You are Not Alone! Professional Organizers Can Get Emotional with Their De-cluttering Too-- The Process Used by One Organizer to Part with her Wedding Dress & Help Breast Cancer Research
Clutter- Anything that you own, possess, or do which does not enhance your life on a regular basis.
I provide this definition in almost every presentation and workshop that I do. It is logical and I apply de-cluttering tips on a consistent basis in my own home. . . with one exception . . . my wedding dress! The dress I wore to marry the love of my life.
It was professionally cleaned and boxed up the day after my wedding and I had not actually looked at the dress since. The box was BIG. It took up a significant amount of floor space in the closet of every home we have lived in. Why the closet? Well, I could not put it in the basement because moisture might get to it! I could not put it in the attic because heat or bugs might get to it! So, on the floor of my closet it sat -- for years.
Then I found this amazing organization that used donated formal wear and wedding dresses to resell and make money for Breast Cancer research. Wow! What a neat idea. The organization is called Making Memories and one of their biggest projects is called “Brides Against Breast Cancer.” The program continues to be the Foundation’s number one fund-raising event across the nation.
According to their web site: "Over 32 shows every year enable brides-to-be to find the gown of their dreams (at an incredible savings) while making wishes and dreams come true for women and men diagnosed with terminal breast cancer."
So, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I decided to part with my wedding dress. I am thrilled that another young lady will be able to wear it. But it was not as easy as I had initially thought. I walked upstairs to get the dress and the minute I grabbed the box I thought, "Do I really want to do this?"
So, I gave homage to the dress and remembered my wedding day. I pulled out the wedding pictures that I had not looked at in a while and took a few moments just to remember. I was younger and thinner then. I felt wonderful in my dress. It was one of the first dresses I had tried, but decided that I did not really want it; because surely I would find something better later. I didn't. When I went back to the shop, the gown was no longer there! I ended up going to Cincinnati Ohio where my parents were at the time and buying the dress there.
It was the one for me. I loved all of the beaded and lace detailing. The cathedral length of the gown was fun!
The wedding day was spectacular. Sure, there were things that did not go as desired (like the spray painted alter flowers!), but overall we would not have changed a thing. All of our family and friends were there and we got married surrounded with love.
I wanted someone else to have that same experience. The complete joy that I felt that day. People we love surrounding us.
By remembering the wonderful day (and being honest with myself that I would never fit into the dress again!) it was easy to let go. Having the picture albums also helped.
So, I picked up the box, got it into the car and mailed it off to Portland Oregon.
How To Donate Your Gown
You can make dreams come true! The gift of your wedding gown helps Making Memories fulfill wishes for terminal breast cancer patients and makes a new bride's special day even more meaningful. Donations may be made during any “Brides Against Breast Cancer” event or sent directly to:
Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation
12708 SE Stephens Street
Portland, OR 97233
Donations from bridal shops or manufacturers wishing to make a donation when we are in your area may send an email to fran@makingmemories.org or call (503) 829-4486
They also accept complete sets of bridesmaid dresses, veils, slips, shoes, mother’s dresses and flower girl gowns. Other items specific to weddings, including jewelry, books, ring pillows, wedding purses, etcetera are gladly received.
Your gift is TAX-DEDUCTIBLE, including your shipping costs. To learn more about Making Memories and this program see this link www.MakingMemories.org.
