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Most women I know wanted to recreate an aspect of their mother's wedding, but not the whole thing. I had one friend who wore this headpiece, that was passed down, and she and all her sisters wore it with their veils. My mother had a simple wedding in a suit, but she embroidered a simple handkerchief that went into her suit pocket -- that was her blue. We all carried it at our weddings. My sister came closest -- she wore a dress the same color as my mother's suit. She wore a gardenia in her hair, my mother carried a gardenia on her Bible (where she was from women didn't do a bouquet, they carried a Bible with a flower), and her wedding ring was tri-color -- like my mom's... also -- they were both married on a Friday the 13th.
My mom had hers professionally preserved. (she saves everything) And of course I was too big for it. We sewed a new bodice and attached the skirt. As I recall we had a fight about the pattern I chose for the top. As for the dress, I didn't have strong feelings about it either way, I like vintage stuff. To me, it was just a vintage skirt I could wear and saved a money by doing so. I remade her little hat/veil to wear which I liked
a) my parents did not have a particularly happy marriage
b) my mom was a selfish nincompoop during the 6 months leading up to my wedding and made my life a living hell on a number of issues.
After my wedding, my mom paid to have mine professionally preserved (I don't even know what that entails) and it is in a box in my attic. Then I got divorced, so to me there is no particular luck associated with it. My girls will not be likely to want it, and that is fine with me, since I would probably discourage them from wearing it.
I guess I'll let my little granddaughters play dress up with it someday.
If you can get $$ I say go for it. Here is something else to consider if you don't want to do that right away...let other people borrow it NOW. A friend of mine got married a year before me and when I was admiring her dress during the reception she told me I could borrow it if I wanted to. I did. But not before someone ELSE wore it too! I don't know how many weddings that dress saw but in the end she did pack it away and even though her daughters didn't wear the dress it had been well loved and well used. I am forever thankful I didn't have to spend money on a dress I wore for 4 hours.
When I wore it I added my own hat, which I didn't bother keeping.
My mother was kind enough to have my gown preserved for me, as at the time being a young bride I didn't have the money to do that myself. I was married almost 25 years ago and have elementary school aged daughters now. I'm fairly certain it will be WAY out of style by the time they get married.
However, I want them to have that choice. I will not be hurt or offended in the least if they want nothing to do with it, but I want them to have the choice, especially if something should happen to me and I wasn't there for their wedding day.
And many brides choose to not actually wear the dress. They could make a handkerchief from it or sew some of it into the hem of their dress. Probably would mean the most to those girls whose parents are still married when they get married....
Keeping your veil would likely accomplish the same sentiment if you choose not to keep the dress.
I'd sell it and spend the money on something meaningful to you and your daughter (i.e. a cool experience you wouldn't have done otherwise, an heimloom-type item). I wouldn't sell it and just blow the money...even if it's not a lot of money.
I am debating if I should sell my wedding dress while I can still make some $$$ off of it seeing as it is still in style. I would keep the veil to pass on to my daughters. I just feel like the minute I sell the dress I will have regret. What if they wanted to at least have the option to wear my dress, you know? On the other hand, my mom sold her dress and I didn't care (it was quite hideous too lol)....
Moms, what are you planning on doing with your dress?
I'm sure your daughter will want to choose her own wedding dress when that day comes.
The odds are very low that she'll be close enough in size for it, the style will fit her wedding style, she will actually like the style of the dress. Also, unless you've paid to have it professionally "preserved" it will probably discolor or the fabric will weaken in the 25 years until she'd need it.
If she doesn't want it you'll be disappointed and / or she'll feel bad for disappointing you. Just sell it or give it away to someone who wants it NOW. You have pictures - you don't need the actual dress anymore!
Another thing to consider is whether or not you may want to wear your wedding dress at your anniversary celebrations. I know several women who did for their 10th anniversary parties. I thought about doing it for my silver anniversary, but it did not fit well and did not "age well". However, I did display it, as well as the maid of honor dress that my sister wore and the flower girl dress that my niece wore at the wedding.
Heck, my 40th anniversary is coming up. Perhaps, I need to go on a serious diet. LOL
I wore the headpiece that my mother wore at her wedding. My daughter is welcome to wear it, too, if she gets married and if she wants to wear it.
I think brides really want the thrill of choosing their own wedding dress. Some might choose their mother's dress more out of fear of hurting her feelings than for true preference. I personally would sell the dress and keep my memories of my own wonderful wedding. This would be the safest decision all around IMHO.
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