Lyla Dejesus
Wedding dresses are often expensive and hold many memories, so it's no surprise that many brides want to preserve their dresses. While it is possible to clean and preserve your wedding dress yourself, it is not recommended, as bridal gowns are delicate and intricate garments, and over time they are prone to yellowing, oxidation, and other forms of damage. Professional cleaners and preservationists are trained to spot invisible stains and will create a treatment plan for each type of stain. They will also know how to store your dress to avoid temperature and moisture changes, which can promote the growth of mould, mildew or dry rot. If you are set on preserving your wedding dress yourself, be sure to do your research beforehand and never use a harsh detergent, bleach, or a hot iron on your wedding dress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preservation method | Professional preservation service, DIY preservation |
| Professional preservation service | Conducted by a specialist, involves an assessment of the dress, creation of a unique treatment plan, use of proper equipment |
| DIY preservation | Spot-cleaning, use of mild detergents, air drying, no harsh chemicals, no plastic bags for storage |
| Cost | $250 to $700, can go as high as $1000 depending on gown and location |
| Storage | Cool, dry, dark, and climate-controlled space, avoid attics and basements due to temperature and moisture changes |
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What You'll Learn
Professional preservation is recommended
Wedding dresses are often intricate and delicate, and they can be prone to yellowing, oxidation, and other forms of damage over time, especially if not treated and stored correctly. While there are some at-home preservation options, professional preservation is recommended to ensure the garment retains its quality for years to come.
Professional preservationists are trained to spot unseen stains and damage, and they will create a unique treatment plan for each type of stain and fabric. They will also be able to advise on the best way to store your dress. For example, it is recommended to store your wedding dress in a cool, dry, dark, and climate-controlled space. Attics, basements, and garages are not suitable for storing a preserved gown as they are prone to temperature fluctuations, air and water leaks, and vermin damage.
Even if your wedding gown seems to be in good condition, there may be invisible stains that will set in, oxidize, and darken over time. A professional wedding dress cleaning company knows how to spot these stains and has the proper equipment to remove them from the delicate materials wedding gowns are made from.
The cost of professional wedding dress preservation varies depending on the gown and location, but it typically ranges from $250 to $700, with prices going as high as $1,000. It is recommended to factor this cost into your wedding budget so that you are not hit with unexpected expenses after your event.
While it is possible to clean and preserve your wedding dress yourself, it is not recommended for gowns made of delicate materials such as silk or taffeta. Professional preservation will ensure your dress is properly treated and stored, so it remains in pristine condition for years to come.
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DIY preservation is possible, but not for delicate fabrics
Wedding dresses are often intricate and delicate, and they can be prone to yellowing, oxidation, and other forms of damage over time, especially if they are not treated and stored properly. While it is possible to preserve your wedding dress yourself, it is not recommended for delicate fabrics.
Professional preservationists are trained to spot unseen stains and create a treatment plan for each type of stain. They will also be able to advise on the best packaging techniques to ensure your gown retains its beauty. For example, they will ensure your dress is stored in an acid-free box, as standard dry cleaners may use acidic paper.
If you are set on a DIY approach, there are some steps you can take. Firstly, do not store your gown in a plastic bag, as this can lead to further damage from moisture, bugs, and oxidation in the long term. Keep your wedding dress out of contact with other clothing items to avoid acid transfer, friction, and staining. Store your wedding dress box in a cool, dark, and dry place away from humidity, such as your closet or under your bed. Avoid attics, basements, and garages, as these areas are prone to temperature fluctuations, air and water leaks, and vermin damage.
If you are cleaning your dress yourself, be sure to research the best methods for your fabric. For example, satin can be dry-cleaned or hand-washed in cold water with mild detergent, whereas chiffon and organza should only be dry-cleaned. Never use a harsh detergent, bleach, or a hot iron on your wedding dress.
While DIY preservation is possible, it is not recommended for delicate fabrics, and there are many benefits to using a professional service.
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Store in a cool, dry, dark place
Storing your wedding dress in a cool, dry, and dark place is essential for preserving it. Extreme temperatures can cause damage and discolouration, so it's best to avoid storing your dress near heat sources, excessive moisture, or direct sunlight. A closet or a guest room is a good option for keeping your dress safe. If you don't have a suitable closet, you can also store it under your bed or on the top shelf of your everyday closet.
It's important to control the humidity levels where your wedding dress is stored. Humidity can lead to mould, mildew, or dry rot, so it's best to avoid storing your dress in an attic or basement, as these areas are prone to temperature and moisture changes.
Your wedding dress should be stored in a place where it won't be disturbed frequently, reducing the risk of accidental damage. However, it's essential to check on your dress regularly. Wedding dresses are delicate and intricate garments, and over time they're prone to yellowing, oxidation, and other forms of damage, especially if not stored properly.
Before storing your wedding gown, it is recommended to get it professionally cleaned by a trusted bridal dry cleaner, even if it appears clean. There may be invisible dirt or bacteria that can cause discolouration over time. A professional will use specialised techniques to remove any stains and ensure your gown is in mint condition. After cleaning, be sure to have clean hands or wear white gloves to avoid transferring oils onto the fabric.
Additionally, when storing your wedding dress, avoid using a plastic bag or an airtight box. Plastic bags can lead to moisture damage, bugs, and oxidation, while airtight boxes may not allow for proper air circulation, which is crucial for preservation. Instead, use an acid-free archive box or garment bag to protect your dress further and ensure its longevity.
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Avoid attics, basements, plastic bags and direct sunlight
While it is possible to preserve your wedding dress at home, it is recommended that you get a professional preservation treatment. If you do decide to preserve your wedding dress at home, there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid damaging your dress.
Firstly, avoid storing your wedding dress in an attic or basement. These areas are prone to temperature and humidity fluctuations, which can cause stress and damage to the delicate fabrics of your wedding dress. Basements are also the most naturally moist areas of a home, making them susceptible to mould growth and fabric rot. Additionally, basements are common areas for pipe leaks or bursts, which can cause water damage to your dress. Attics and basements are also attractive to critters like mice and moths, which can chew through storage chests and cause further damage.
Secondly, do not store your wedding dress in a plastic bag. Plastic bags can trap moisture, leading to mould and fabric rot. They also emit colourless, odourless fumes as they break down, which can accelerate fabric yellowing and discolouration. Instead, store your dress in a breathable cloth garment bag or an acid-free archive box.
Lastly, keep your wedding dress away from direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause the fabric to yellow and discolour over time. Store your dress in a cool, dark place, such as a closet or under your bed, where the temperature and humidity will remain consistent.
By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can help ensure that your wedding dress remains in good condition for years to come. However, it is important to note that professional preservation treatments are still the most effective way to preserve your wedding dress.
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Get it cleaned and preserved as soon as possible
Wedding dresses are delicate and intricate, and over time they are prone to yellowing, oxidation, and other forms of damage—especially if not treated and stored properly right after the wedding. It is important to get your wedding dress professionally cleaned and preserved as soon as possible after your wedding day. Even if your wedding gown seems to be in good condition, there may be invisible stains that will set in, oxidize, and darken in the months to come.
Professional cleaners and preservationists are trained to spot the unseen. They will be able to deal with any stains on your wedding dress, from the invisible to the visible. They will create a treatment plan for each type of stain.
If you are spot-cleaning your dress at home, never use a harsh detergent, bleach, or a hot iron on your wedding dress. If you are handwashing, use mild detergent and cold water, and air dry. If you are dry-cleaning, make sure to vet the dry cleaner's process first. Ask a lot of questions about their methods and experience.
Once your dress has been professionally cleaned, it is important to store it correctly. Keep your dress in an acid-free archive box and store it in a cool, dark place away from humidity, such as your closet or under your bed. Do not store your gown in a plastic bag or in your attic or cellar, as these areas are prone to temperature fluctuation, air and water leaks, and vermin damage.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended to preserve your wedding dress yourself. Wedding dress preservation is a specialised process that requires knowledge of different fabrics and their unique requirements. Professionals are trained to spot invisible stains and create a treatment plan for each type of stain. However, if you are set on doing it yourself, there are some at-home tips available.
If you are going to attempt to preserve your wedding dress yourself, it is important to never use harsh detergents, bleach or a hot iron on your wedding dress. You should also avoid storing your dress in a plastic bag or in an attic or basement as these areas are prone to temperature fluctuation, air and water leaks, and vermin damage.
The cost of wedding dress preservation varies depending on the gown and location, but you can expect to pay between $250 to $700. Prices can go as high as $1,000.
It is recommended to get your wedding dress professionally cleaned and preserved as soon as possible after your wedding day. Even if your dress seems to be in good condition, there may be invisible stains that will set in, oxidise and darken over time.
The ideal place to store your wedding dress preservation box is somewhere cool, dry, dark and climate-controlled. A closet or under your bed are good options.
