Junior Rasmussen
Wedding dresses are often preserved for future generations, to be cherished and relived. The preservation process involves cleaning and packaging the dress to ensure it retains its quality for years to come. The cost of preservation varies depending on the location, materials used, and expertise of the specialist performing the work. It is recommended to get the dress professionally cleaned and treated for preservation, and stored in an acid-free box with acid-free tissue paper to prevent any damage to the fabric. Some companies offer preservation services that include a dedicated preservation box and a memory box for accessories. It is also advised to open the box at least yearly to ensure the dress remains in a stable and predictable environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | $250 to $1,000 depending on the gown and location |
| Time | 4 to 10 weeks |
| Cleaning | Professional cleaning is recommended to remove invisible stains, dirt, and oils that break down fabrics over time |
| Packaging | Acid-free paper or tissue, pH-neutral display chest, or an archival storage box |
| Storage | Temperature-controlled room, away from direct sunlight, dampness, and humidity |
| Wear | Can be worn after preservation |
| Purpose | Sentimental value, repurposing, resale, or donation |
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What You'll Learn
The importance of cleaning your dress before preservation
Wedding dresses are often the most expensive item of clothing a person will ever own, and they can also hold a lot of sentimental value. It is therefore understandable that many people want to preserve their wedding dress after the big day. Preservation is a special cleaning and packaging process that ensures the garment will retain its quality for years to come.
The process of wedding dress preservation begins with an experienced specialist's assessment. The specialist creates a unique treatment plan according to the dress fabric, stitching, and details. They will be able to deal with any stains on the dress, from invisible marks to visible spills. The sooner you're able to get your wedding dress cleaned and sent to a preservationist, the better, as this will prevent stains from permanently setting into your gown.
Once the dress has been properly cleaned and restored, it should be housed in an acid-free box and folded using special lofting tissues to support all folds and portions of the dress. The preservation box will be airtight and sealed for safekeeping, and if you open it, you risk discoloration due to oxygen exposure. Wedding dress preservation boxes usually have a see-through window, so you can sneak a peek whenever you like.
It is important to store your preserved wedding dress according to the company's instructions, typically away from sunlight in a climate-controlled area. Wedding dress preservation is intended to keep your wedding gown in excellent condition for decades, and most companies offer a lifetime guarantee or a 75- to 100-year guarantee.
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How to store your wedding dress at home
Wedding dresses are delicate and intricate garments, and over time they can become damaged or discoloured, especially if not stored correctly. Here is a guide on how to store your wedding dress at home:
Firstly, it is essential to get your dress professionally cleaned before storing it. Even if it appears clean, there may be dirt or bacteria that can cause discolouration or yellowing over time. A professional bridal dry cleaner will use specialised techniques to remove any stains and ensure your dress is in pristine condition.
Next, you will need to prepare your dress for storage. Be sure to have clean hands or wear gloves to avoid transferring any oils onto the gown. Check the dress for any loose threads, missing buttons, or embellishments that need securing. Use acid-free tissue paper to loosely fold the dress, avoiding sharp creases, especially in delicate areas. The tissue paper will help to cushion and protect the dress during storage.
Now, you need to choose the right storage container. Avoid plastic bags or cardboard boxes, as these can trap moisture and cause discolouration. Instead, opt for a breathable garment bag or a box specifically designed for wedding dress storage. Make sure the box is acid-free and avoid using vacuum seal bags, as these can flatten the dress and cause wrinkles.
Finally, choose a suitable location to store your dress. The ideal spot is a cool, temperature-controlled room, away from direct sunlight, humidity, and dampness. A closet shelf or under the bed is a good option. Avoid attics, basements, and garages, as these areas are prone to temperature fluctuations and dampness, which can damage the dress. Check on your dress regularly to ensure it remains in excellent condition.
While these at-home storage methods can help preserve your wedding dress, professional preservation services are also available. These services involve cleaning, treating, and packaging the dress using specialised techniques and materials to ensure its long-term stability.
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The cost of professional preservation
The cost of professional wedding dress preservation varies depending on several factors. Generally, you should expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $1,000 for this service, with prices ranging from $285 to $700, depending on the gown and your location. Some companies charge well over $1,000, and the cost can be impacted by the experience and skill of the preservation company.
The cost of preservation can also be influenced by factors such as the age of the dress, personalising the display chest, adding wedding day accessories, expediting shipping, and including additional insurance. The sooner you send your dress for preservation, the better, as this will prevent stains from setting in and avoid the need for a more costly restoration service.
It is worth noting that some companies may mark up the preservation cost by 300-400% as they outsource the service to another company. Therefore, it is important to ask the right questions when choosing a preservation company to ensure you are getting value for money.
While the cost of professional preservation may vary, it is generally agreed that this is the most effective way to preserve your wedding dress. Preservation involves using specialised materials and techniques to ensure the long-term stability of the fabric, and it is not as simple as dry cleaning and boxing the gown.
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The pros and cons of preserving your wedding dress
There are several reasons why you may want to preserve your wedding dress. Firstly, preservation ensures that your wedding dress retains its beauty and quality for years to come. This can be especially important if you plan to pass down the dress to a loved one or repurpose it in the future. Preservation also helps to maintain the integrity of the dress by preventing discolouration and yellowing of the fabric, which can occur as soon as six months after the wedding if the dress is not properly treated. Additionally, preservation can remove stains and reinforce the form and shape of the gown, ensuring it looks as good as new.
Another advantage of preservation is that it can be customised to include other items such as the veil, train, shoes, and ring pillow, ensuring that these items are also properly cared for and maintained. Furthermore, preservation boxes typically include a see-through window, allowing you to sneak a peek at your dress whenever you like without risking oxygen exposure, which can cause discolouration.
However, there are also some drawbacks to consider when deciding whether to preserve your wedding dress. Firstly, preservation can be expensive, with costs ranging from $200 to $1,000 depending on the gown and location. Additionally, finding a reputable preservation provider can be a hassle, and you may need to transport your dress to and from their location, which can be inconvenient.
Another potential disadvantage is that once the preservation box is sealed, you should not open it until you are ready to pass down or repurpose the dress, as breaking the seal can expose the dress to oxygen and cause discolouration. Finally, while preservation can maintain the quality of the dress, it cannot prevent changes in style and fashion, which may make the dress look dated if it is preserved for too long.
Ultimately, the decision to preserve your wedding dress depends on your personal preferences and the sentimental value of the dress. Preservation can be an excellent way to ensure the longevity of your dress, but it is important to consider the potential drawbacks and expenses involved.
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What to do with your wedding dress after preservation
Wedding dresses are often preserved for sentimental reasons, to be passed down as an heirloom, or to be repurposed in the future. Here are some options for what to do with your wedding dress after preservation:
Store it properly
After having your wedding dress professionally cleaned and preserved, it's important to store it properly to avoid any environmental damage. The preservation box should be placed in a temperature-controlled room, away from direct sunlight, humidity, and moisture. A closet shelf or under the bed is a suitable option. Do not hang the dress on a hanger, as this could stretch the fabric over time.
Pass it down
Many brides choose to preserve their wedding dress to pass it down to their children or other family members for their weddings. You can also offer the option of repurposing the dress if they don't want to wear it as is. For example, the dress can be used to create a getting-ready robe or a christening gown.
Repurpose it
If you're feeling creative, you can repurpose your preserved wedding dress into other gowns, lingerie, cocktail attire, or accessories. This way, you can continue to enjoy and wear your wedding dress in a new form.
Sell or donate it
If you're not interested in keeping the dress, selling or donating it is a great option. You can post it online or on local marketplaces to find a buyer. If it's not sold within a certain timeframe, you can consider donating it to a worthy cause.
Wear it again
Preserving your wedding dress doesn't mean you can't wear it again! You can absolutely wear your preserved wedding dress for special occasions, such as an anniversary vow renewal or a second celebration. Just be sure to handle it with care and consider having it preserved again if needed.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to get your dress professionally cleaned. This will remove any stains, dirt, sweat, and oils that could cause damage over time. Once the dress is clean, you should fold it using acid-free tissue paper to prevent creases and protect the fabric. Then, store the dress in an acid-free, lignin-free box. You can also hang your dress on a padded silk hanger.
The cost of wedding dress preservation varies depending on location, materials used, and the level of expertise of the specialist. You can expect to pay between $250 to $1,000, but prices can go up to $2,000 or more for high-end specialists.
The process typically takes between 4 to 10 weeks, but it can be longer depending on the level of work required.
Yes, you can wear your wedding dress after it has been preserved.
Preserving your wedding dress is a way to treasure the memories attached to the garment and create an heirloom piece for future generations. It is also a way to ensure the dress remains in peak condition for decades.
