You go shopping for the perfect dress, look stunning on your big day, and then what? Likely you pack your wedding dress away to preserve it, maybe thinking your daughter will wear it one day. But nine times out of ten, daughters don’t wear their mother’s or grandmother’s gowns because they either don’t fit them or they are too outdated. We spend all of this time and energy preserving these gorgeous dresses just so they can take up space in our closets, never to be worn again.

What if there was a way to not only save space in our closets, but also make a powerful impact?  Cue the lovely organization: Brides Against Breast Cancer.  Founded in 1997, their mission is to provide early detection education while supporting breast cancer research efforts through their wedding dress donation program.  

I had the honor of connecting with Sara Fort, Operations Manager at BABC, to learn more about the heart behind this organization. While they operate based on re-selling donated wedding dresses, spreading education and awareness to women is their ultimate mission. Since breast cancer affects one in seven women today, BABC strives to educate women on the power of early detection as it is key to saving lives. They currently partner with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition Fund to further research and fund early detection educational programs.

So, how does it work?

If you (or someone you know!) are looking to donate your wedding dress, this is the place to be! First, you will fill out the donation form on BABC’s website to ensure that your dress is in re-sellable condition. Then, BABC will contact you with shipping instructions. Once they receive your dress in the mail, they will steam and fluff it so it’s ready for resale.

They then donate 100% of the proceeds made from selling the dress at a discounted price, benefiting both the bride-to-be with a more affordable gown while also contributing the profit to further breast cancer research and awareness. By donating your wedding dress, you know it will have a second life with another lovely bride and the proceeds will support breast cancer research and awareness. It’s a win-win!

What kinds of donations are accepted?

Wedding dresses of current style (within the last three years or so) are of top priority.  Hair accessories are also accepted, such as veils and tiaras.  If you are newly married or a bride-to-be, donating your dress within the first year of getting married is the BEST time to do so - it will get the best use within this time frame, no matter where you donate it.

How many dresses have been donated to date?

Since 1997, over fifty thousand dresses have been donated and over fifty million dollars have been raised - WOW!

What can we anticipate seeing from BABC in the next 3 years?

A webstore is currently underway, with plans to launch in January 2022 (we will absolutely keep you posted on this!).  The webstore will allow all gowns to be listed for brides to purchase directly from BABC, providing dresses across the U.S.  As of right now, dresses are limited to sales in Dallas, so the webstore will provide access for brides all over the country.

BABC is also prepping to get more salon initiatives going.  They currently place brochures in several bridal salons, but hope to expand this to nail and hair salons as well.  Since breast cancer mainly affects women, they are focusing on places where women congregate to best spread awareness.

How can readers get involved?

BABC is in the process of expanding their volunteer program. Volunteer forms are available on their website for upcoming events.

Where can we follow along?

Facebook: @BridesABC

Instagram: @BridesABC

We are beyond thankful for the opportunity we’ve had to connect with Sara and learn more about the heart behind Brides Against Breast Cancer!

Want to learn more about other Donation Resources? Check out our conversations with Give Back Box, The Gifted Gown, Project Purse and Grant’s Gifts. Also be sure to check out our Donation Resource Guide here for a full list of resources!

The Baer Minimalist helps busy families create ORGANIZED + STYLIZED spaces throughout Indianapolis. She loves to Donate + Do Good in the community, encouraging her clients do the same! And with regard to her wedding dress, it had quite the night on September 18, 2009, and has since been tossed (after a portion was snipped out to do something neat with down the road for her daughter).

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