Wedding dress alterations often leave behind scraps of fabric, lace, and embellishments. Instead of tossing them, why not repurpose these sentimental pieces into keepsakes or useful items? Here are some creative and meaningful ways to give new life to your wedding dress scraps.  

Create a Bridal Keepsake or Memento

 
Save a piece of your dress by turning scraps into a keepsake you can cherish forever. Consider a framed fabric swatch to display a beautiful lace or fabric piece, a fabric flower bouquet for a sentimental arrangement, or incorporating fabric swatches into your wedding scrapbook.  

Make Bridal Accessories  

Turn your leftover fabric into stylish accessories that you can wear beyond your wedding day. You could craft hair accessories like bows, scrunchies, or headbands, use silk or tulle scraps for a lightweight scarf, or make a jewelry pouch or ring holder to keep your rings safe.  

Below is a veil with appliqués leftover from the bride's dress.

And don't forget the garter made from her wedding dress scraps

Gift Something Special

 
Share a piece of your wedding dress with loved ones by turning scraps into thoughtful gifts. You could embroider a message on fabric scraps to create handkerchiefs for family, sew small heart- or star-shaped ornaments for holiday decorations, or make a bridal garter for a future bride using leftover lace.  

Create a Soft Backdrop or Flat Lay for your Wedding Details

Use a larger piece of leftover tulle, lace, or satin as a delicate background for your wedding detail photos. It adds texture and dimension while tying the entire composition together.

Save for Future Generations  

Your wedding dress fabric can become a cherished family heirloom. Consider making a christening gown, baby blanket, or headband from wedding scraps, surprising your spouse with an anniversary gift made from your dress fabric, or saving pieces for a daughter, sister, or friend to incorporate into their wedding look.  

Below is an example of scraps being repurposed into her baby's dress.

Or an example of it being repurposed into her daughter's communion veil.

Donate or Upcycle  

If you’re not attached to the scraps, consider donating or upcycling them. Many sewing groups or art programs appreciate fabric donations, scraps can be used to make tiny dresses for dolls or teddy bears, or you could collect fabric from different life events to create a meaningful quilt.  

My favorite charity is Little Angel Gowns , where you can donate your old wedding dress. They make it into tiny gowns for stillborn babies to be buried in.

Your wedding dress holds memories, and even the smallest scraps can be transformed into something special. Whether you keep, gift, or repurpose them, these creative ideas allow you to carry a piece of your wedding day with you in a new and beautiful way.  

Do you have extra wedding dress fabric? I'd love to help transform it into something new.