“You smell like pine needles, and have a face like sunshine!”

Hopefully if you were a bridesmaid, your experience was better than that one.

Although Beth’s walked down the aisle, I’ve only been the warm-up to the main event… Approximately 7 times. Which  means I’ve acquired quite a few unwearable, unflattering bridesmaid dresses.

So what should you do with those old dresses? Let’s revisit where you can recycle, upcycle or donate those used gowns:

• Newlymaid lets you trade in your old bridesmaid dresses for a new Little Black Dress (for a reduced price)
• Donate your gowns to Philly-based Fairy  Godmothers. For more info, email: laurie@mypromdres.org.
• Try selling your old dress on Recycled Bride or Bridesmaid Trade.
• For those ladies with a ring on it, you can even donate your wedding gown to Brides Against Breast Cancer!
• If you’re a creative DIY-type (and like the dress style), you could always dye it black or a different color to wear it again.

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Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia. View all posts by Julie Hancher