You’ve said your vows, danced your heart out at the reception, and already returned from the honeymoon. Now your wedding dress is taking up valuable space in your closet, and you’re not quite sure if you’re sentimental enough to hold on to it forever. Here’s an idea: why not share it with a deserving bride-to-be?
In partnership with Brides Across America, Rockville’s Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring bridal boutique is participating in Operation Wedding Gown on July 11. On that day, Fairytale Brides is committed to outfitting 30 military brides with wedding dresses and accessories free of charge, and they need your help to make it happen. The boutique is currently accepting pressed and cleaned dresses from the last five years for the event, as well as accessories such as veils and sashes. Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring is a nonprofit wedding boutique, so donations do qualify for a tax deduction. Also cool: The boutique is run entirely by volunteers, and when dresses aren’t given directly to brides, net proceeds from sales go to organizations that empower women.
Donations can be mailed to the boutique or dropped off directly. For more information on how to donate, head here. Military brides interested in receiving a dress during Operation Wedding Gown can call the shop directly or pre-register here to be added to the list, which is being filled on a first-come, first-served basis. When we spoke to Fairytale Brides founder Donna Vaccarezza Tuesday afternoon, 19 slots were still available. This is Fairytale Bride’s second year in business, but first participating in Operation Wedding Gown, and longtime Maryland resident Vaccarezza is very excited about making sure all 30 get filled.
Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring. 154 Congressional Lane (lower level of Congressional Plaza); Rockville, MD; 301-468-2000.
Sarah is the Editor-in-Chief of Washingtonian Bride & Groom, and writes about weddings, fashion, and shopping. Her work has also appeared in Refinery29, Bethesda Magazine, and Washington City Paper, among others. She is a Georgetown University graduate, lives in Columbia Heights, and you can find her on Instagram at @washbridegroom and @sarahzlot.
