I used a bridesmaids dress one year (unfortunately before I had a digital camera, and I don't have a scanner) and I DID rip it to shreds, well, more or less aged it, with rips and dirt and cobwebs, leaves and such. My husband was a confederate officer (dead, of course) and I was his 'belle', also dead. I wanted to look like I had been buried and was back. I also used the black veil idea, and hot glued spiders, leaves and cobwebs to the veil, which covered me from head to toe. It was a great costume. Wish I had a pic
