Getting married doesn’t just mean saying “I do” to love—it can also mean saying “I do” to giving back. Brides for a Cause is a nonprofit that’s turning wedding dreams into charitable impact by helping couples find beautiful, affordable wedding dresses while supporting women-focused charities. Since 2012, they’ve collected over 40,000 gowns and raised more than $3 million for local and national causes, all through the simple act of reselling wedding dresses. Whether you’re shopping for your big day or thinking about donating your own, this is your chance to be part of something bigger.

Weddings are expensive. There’s no way around it. Between the venue, catering, flowers, and the dress itself, the average couple spends tens of thousands of dollars just to celebrate their love. But what if you could cut costs and do good at the same time? That’s exactly what Brides for a Cause makes possible. Their mission is simple: collect donated wedding dresses, resell them at deeply discounted prices, and use the proceeds to support nonprofit organizations focused on women’s empowerment, health, and well-being.

From Portland to San Diego, Brides for a Cause has built a network of boutiques where nearlyweds can find one-of-a-kind dresses at a fraction of the cost. And if you’re done with your dress after the big day? You can pass it on—literally and figuratively—by donating it and helping another bride shine while supporting a great cause. It’s a win-win for your wallet, your wardrobe, and the community.

• Arnel Pineda

Table of Contents

• What Is Brides for a Cause?
• How Does Brides for a Cause Work?
• Why Shop at Brides for a Cause?
• Why Donate Your Wedding Dress?
• Where Can You Find Brides for a Cause?
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Brides for a Cause?

At its heart, Brides for a Cause is more than a bridal boutique—it’s a movement. Founded with the goal of making weddings more accessible and sustainable, this nonprofit gives couples the chance to shop for wedding dresses at a fraction of the retail price, all while supporting women-centered charities across the country.

The idea is simple yet powerful: collect wedding dresses from individuals, designers, and bridal retailers, then resell them at a steep discount. Every purchase funds local and national nonprofits that support women’s health, education, and economic empowerment. So when you shop at Brides for a Cause, you’re not just getting a dress—you’re helping to change lives.

Over the years, Brides for a Cause has grown from a single location into a nationwide network, with boutiques in Portland, Tacoma, Seattle, Sacramento, and San Diego. Each store is stocked with over 800 dresses, giving brides a wide selection to choose from—without the sky-high price tag.

• Wentworth Miller Relationships

How Does Brides for a Cause Work?

So how does it all come together? Brides for a Cause relies on a steady stream of donated wedding dresses, which come from a variety of sources—brides who’ve said “I do,” bridal stores clearing out inventory, and even fashion designers and manufacturers.

Once a dress is donated, it gets cleaned, inspected, and added to the store’s collection. Dresses can be brand new or gently used, and each one is unique. Brides who visit the boutiques can try on as many dresses as they like during a private fitting session, making the experience both personal and affordable.

Here’s how the process works in a nutshell:

• Donors contribute wedding dresses to Brides for a Cause.
• The dresses are cleaned, priced, and displayed in one of the boutiques.
• Shoppers browse the collection, try on dresses, and find their perfect match.
• Proceeds from the sale go to support women-focused charities.

It’s a full-circle kind of moment—your wedding dress can help another bride walk down the aisle and support a cause that makes a real difference.

Why Shop at Brides for a Cause?

There are plenty of reasons to consider shopping at Brides for a Cause, not the least of which is the cost savings. Wedding dresses at these boutiques are typically priced 70–90% lower than retail, which means you can find a stunning gown for a fraction of the price.

But beyond the financial benefits, shopping at Brides for a Cause offers something you won’t find in a traditional bridal salon: purpose. You’re not just buying a dress—you’re helping to fund programs that support women in need. Whether it’s a scholarship, a shelter, or a health initiative, your purchase helps make a difference.

And let’s not forget the experience. Each store offers private fittings, so you can try on as many dresses as you like in a relaxed, pressure-free environment. No pushy salespeople, no crowds—just you, your dress, and your future.

Why Donate Your Wedding Dress?

After the big day, your wedding dress might just end up in the back of a closet or a storage box. But instead of letting it gather dust, consider donating it to Brides for a Cause. Not only will you give another bride the chance to shine, but you’ll also help raise money for important causes.

Donating your dress is simple. Just drop it off at one of the boutiques or schedule a pickup if available. Brides for a Cause accepts dresses in all styles, sizes, and conditions—whether it’s new, worn once, or even slightly damaged, they’ll find a way to put it to good use.

Plus, your donation might even qualify for a tax deduction. Be sure to check with a tax professional to find out how you can benefit financially while supporting a great cause.

Where Can You Find Brides for a Cause?

Right now, Brides for a Cause has five main boutiques across the West Coast. Each location offers a similar experience—hundreds of wedding dresses, private fittings, and a chance to support a meaningful mission. Here’s where you can find them:

• Portland, OR: More than 800 dresses available.
• Tacoma, WA: One of the original locations with a wide selection.
• Seattle, WA: Over 800 dresses to choose from in a cozy boutique setting.
• Sacramento, CA: A growing collection of gowns for every style.
• San Diego, CA: The newest store with more than 600 unique dresses.

Whether you live nearby or are planning a destination wedding, it’s worth visiting one of these boutiques. You’ll get the chance to try on hundreds of dresses, all while knowing your purchase helps support women-focused charities. And if you’re not in one of these cities, don’t worry—you can still donate your dress or follow their mission online. Learn more about Brides for a Cause and how you can get involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of dresses does Brides for a Cause accept?

Brides for a Cause accepts all types of wedding dresses—from modern to vintage, simple to ornate, and everything in between. Whether the dress is new, gently used, or even slightly damaged, they’ll find a way to use it. Some dresses are even donated by bridal designers and retailers.

Can I get a tax deduction for donating my wedding dress?

In many cases, yes! Since Brides for a Cause is a registered nonprofit, your dress donation may qualify for a tax deduction. However, the IRS has specific rules about valuing donated clothing, so it’s best to consult with a tax professional for guidance.

How does Brides for a Cause support local charities?

Every time a dress is sold, the proceeds go toward funding women-focused nonprofits across the country. These organizations provide support in areas like health care, education, and economic empowerment. To date, Brides for a Cause has donated over $3 million to local and national charities.

Want to know more about their charitable partnerships? Learn more about Brides for a Cause’s charity partners and how your purchase helps make a difference.