten homes, and I got lucky with just two. 

Every single day I walk the streets and I see a lot of homeless people that I want to serve at my future salon/spa. I want to give resources to help people get off the streets, to give haircuts to the homeless once a month or something. I want to help young girls express themselves and discover who they are as human beings, and that they are their own unique individual. To do this, I need to understand what's going on outside of my own little world. Being able to do that with Compassion Connect is just awe inspiring. 

I loved being at the Bridal Shop despite everything I was going through in my personal life because I got to see all of these brides looking happy. I may not have been having a good day, but it always made my day better knowing that they were having the time of their lives trying on dresses or getting opinions and accessorizing. Another major reason I kept coming back was honestly just the whole experience of being in the shop and knowing what the cause is for. 

My biggest takeaway from working in the Bridal Shop I would say is kindness. You don't know anyone else's story, so just choose to be kind, choose to have a smile on your face. I may not be having a good day today, but I know I can make someone else's day.”

To learn more about the anti-trafficking work of our Adorned In Grace Bridal & Formalwear Shops, please visit us here.

AIG Volunteer Highlight

3 Cheers to our Volunteers!

Did you know that almost every “sales associate” you meet at our Adorned In Grace Bridal shops is a volunteer? Our anti-trafficking mission depends on the efforts of many volunteers, and we would truly be at a loss without the amazing women who give their time at our stores! They have helped hundreds of brides find their dream dress, they organize our growing inventory of donated items, and we couldn’t do what we do without them! Because of that we wanted to take a moment to celebrate with a handful of the experiences our volunteers have enjoyed at our bridal boutiques in Portland, Gresham, and Tacoma.

“It is just plain fun to help women find “The Dress” and make a significant difference in the women’s lives in Portland with the proceeds!”

— Edith

“I love bringing joy to brides and working to protect women and girls in our community.”

— Teresa

“I love volunteering at AIG Bridal because I want to volunteer my time to an organization I believe in. I like what it represents to help prevent sex-trafficking.”

— Marie

“It brings me such joy! Working with the brides and helping them find their dress is so FUN! I particularly love finding a dress for our curvier clients.”

— Sandi

““I love helping brides purchase dresses. I have shared many tears with brides when they say “Yes” to the dress!””

— Anonymous

“As a volunteer at Adorned In Grace I get to serve brides and their families during one of the most important times in their lives, and I love helping them find the dress that they have dreamed of and praying for them when they leave. The mission to help prevent and fight trafficking is also near and dear to my heart. I love that I am part of the Adorned In Grace team.”

— Kawehi

Thank you again to our amazing volunteers! If you are interested in learning more about volunteering at the bridal shops, please click the button below! Our greatest need is for Sales Associates, who have the delightful task of helping each happy bride-to-be search for her perfect dress, but we also have opportunities for those who are interested in photography, videography, marketing, modeling, special event coordination, inventory organizing, sewing, shop maintenance, and more!

When To Shop For Your Wedding Dress

Header Image: Casi Yost Photography

When To Shop For Your Wedding Dress

Your wedding planning timeline can be a lot to process and keep track of, so why not let us help out! At Adorned in Grace, we are here to help you with finding your wedding dress and the accessories to go with it. Here are a few things you should know and plan for about the timing and process of finding your perfect wedding dress:

The standard suggested timeline to start shopping for your wedding dress is anywhere between a year to 6 months prior to the wedding. One of the benefits of shopping at Adorned in Grace is that the dress you find can go home with you the day you spot it and fall in love with it. At many bridal shops and boutiques, the dress must be ordered, which can take anywhere between 2-6 months to arrive back at the shop. With the extra time you save at Adorned in Grace, you can ensure you find the right dress for your budget and style and even stay on the lookout for the right accessories and shoes.

The extra time will also help you with your alterations! Since you can take the dress home with you the day you purchase it, you’re able to go immediately into alterations, rather than waiting the standard 2-6 months. Giving yourself that extra time can help you find the best tailor for your budget, rather than trying to rush with the first one who can fit the dress for you. We have several seamstresses we’ve worked with over the years who we would happily recommend, so feel free to ask for more information during your visit!

Another hidden benefit of shopping at Adorned in Grace is that our inventory is constantly changing based on what donations we receive, so by planning ahead you can budget 2-4 visits to make sure you get a full range of inventory to look through and try on. If you don’t find “the one” on the first visit, we restock frequently so come by in 2-3 weeks to see our new gowns and accessories!

In summary, start coming in around 6-8 months prior to the wedding to allow time for you to shop our full selection, have your alterations done, and leave some time leftover for you to not feel stressed out during the wedding process. This gives time to find your perfect undergarments, shoes, and accessories as well. Book an appointment today!

In non-COVID times walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged. As a COVID-19 precaution we are open, but taking only private appointments. Our bridal appointments do book out in advance, so do make sure you plan accordingly and try to book 2-3 weeks out from when you want to come in.  Click the link below!

Wedding Accessories To Match Your Gown

To complete your bridal look, it is important not to forget accessories and shoes in your vision! They can enhance and change your bridal look significantly, so it's essential to look into several options and find what suits you best. At Adorned in Grace, we have an ever-changing array of shoes, necklaces, bracelets, veils, belts, and hair pieces that can enhance your bridal look and make you feel extra special on your big day.

Photographer: @casiyostphoto; Crown designed by @stemandstone.crowns

A big trend in 2020 bridal styles is a show-stopping headpiece or tiara. With a crown like the one above, designed by Stem and Stone crowns for a styled wedding shoot we were part of, you can take your royalty or goddess fantasy to the next level! A tiara or headpiece draws the eyes around your face and will leave your guests thinking about how ethereal and stunning you looked on your big day. A smaller tiara or hair piece can also tie in nicely to a more subtle hairstyle or gown to create an elegant bridal look. The options are endless and our inventory is changing constantly, so try on a few different options to see what matches your vision best.

Photo: @nikkimargarita

At Adorned in Grace, we sell jewelry sets as well that make finding matching accessories a breeze. Our inventory of pearl, sparkly, or metal-toned necklaces, bracelets, and earrings will help you see what you would look like on your big day. Our store volunteers can also help you find matching pieces that would pair with your gown or wedding theme perfectly!

Do you want to incorporate a family heirloom or special item into your bridal accessories? If you bring in an accessory you already have or an item that was gifted to you, our team can help you find other accessories to match and enhance your bridal look. We want to help you shine on your big day, so we can help you find accessories in your budget and that fit your look.

Trying on a fun belt for size! @chelseydorrboudoir

We have veils! Long, short, nontraditional, and more! @chelseydorrboudoir

At our Raleigh Hills and Lakewood locations you can also find a selection of bridal worthy shoes!

Jewelry! Photos: @chelseydorrboudoir

Headpieces! Photos: @chelseydorrboudoir

Are you ready to find your bridal accessories for your upcoming nuptials?

In non-COVID times walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred. As a COVID precaution, for the time being we are operating by private appointment only. Click the link below to book an appointment at your local Adorned in Grace shop today to find your perfect dress and matching accessories! Appointments are available to fit your schedule and help you find everything you are looking for today.

Retro-Inspired Wedding Gowns and Inspiration

One of the big trends this year is to have a bit of retro flair at your wedding celebration and a lovely way to do that is with retro-inspired wedding gowns. With an array of dresses arriving weekly, there is always something new at Adorned in Grace that can bring your retro-inspiration to the next level. From gowns, shoes, and accessories, we will help you find something that fits your theme and your budget.

Photo by Stella Maris Lavender Photography

This stunning gown above features a beaded layer on top of the fabric in gorgeous sequin colors. Not only does this trendy piece take us back to a 1920’s-style, but the small display of colors makes this perfect for any outdoor celebration. The retro-vibe is definitely present in this gown, but it has a great modern balance as well with the rest of the gown being chic and stylized.

Photo provided by the wedding couple

At Adorned in Grace, we can help find any dress you need to suit your style and pieces you may already have that you want to incorporate. This bride’s wedding day look is not only completed, but accentuated, by the floral shawl that she wanted to include. Our volunteers and stylists love to help match dresses and accessories based on items you hold dear to your heart and want to incorporate in your look. This gorgeous high-waisted and sheer-sleeved vintage-inspired dress pairs perfectly with her venue and shawl.

Photo provided by Karen J. Hawley Photography

If full-on vintage glamour is what you’re after, we can certainly deliver on that as well. From fascinators, tiaras, and jewelry, Adorned in Grace has everything you need to recreate a look like this. The 1960’s style with an adorable hat or fascinator, chunky jewelry and a satin gown is completely possible in our stores.

In non-COVID times walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred. For the time being as a COVID precaution we are taking private appointments only. Click the link below to book an appointment at your local Adorned in Grace shop today to find your perfect dress and matching accessories! We are located in Portland, Gresham, and Lakewood WA. Appointments are available to fit your schedule and help you find everything you are looking for today.