Full Breakdown
Search for Family Heirloom: Two Brides-to-Be Seek Accidentally Donated Wedding Dresses
12/11/2025, 9:24:47 PM
Accidental Donations Spark Community Searches
In recent weeks, two brides-to-be, Symone Gilbert from Rhode Island and Alexia Wilborn from Las Vegas, have launched community-wide searches for wedding dresses that were accidentally donated to charity. Both women are hoping to recover family heirlooms that hold significant sentimental value as they prepare for their upcoming weddings.
Symone Gilbert, engaged since June, accidentally donated her mother’s wedding dress while helping to clean out her mother’s basement in Providence. The dress, hand-sewn by her great-grandmother in 1992, was mistakenly placed in a donation pile and subsequently taken to a Savers store in Warwick. Gilbert expressed her frustration at not noticing the dress was missing for two weeks, stating, “You get so mad at yourself because why didn’t I notice before that it was missing?” She had intended to incorporate part of the gown into her own wedding attire, which is scheduled for next year. Gilbert described the dress as a traditional ivory gown with lace, a sweetheart neckline, and puff sleeves, emphasizing its importance as a family heirloom that connects three generations.
Meanwhile, Alexia Wilborn is searching for her grandmother’s wedding dress, which was also accidentally donated after her grandmother's passing. Wilborn discovered the dress was missing while looking for it at her grandfather's house. The family believes it may have been donated to a Goodwill store in Las Vegas. Wilborn, who plans to have her wedding in 2027, stated, “Without the help of the valley, I’d know that we’re not going to be able to find it.” She hopes to wear the dress in her grandparents’ backyard, honoring her family's legacy.
Community Support and Efforts
Both women have turned to social media to rally support in their searches. Gilbert's Facebook post has garnered attention, with users sharing her story and offering advice. One commenter even claimed to have seen the dress before it was sold. Wilborn is also utilizing social media, encouraging people to share her search for her grandmother's dress, believing that increased visibility will improve her chances of recovery.
Official Statements & Responses
Symone Gilbert has expressed her willingness to buy back her mother’s dress from whoever purchased it, stating, “I know it might sound a little crazy to some people, but it means that much.” Similarly, Wilborn has reached out to the community, asking anyone who may have purchased her grandmother's dress to contact her via Instagram.
Criticism & Opposition
While the searches have largely been met with support, some individuals have questioned the feasibility of recovering the dresses after they have been sold. Concerns have been raised about the likelihood of finding such specific items in thrift stores, where inventory changes frequently.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It would let me actually have three generations of my family connected because my great-grandmother helped my mom make the dress, my mom helped make the dress and she wore it,” — Symone Gilbert
- “I mean, we’re not having our actual wedding until 2027, so I feel like that’s enough time to hopefully find it,” — Alexia Wilborn
As both brides-to-be continue their searches, they remain hopeful that community support will lead to the recovery of their cherished family heirlooms.
