National Wedding Dress Day puts old gowns to good use

The Heart and Stroke Foundation (HSF) of South Africa recently sponsored National Wedding Dress Day. The event aims to raise funds for the charitable organization by asking women to dig out their old wedding dresses and don them for an hour, according to iol.co.za. Bridesmaids are also requested to wear their dresses again (something they probably swore they'd never do!)

This Friday, December 4, the HSF is asking the women to wear their dresses out and about while shopping or while at work, and asking friends to sponsor them for each hour that they stick it out.

The money from the event is earmarked for a special program that will educate parents and teachers about ways to reduce the chances of heart
disease in young children, the news source reports.

Most brides will love a good reason to put on their wedding dresses again, and former brides-to-be in the U.S. can take inspiration from the event. Consider donating your gown to a charitable organization after your wedding, or selling the dress and giving the money to a cause that you're passionate about.

Other magnanimous wedding plans include asking guests to donate to a non-profit organization in your name instead of registering for gifts, or offsetting the carbon emissions of your big day.