First-daughter Jenna Bush’s wedding (and some upcoming weddings of our own) got us thinking. We know that couples recycle wedding gifts (Admit it, you’ve done that. Better yet, take a moment to use our “Add a Comment” option to tell us what you’ve re-gifted). But surely, brides and grooms can demonstrate their love by recycling more than blenders, croquet sets, and label makers. (Those of you who were at our wedding should not draw any conclusions from that list about what became of your presents.)
What about recycling wedding gowns?
Before you accuse of us heresy, consider the dress you or your spouse wore. Where is it now? Have you had it on again? Did you put it away with all the best intentions that some day your daughter would be married in it? Did you have a daughter? Will she/did she wear it? Has your relationship with the gown become ‘til death do we part? Please comment on these questions, too, for your answers will help future vow takers to determine whether to say, “I do” to the following options.
You can donate used wedding dresses to the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation. This not-for-profit Foundation resells the dresses and uses the proceeds to fulfill wishes of breast cancer patients across America. To date the Brides Against Breast CancerTM program has received more than 50,000 wedding gown donations, with an estimated resale value of over 4 million dollars. For more details, visit Making Memories.
Another organization, the Chicago-based Glass Slipper Project, collects new and almost-new wedding gowns, bridesmaids dresses, and formals as well as accessories and provides them, free of charge, to Chicago high school students who are unable to purchase their own prom attire. The not-for-profit distributes the dresses at Glass Slipper “boutiques,” where each student receives individual assistance from a volunteer “personal shopper” as she shops. The Project has helped more than 10,000 young women attend their proms in style. If you’re in the Chicago area visit Glass Slipper Project. For those not in the Chicago area, a list of similar projects around the country can be found on the same site. Timely information, considering that this is prom and wedding season.
If you want to hold on to your dress, there are other opportunities to recycle your joy. Most nuptials begin with the wedding ceremony itself and end with the ceremonial proffer of centerpieces and leftovers. What guest hasn’t been implored to, “Take it. It’ll just go to waste.” Remains of the day like these can also go to nursing homes, hospitals, shelters, and similar venues. Food banks and shelters do have rules about what they can accept, so it’s a good idea to check with them first before showing up with trays of shrimp puffs or cream puffs.
As for flowers, centerpieces, and the like, for those of you who live in New York or Los Angeles there is an organization called FlowerPower that will take the flowers from your weddings or other events and put them to good use. FlowerPower, which we first heard about on the inspiring NBC Nightly News’ “Making a Difference” segment, is the brainchild of Nancy Lawlor, a clerical worker and aspiring actress who saw floral arrangements in the Waldorf Astoria and imagined what pleasure they could bring to others.
Since February 2003 the not-for-profit organization Nancy founded has collected over $2,500,000 of donated flowers, re-assembled them, and then given them to thousands of elderly, sick and terminally ill in New York City and Los Angeles have been touched. Among those donating flowers from their wedding: Law and Order SVU’s Mariska Hargitay and her husband actor Peter Hermann.
FlowerPower hopes to expand its mission of uniting and healing generations throughout America. You can learn more, including how to set up a branch (stem?) in your area by visiting their website.
That’s it for today. Please recycle this entry and our website address www.ampolo.com to your friends. And please add a comment of your own. See you Wednesday.