What to Do with Your Mom’s Wedding Dress: 6 Meaningful Ways to Repurpose It

There’s something incredibly special about incorporating your mom’s wedding dress into your own big day. Even if you’re not wearing it down the aisle, there are so many beautiful and creative ways to honor it– and her–in your wedding.

Whether the dress no longer fits your style or it’s been tucked away for decades, repurposing pieces of it can be one of the most meaningful things you do. Here are five heartfelt ideas to turn her gown into a timeless part of your wedding story.

Add Her Lace to Your Veil

One of the most timeless ways to bring her dress into your bridal look is by incorporating her lace or fabric into a custom veil. Whether its delicate appliqué from the sleeves or a full lace trim, this subtle nod to her gown makes your veil feel even more personal.

Bonus: I offer custom heirloom veils and can help you design one from scratch using your mom’s gown.

Create Pocket Squares for the Groom or Groomsmen

This has become one of my favorite heirloom projects lately! If your mom’s dress has satin, lace, or any unique details, you can use that fabric to create pocket squares for your groom or groomsmen. It’s a subtle way to keep her close on your wedding day – and makes for an amazing gift too.

I recently made a set of these for a bride who got a custom heirloom veil. It was such a sweet way to tie in family history!

Turn It into a Bridal Handkerchief or Clutch

A small section of her dress can become a delicate handkerchief to carry down the aisle (and catch any happy tears). You can even embroider it with initials, your wedding date, or a meaningful quote. If you’re more into fashion-forward ideas, transforming the fabric into a small clutch adds both sentiment and style to your bridal look.

Create a Ring Bearer Pillow or Bow Tie

For a sweet and subtle heirloom detail, consider using parts of the dress for a ring bearer pillow, or have a bow tie made for a ring bearer, the groom or even a beloved family member. These pieces are especially beautiful for a more classic or vintage-inspired ceremony.

Make a Getting-Ready Robe or Hair Accessory

You don’t have to wait until the ceremony to wear something sentimental. A robe or hair bow made from your mom’s dress can be worn while getting ready – perfect for those dreamy behind-the-scenes photos with your bridal party.

Ready to Give Her Dress a New Life?

If you’re thinking about incorporating your mom’s dress into your veil, accessories, or wedding day details – I’d love to help. I specialize in heirloom bridal pieces and can help you find a design that honors your mom’s gown while making it feel like you.

Turn It Into a Personalized “Wifey” Sweatshirt

One of the trendiest (and coziest) ways to reuse your moms dress? Cut a small section of leave or satin and have it appliquéd onto a hoody or crewneck sweatshirt. You could do “Wifey,” “Mrs. [New Last Name],” or even your wedding date! It’s a wearable keepsake that blends into something old with something totally you.

Perfect for your honeymoon airport outfit or cozy night post-wedding.

@gemini_fusion on TikTok offers this!

[Contact me here] to start designing something truly one-of-a-kind.

Xx, McKenzie McKeene