Here's what you can do with old bridesmaid dresses

So, you dropped $300 on an eccentrically-colored bridesmaid dress with a giant bow for one night of dancing, wine stains and too many photo opportunities. Now what?

That's the question bridesmaids have been asking themselves for far too long. Especially if you're attending more than one wedding this year, as a guest or in the wedding party, you can expect to rack up some serious bills. According to RetailMeNot, the average wedding gift can cost up to $195 -- and then there's travel, lodging and other expenses.

Oy vey.

But luckily, you've got more than a few options to make sure that dress doesn't hang in the back of your closet until the end of eternity. Whether you're looking to make a few extra bucks, help out a local charity or refurbish some old throw pillows, we've got you covered.

Scroll through above for some of our favorite ideas!