As a newlywed, I am left with this big burden. A fluffy, white burden to be exact. I'm talking about my wedding dress. While it was everything I wanted it to be and so much more, I honestly don't know what to do with the thing now. I got curious and decided I wanted to do a bit of research on the topic. To my surprise, there were a ton of women who did what is known as "Trash the Dress". At first, I was a little horrified! I spent way too much money on this thing to just "trash" it! However, the more research I did the more I thought it was actually a beautiful idea.
Let's be honest for a moment, wedding dresses are huge and take up tons of space in the closet. My dress doesn't even fit into my closet, it hangs out and we have to shut the door just slightly. If you purchased your dress from a bridal boutique then I know they tried to sell you the preservation kit. Have you actually done the time to research what that is? They clean your dress, treat it, press it, and then they basically air seal it into a box. You're still left with this monstrous thing to store in your house. Plus, gown preservation kits are on the expensive side of things. Most range from $100-$200, or even more depending on the size of your dress. I don't know about you, but I spent enough already!
Make trashing your dress a fun event! For your one year wedding anniversary take a vacation with your husband. Don't forget to bring along your wedding attire and then find a local photographer. For example, a beach trip would be a beautiful place to trash your dress. This will give you and your husband a chance to relive those magical feelings you had on your big day, except this time... You're both swimming around in the ocean! It may sound crazy, but this provides you with a beautiful memory that you and your husband will remember for years to come.
If you're still not convinced that trashing the dress is a good idea and you'd rather keep it, why not do both? Admit it, the idea of trashing the dress is a fun concept. However, I know how much a wedding dress means to a bride. You can actually do both and still keep your dress as a keepsake afterward. In this scenario think of planning a fun photo shoot with your husband by a waterfall or in a river. This can give you a more clean alternative if you think the sand in the beach scenario mentioned above is too messy. You can still enjoy the concept without actually ruining your dress. You'll get some unique photos while making unforgettable memories with your husband, and then you can still send it to the bridal boutique for preservation after you've had your fun. Despite what people say, you can have your cake and eat it too!
What do you plan to do with your wedding gown once the wedding is over?
Recommended for you
Luckily, many colleges offer a number of ways to take part in campus and community life, without forcing you to dedicate all of your time to these organizations. Here are a few ideas!
1. Look into Housing and Dining.
Many first-year students start off college life in residence halls, and the Housing & Dining network throughout campus often provides multiple opportunities for students throughout the year. Many buildings have student community councils that work to create policies and events that make the dorms a more welcoming home for residents. Becoming a community assistant (or the students who work the desks at the front of many halls) is another easy way to have a consistent, well-paying job only minutes away from your room.
If you really enjoyed your housing experience, consider applying to be an RLA, or, if the school offers it, help to teach the first-year community. You'll get the chance to help support new and returning students over the year, and many of these positions also cover major costs like board and meal plans.
2. Pay attention to campus postings.
This advice is more obvious, but it still gets overlooked a fair amount. Even on a busy day, taking the time to stop around campus and look at the flyers advertising clubs and events can draw your attention to something that you never would've noticed otherwise. Students on many campuses also chalk the sidewalk to catch students' attention while they walk to class. Just make sure that the event you're interested in hasn't taken place already!
3. Find common interest groups.
One way to find friends and get involved is to focus on what you're passionate about. Have you always loved to sing? Do you enjoy playing video games? Is photography your favorite past-time? Have you always wanted to join Greek life? Whatever you love devoting your time to, chances are there are organizations around school who are focused on the same thing. Check the student life section of your university's website, or stop by a student organization fair at the beginning of the semester.
4. Join an intramural sports team.
If you're the athletic type, you've probably heard of intramural sports. Often offered through the Rec Center or the residence halls, most colleges often offer various indoor and outdoor sports to take part in throughout the year. Personal favorite? Mini golf.
5. Work on a cause that you care about.
Whether you're passionate about a political group, a social cause, or a religion, working with people who value beliefs similar to yours can be an easy way to meet people, get a better sense of your own identity, and promote causes that are important to you. Look into getting involved with College Democrats, Republicans, or whatever party that you belong to. Find a club that supports social issues, from women's rights to protecting the environment. If you're religious, look into student organizations based on your faith.
6. Join a club related to your major.
Even if you're not entirely sure what you want to do after school, finding a club or organization related to your field of studies can benefit you long after you leave the classroom. From career-related workshops to conferences to professional connections, these groups have a lot to boast.
7. Get an on-campus job.
If you have the time, need to work, or want to save a few extra dollars, finding a job on or near campus is a time-effective way to build up your bank account and gain work experience. Check in your residence hall (see #1), at local businesses and offices, or make an appointment with your school's career center.
8. Volunteer.
When you're caught up in school life, it can be hard to think about the bigger picture. Volunteering your time to people (or animals/an environment) in need puts things in perspective and allows you to feel good while making a positive difference. Check if your college town has a volunteer page, or look up local organizations requesting help.
Best of luck this year! Get out, and get busy.
Trending Topics
Trending Stories
Best of Student Life![RBF]()
![woman in black turtleneck shirt smiling beside woman in black shirt]()
