You searched and saved to find the perfect gown for a long time. As much as you love it, one question lingers… what will become of the dress after the wedding? Keep scrolling down to read 8 great ideas suggested by Loverly.

But first, the fun fact: Kristy and Anthony choose #8, Trash it! To keep things simple, the gorgeous couple preferred the all-inclusive formula offered by Beaches Turks and Caicos for their vacation and wedding day. But the cookie-cutter photos taken by the resort photographer were just not enough. They heard about the “Trash the Dress Queen” and contacted me 😉

Playful, fun, sexy are the words that Kristi used to describe the photos she was looking for. Getting the wedding dress sandy and soaked in the Turks and Caicos water was so worth it!

This is a list of 8 things you can do with your wedding dress. Credit: Loverly

1. Donate it. Organizations like Brides Across America afford brides the opportunity to donate their dresses. Paying your perfect dress forward could turn someone else’s dream wedding into reality.

2. Make it into a work of art. Dresses, garters, and veils can all be professionally framed into custom art, preserving the happiness of your day for years to come.

3. Turn it into a gown for your little one. Christening gowns are becoming a popular way to re-work wedding dresses. You could also have your gown made into an outfit for a naming ceremony or even a first birthday party.

4. Have a cocktail…dress, that is! You’ve worked with your seamstress to have the dress perfectly tailored…so why not reach out post-wedding to have a custom cocktail dress created? A dress that is both loved and fits like a glove could become a great conversation piece at next summer’s soiree.

5. Transform it. Dresses made of satin, lace, or tulle can be transformed into beautiful evening bags; we love the idea of carrying your dress in clutch form to your first anniversary dinner. If staying in is more your speed, dresses can also be made into pillows or quilts. What better way to add a cherished touch to your home together?

6. Sell it. If you’re feeling the post-wedding budget crunch, you can make a little cash back by selling your dress. Try a wedding-specific website like Nearly Newlywed or PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, or list it on eBay.

7. Preserve it for posterity. Every bride loves her dress, and if the saying “like mother like daughter” proves true in your family, your unique gown may be just what your children may want when their day comes. Even if that seems unlikely, you still may find yourself unable to part with it.

8. Trash it! This last idea can be a fun way to send your dress off in style. Brides have swum underwater, played in muddy farms, or even set fire to their frocks. With a photographer standing by, trashing your dress can create fun and beautiful photos.

© Attimi Photography – Turks & Caicos photographer