I have been pondering how best to dispose of my wedding dress for some time now. It’s a thing of beauty, ivory beaded silk, embroidery, a ton of material and all the subtle frills and furbelows of majesty. I rightly felt beautiful wearing it and regardless of the events that life has dished up to me since that hazy day, nothing changes the fact that it was a terrific wedding and everyone had a great time.
I debated selling it, convinced (like many others) that I needed the extra pocket money, and having explored online stores, dress agencies and car boot sales with little success, I stopped, took a deep breath and made a major reassessment of my priorities and values. Almost immediately, I discovered ASAP Africa, an Aids Support organisation in Zambia. Earlier this year, they instigated a scheme whereby donated wedding dresses are taken to Lusaka as part of a start-up hire business for sex workers, thereby offering skills and financial support for vulnerable women as well as giving poorer brides the chance to fulfil their dream of a big white wedding.
More details about this wonderful scheme are here.
So I’ll be taking my dress over to Windsor some time next week. We take so much for granted in this country, often confusing need with want as we cram our homes full of the latest electronics and high street clothes, yet even on a low income, I have still been able to do and have so much. This is a small gesture of gratitude for how privileged I am and I hope that the woman who eventually wears my dress is blessed with health and happiness, peace and plenty in her life ahead.
Please spread the word.
