13 Stunning DIY Ideas to Transform Your Upcycled Wedding Dress into Christmas Keepsakes

Your wedding dress is one of the most sentimental pieces of clothing you’ll ever own and it deserves to be made into some beautiful keepsakes! There are so many things to create from an upcycled wedding dress: a Christmas ornament from a wedding dress, a tree skirt, an angel tree topper, Christmas stockings, and more!

These creative projects will help you bring the magic of your special day into your holiday celebrations, keeping those memories alive for years to come!

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Keepsake Ornaments from Upcycled Wedding Dress

Making keepsake ornaments from an upcycled wedding dress is a great way to use smaller pieces of that beautiful fabric and parts of the dress that are harder to use for other crafts like a tree skirt, table runner, or christening gown! They look absolutely beautiful in any color, but if you had a Christmas wedding with a colorful gown, these will look extra stunning on your Christmas trees!

Heirloom Ornaments

Turn lace from your train, veil, or wedding dress sleeves into elegant, one-of-a-kind baubles for your tree! A simple swatch of lace encased in a glass ornament globe creates a timeless keepsake ornament. This easy DIY craft is perfect for inexperienced and pro-crafters alike. It’s also very budget friendly! You can quickly and inexpensively make several of these ornaments to hang on your tree for years to come!

Materials Needed:

• Clear fillable ornaments – these are easy to find at most craft stores and come in glass or plastic, with both silver and gold ornament caps to suit your taste! Look for them in the DIY holiday crafting section.
• Scissors – you want sharp fabric scissors to reduce snagging and pulling when cutting fine fabrics.
• Hot glue – I recommend a low-temp glue gun to avoid melting, burning, or distortion the fabric.
• Pearls, beads, sequins, lace, ribbon or other trim details from your dress or veil.

Instructions:

1. Cut small pieces of fabric or lace to fit inside clear ornaments. Satin works beautifully as a soft background.
2. For lace-covered ornaments, apply a thin layer of fabric glue to adhere the lace around the ornament’s surface.
3. If desired add a loop of ribbon, either from the dress or in a beautiful coordinating shade, for hanging.
4. Optional: Use fabric paint or glitter glue to add initials or the year.

Layered Fabric Keepsake Ornaments from Upcycled Wedding Dress

Materials

• Foam ball – one ball per ornament, 3-4 inches in diameter
• Dress fabric scraps – you will need 40-50, 2.5×2.5 inch fabric squares per ornament
• Straight pins – 1/2 inch sequin pins are ideal, but regular steel straight pins with plain heads also work
• Ribbon – 8 inch length per ornament, for the hanger
• Scissors – you want sharp fabric scissors to reduce snagging and pulling when cutting fine fabrics.
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Optional – Thimble/pliers, embellishments (buttons, mini bows)

Instructions

• Create hanger: fold 8–inch ribbon length into a loop and pin it securely to the top of the foam ball
• Create center design: fold a fabric square into a small triangle. Pin it to the ball at the ribbon’s base. Repeat with 3 more triangles to form a star.
• Add layers: Use a new fabric pattern for the next layer. Fold and pin triangles slightly below the previous layer, overlapping as needed. Alternate patterns to cover the entire ball.
• Complete ornament: tuck or trim excess fabric at the bottom. Add additional embellishments like bows or buttons.

Click here for our COMPLETE tutorial with step-by-step instructions!

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Christmas Stockings

Make a set of stockings from your upcycled wedding dress—one for each family member, embellished with different parts of your beautiful gown, like lace from the hem or bodice appliqués.

Materials Needed:

• Stocking pattern
• sewing machine
• scissors – you want sharp fabric scissors to reduce snagging and pulling when cutting fine fabrics.
• wedding dress fabric
• interfacing for structure
• lace from dress, veil, train, or sleeves, and special embellishments from your dress

Instructions:

1. Find a simple stocking pattern online or trace an existing stocking onto paper to create a template.
2. Use the dress lining for the stocking base and embellish the front with lace, appliqués, or beading.
3. Sew the pieces together, right sides facing, leaving an opening at the top. Turn the stocking right side out and add a cuff if desired.
4. Attach a hanging loop made of ribbon or a thin strip of dress fabric.

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Table Runners or Placemats

Create a runner for a chic centerpiece from your upcycled wedding dress! Highlight the intricate lace patterns of your gown’s fabric by layering the lace over solid fabric.

Materials Needed:

• Wedding dress fabric
• Scissors – you want sharp fabric scissors to reduce snagging and pulling when cutting fine fabrics.
• fabric glue or sewing machine
• optional trim and dress details like lace or pearls.

Instructions:

1. Measure and cut the fabric to the desired size. For a table runner, a long rectangular strip works best; for placemats, cut standard 12×18-inch rectangles from your upcycled wedding dress fabric.
2. Hem the edges for a polished look, either by sewing or using fabric glue.
3. Add lace trim or beaded accents from the dress along the edges.

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Snowflake Decorations

Materials:

• Dress fabric
• scissors
• stiffener, like mod podge
• snowflake templates

Instructions:

1. Cut the dress fabric into snowflake shapes using templates or freehand.
2. Stiffen the snowflakes with a coat of Mod Podge and let dry.
3. Add beads or sequins for a touch of sparkle, then attach strings for hanging.

Create a garland by stringing multiple fabric snowflakes together for a dreamy, wintry vibe.

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Upcycled Wedding Dress Keepsake Pillows

Use fabric from your beautiful wedding dress to create a heart-shaped pillow with lace trim! You can make a medium sized one to use as an accent piece on a chair or sofa, or a smaller hanging ornament to display on your Christmas tree or as a year round decor piece!

Materials Needed:

• Dress fabric
• Pillow stuffing
• Needle & thread
• Sewing machine (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cut two square pieces of fabric in the desired size.
2. Embellish the front piece with lace, embroidery, or beading from the dress.
3. Sew the pieces together and turn inside out, leaving one side open.
4. Stuff with pillow filling and stitch the opening closed.

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Upcycled Wedding Dress Garland or Bunting

Use fabric strips to create a traditional triangle garland and pair it with fairy lights for a magical effect.

Materials Needed:

• Sharp Scissors
• Dress fabric
• string, twine, or ribbon
• hot glue gun – use low temp to prevent melting or burning

Instructions:

1. Cut the fabric into pennants (triangles), bows, or tassels.
2. Attach the pieces to a string or twine using glue or by sewing.
3. Mix materials like lace and satin for a multi-textured look.

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Upcycled Wedding Dress Angel Tree Topper

Make a gorgeous angel tree topper from your upcyled wedding dress fabric!

Materials

• Wedding dress fabric (lace, satin, tulle, etc.)
• Cone-shaped base (foam, cardboard, or paper mache)
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Wire (craft or floral)
• Ribbon or trim (optional)
• Pearl beads or small embellishments
• Doll head or wooden ball
• Paint or markers (optional for face)
• Feathers or tulle (for wings/halo)
• Scissors and fabric glue
• Needle and thread (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base: Trim the cone to the desired height (8–12 inches), cover it with wedding dress fabric, and glue it securely.
2. Create the Dress: Cut and drape wedding dress fabric over the cone. Layer tulle or lace for added elegance. Glue in place.
3. Add the Head: Attach a doll head or wooden ball to the top of the cone. Paint or draw a face if desired.
4. Make the Wings: Shape wire into wings, cover with lace or tulle, and glue to the back of the cone.
5. Decorate: Add pearl beads, ribbon, or rhinestones from your wedding dress as embellishments.
6. Craft the Halo: Form a wire halo, wrap it in ribbon or lace, and glue it above the angel’s head.
7. Secure the Tree Topper: Stabilize the cone base to fit securely on your tree.

Tip: Use scraps or less sentimental fabric pieces to practice, and consider adding fairy lights for extra charm!

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Upcycled Wedding Dress Tree Skirt

Transform the glamorous skirt of your upcycled wedding dress into a luxurious tree skirt!

Materials Needed:

• Dress fabric
• Sharp scissors
• sewing machine
• measuring tape
• trim (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cut the dress fabric into a large circle. Use a full skirt if possible for the most material.
2. Measure the hem circumference and divide by 6.28 to find the radius. This determines how much fabric to cut.
3. Gather and pin the fabric to create a semi-circle shape, keeping the hem intact as the skirt’s edge.
4. Cut a slit along one seam and hem the edges neatly.
5. Fold the fabric into quarters and trim the tip to create a center hole for the tree trunk.
6. Hem the edges of the circle and center hole for a finished edge.

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Wedding Keepsake Shadow Box

Create a centerpiece-worthy shadow box showcasing your upcycled wedding dress alongside a “First Christmas” photo.

Materials Needed:

• shadow box
• dress fabric
• decorations and wedding keepsakes – favors, photos, invitation, hair piece from your big day
• glue

Instructions:

• Materials Needed: Shadow box, fabric swatches, small decorations, and glue.

1. Arrange pieces of fabric, lace, and embellishments in a shadow box.
2. Add your keepsakes, ornaments, photos, etc to enhance the display.

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Big Tulle Bow for Your Tree

Turn the romantic, soft tulle from your wedding dress into a cascading decorative bow for your Christmas tree! Whether your tulle is white, pink, or even red from a Christmas wedding dress, any color can be turned into a gorgeous statement bow!

Materials Needed:

• Tulle from the under layers of your wedding dress – or whichever long piece of dress fabric you choose to youse
• Sharp scissors
• ribbon, string, or floral wire

Instructions:

1. Carefully remove the tulle layers from your wedding dress, cutting as needed to get wide, even sections.
2. Gather the tulle into a large bow shape by folding it into loops of your desired size.
3. Use a piece of ribbon, string, or floral wire to tie the bow securely at the center, leaving extra for attaching it to the tree.
4. Fluff and adjust the loops of the bow to create a full, voluminous look.
5. Attach the bow to the top of your Christmas tree or use it as a decorative accent on the branches.

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Christening Gown or First Communion Dress

Turn the skirt or train of your upcycled wedding dress into a stunning christening gown for your future child! What a meaningful way to pass down your wedding day memories to the next generation! Not big on sewing? Any seamstress should be able to turn your dress into this beautiful keepsake for a reasonable price!

Materials Needed:

• dress fabric, veil fabric, and other embellishments from your dress
• dress pattern
• sewing machine – or hired seamstress!!
• sharp scissors
• additional embellishments

Instructions:

1. Choose a pattern for a christening gown or first communion dress. There are many simple designs available online or at craft stores.
2. Use the satin or lace from your wedding dress to create the main body of the gown.
3. Incorporate special details, such as lace overlays, beading, or appliqués from the dress.
4. Sew the pieces together according to the pattern instructions, adding any finishing touches like a ribbon sash or buttons.

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Tips for How to Upcycle Wedding Dress

• Plan Your Projects: Before cutting into the dress, decide on the projects you want to tackle to make the best use of the fabric and embellishments.
• Test on Scraps: If you’re new to sewing or crafting, practice on small scraps before working with the main material.
• Involve Loved Ones: Turn this into a family tradition or activity by involving kids or other family members in the process.

New Life for Your Beautiful Upcycled Wedding Dress!

Upcycling your wedding dress into Christmas decorations allows you to keep your special day close to your heart during the holidays. Whether it’s an ornament, a tree skirt, or a set of stockings, these DIYs are a beautiful way to merge two of life’s most memorable celebrations!

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