Weddingbee Blog

While I spend most of my waking hours working in front of a computer, I pride myself as an activist working on giving back and making the world better then it already is. Ever since starting grad school, I haven’t exactly had the time to volunteer, protest, or give of my time in the same ways that I tried to in high school and college.

So what’s a gal to do when she has a desire to give to others? I took to knitting and crocheting goods for donations! In the past 2 years, I’ve knitted/crocheted 3 scarves per year for donation.

Basically, each night I knitted while decompressing in front of the TV. After getting engaged, I found my knitting in front of the TV time changed to wedding crafting in front of the TV time. But I’d really like to continue my tradition of giving.

I made 3 veils for friends—first, a single layer white cathedral length veil. This one was more “bunched” than the others.

Also, I made a sheer single layer, waist-length ivory veil.

Finally, I made a sheer cathedral-length ivory veil.

Then! I discovered Brides Against Breast Cancer! This is exactly what I needed.

Their mission statement:

To provide an opportunity for metastatic breast cancer patients’ dream or wish to be fulfilled by providing a special time of ’Making Memories’ together with their families, a chance that might not have become a reality without the assistance of the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation.

To advance the awareness of breast cancer and to educate the public about the vast resources and support available to breast cancer patients and their families.

They do this by selling wedding goods to brides-to-be and using the money to “make memories” for breast cancer patients and their families.

I’m putting my giver+crafter+wedding planning hat all together for this one. All my practice DIY projects are not going to waste. I will be donating them to Brides Against Breast Cancer so that they can be sold to brides. The money then goes to “making memories” for breast cancer patients.

Check out some of my practice veils that are in great condition, but just aren’t matching my style.

I beaded this veil with seed beads around the edges:

My first birdcage veil made of nylon netting:

My 2nd birdcage made of a small piece of Russian Netting and featuring a fascinator:

My 3rd birdcage with a larger piece of Russian netting:

Because of limited storage space, Brides Against Breast Cancer only accepts gowns from 2006 to current day. However, I did confirm that they accept other bridal accessories like veils even if you don’t send a dress with it. Besides donating your dress or accessories, you can also support Brides Against Breast Cancer by purchasing your dress/accessories from one of their events, or donating money.

Here are some other places I found on the web for donating. Bridal gowns can also be donated to Bridal Garden where gowns are sold as a fundraiser for the Sheltering Arms Children’s Services. You can donate your dresses (BM dresses included) to The Glass Slipper Project or The Cinderella Project. Or maybe if having a wedding registry that includes gifts to charities is more your thing, you should consider JustGive.org or the I Do Foundation.

If you’re in San Diego and want to donate your flowers (wedding or household potted, even), check out Blooms from the Heart.

Are you donating any of your wedding goods? Do you have other leads for good places/organizations to donate wedding goods to?