Framing Your Wedding Dress: A Creative Preservation Method

can you frame a wedding dress

Framing a wedding dress is a great way to preserve and display your dress. It can be a perfect statement piece to hang on your wall or in your closet. The cost of framing a wedding dress can vary depending on the size of the dress, the type of frame, and the company providing the service. Some companies offer bespoke framing services that are tailored to the style of the dress and the customer's personal taste. There are also options to add accessories such as veils, jewellery, and shoes to the frame. While framing a wedding dress can be expensive, it is a way to create a timeless piece of art that will last for years to come.

Characteristics Values
Cost Expensive, with prices starting from $200 to $1000+ depending on the company and the type of frame
Professional service Recommended to prevent damage to the dress
DIY Possible but challenging and may require custom frames
Framing options Full-size, half-size, 3D-mounted, folded, full-length shadow box, etc.
Preservation Gown preservation treatments are available to restore and maintain the dress, including anti-yellowing and stain removal
Display Can be hung on a wall or placed in a closet
Materials Acrylic or glass (regular or UV-protective)

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Framing costs

The cost of framing a wedding dress can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the dress, the materials used for framing, and whether you choose to do it yourself or use a professional service.

Professional framing services for a wedding dress can be quite expensive, with some sources estimating costs of $2000 or more for a full-sized dress. Sale prices at framing shops may bring the cost down significantly, with one commenter on Reddit mentioning a 70% off sale at a Michael's frameshop, and another mentioning a quote of $1200 at a 60% off sale.

If you choose to frame your dress unfolded, it may cost upwards of $1000, based on the $300 cost of framing a football jersey, which is shorter and not as thick as a wedding dress. Framing a folded dress may be more affordable, with shadow boxes starting around $200, though adding UV-resistant and glare-resistant glass can increase the cost to $300-$1000.

Doing it yourself can also be a costly endeavour, as you would need to purchase a custom frame, mat, mat board, backing, and hardware. Acrylic, rather than glass, is recommended for its lighter weight, but non-glare acrylic can be very expensive. Additionally, there may be costs associated with dress preservation and mounting.

While framing a wedding dress can be expensive, some may consider it worth the cost to showcase the dress as a statement piece of art in their home.

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Displaying the dress

Displaying your wedding dress can be a great way to commemorate your special day and create a bespoke piece of art for your home. If you are considering displaying your dress, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, you will need to decide whether you want to frame the entire dress or just a portion of it. Full-length shadow box framing is a popular option for preserving and displaying wedding dresses. However, it can be quite large and expensive. As an alternative, some people choose to fold the dress in half or focus on the bodice, with the skirt folded up behind. This reduces the frame size and cost.

Next, you will need to consider the type of frame and glazing you want. You can choose from a variety of frame colours and materials, such as a chic white frame or a metallic gold one. For glazing, it is recommended to use UV-protective glass or acrylic to prevent discolouration and sunlight damage. Non-glare acrylic is also an option, but it can be more expensive.

When it comes to the actual framing process, you can either do it yourself or hire a professional. Professional framing services, such as The Beautiful Frame Company, offer a range of customisation options and work closely with you to choose the perfect frame and angle for your dress. They can also add veils, buttonholes, jewellery, and other accessories to create a complete display. The cost of professional framing varies depending on the company and the specifics of the frame but can range from £900 to thousands of dollars. If you choose to frame your dress yourself, you will need to order the frame, mat, mat board, backing, and hardware. You will also need to carefully mount and seal the dress to protect it from damage and discolouration.

Finally, when displaying your framed wedding dress, choose an area of your home that does not receive direct sunlight and is cool and dry. This will help ensure that your dress stays looking its best for longer.

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Dress preservation

Wedding dress preservation is a special cleaning and packaging process that ensures the garment will retain its quality for years to come. It involves using highly specialised materials, such as acid-free boxes and lofting tissues, to support all folds and portions of the dress. The preservation process typically begins with an experienced specialist's assessment, who then creates a unique treatment plan according to the dress fabric, stitching, and details.

The cost of wedding dress preservation varies depending on the location and the level of work required, ranging from $250 to $1,000. It is important to note that this service is different from standard dry cleaning, which may not involve the same level of analysis and repair work.

Some companies that specialise in wedding dress preservation offer additional services such as advanced fabric cleaning technology, commercial-grade packing and shipping materials, and anti-yellowing guarantees. These companies may also provide restoration services to remove stains, prevent future yellowing, and keep the dress protected for decades or even centuries.

For those who wish to display their wedding dress as a piece of art, framing is also an option. This can be done professionally by companies that specialise in wedding dress framing or as a DIY project. Professionally framing a wedding dress can be expensive, and it is important to consider factors such as the size of the dress, the type of frame and glass, and the mounting process. DIY framing requires ordering a custom frame, mat, mat board, backing, and hardware, as well as considering the weight and glare of the glass.

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Choosing a frame

Framing a wedding dress is a great way to display the gown as a piece of art in your home. The cost of framing a wedding dress can vary depending on the size of the frame, the type of frame, and the company providing the service. If you're thinking of framing your wedding dress, here are some things to consider when choosing a frame:

Size of the Frame

The size of the frame will depend on how much of the dress you want to display. Full-size frames can be quite large and may require a significant amount of wall space. If you have limited space, you may want to consider a half-size frame that focuses on the bodice of the dress, with the skirt folded up behind. Alternatively, you can also choose to display just your wedding accessories, such as your veil, shoes, or jewellery, which will require a smaller frame.

Type of Frame

There are two popular options for framing a wedding dress: a traditional bespoke framing shop or a full-length box that you can hang your dress inside. Bespoke framing shops can be significantly more expensive, often starting in the thousands of dollars. A full-length box, on the other hand, can be a more cost-effective option, and you can choose from a variety of fixings and glass options for extra protection. You can also decide whether you want a simple frame that complements the dress or something more decorative.

Frame Material

When choosing a frame, consider the material it is made of. Wood or metal frames are common options, but you may also want to consider a shadow box frame, which provides a more enclosed space for the dress. Acrylic is a good alternative to glass, as it is lighter and safer. However, keep in mind that non-glare acrylic can be more expensive.

Glazing Options

To protect your dress from fading or discolouration due to UV light, consider using museum-grade UV protective glass or acrylic. This is a standard option for framing artwork and can help ensure your dress stays looking its best for longer.

Customization

Some companies offer customization options, allowing you to choose the colour, style, and design of your frame to match your dress and your personal taste. You can also decide whether you want your dress displayed on a mannequin or just on mountboard inside the frame.

Preservation

In addition to framing, you may want to consider having your dress professionally preserved to maintain its condition. This can include stain removal, anti-yellowing treatments, and maintaining the pH balance of the fabric. Professional preservation can help ensure your dress remains as fresh as the day you wore it and can be offered by some framing companies or local dry cleaners.

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Frame materials

Framing a wedding dress is a great way to preserve the memory of your special day and turn your dress into a stunning piece of art. If you're looking to frame your wedding dress yourself, here are some materials you will need:

Frame

The first step is to order a frame that is the correct size for your dress. This can be a custom frame or a ready-made one, but keep in mind that wedding dresses are usually quite large, so a custom frame might be necessary. You can also opt for a shadow box, which is a type of frame that is specifically designed to display three-dimensional objects. Shadow boxes can be purchased or built to your desired specifications.

Mat, Mat Board, and Backing

When framing a wedding dress, it is important to use a mat and mat board to create a barrier between the dress and the frame. This will help to protect the dress from any potential damage caused by the frame. The backing will go behind the mat board and provide support for the entire piece.

Hardware

You will need hardware such as screws, nails, or hanging wire to secure the frame to the wall.

Acrylic or Glass

Instead of using glass, which can be very heavy, consider using acrylic for the front of the frame. Regular acrylic is a good option, but if you want to avoid glare, you can opt for non-glare acrylic, which is more expensive. To protect your dress from fading, you can also choose museum-grade UV-protective glass.

Silica Gel

If you want to preserve your bouquet along with your dress, silica gel can be used to keep the flowers from yellowing too much.

Preservation and Cleaning Supplies

Before framing your wedding dress, it is important to have it professionally cleaned and treated for stain removal and anti-yellowing. This can be done by a local dry cleaner or an online service.

Framing a wedding dress requires a variety of materials, and it is important to consider the specific needs of your dress and the display location. With the right materials and careful preparation, you can create a beautiful and lasting reminder of your special day.

Frequently asked questions

The cost varies depending on the framing company and the type of frame. Some companies offer framing services starting from £900, while others charge $300 for a half-size frame and over $1000 for a full-size frame.

Framing a wedding dress allows you to display it as a piece of art in your home, preserving the memory of your special day. It also ensures that the dress remains in good condition by protecting it from damage, UV lighting, and air pollutants.

Yes, you can consider standard preservation kits, which can keep the dress in "like new" condition. Another alternative is to store the dress in a light-blocking bag in a cool closet.

The process typically involves choosing the type, size, and style of the frame, as well as deciding on the angle and positioning of the dress within the frame. Some companies offer customization options, such as adding veils, jewellery, and other accessories to the display. The dress may also undergo a preservation process, including stain removal and treatment to prevent yellowing.

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