George Boyle
Wedding dresses are often the most expensive and meaningful dresses people ever buy, so it's no surprise that many people want to preserve their dress after the big day. While vacuum packing was a popular way to preserve wedding dresses in the 1980s, it is no longer a common practice. This is because vacuum packing can leave the dress with permanent creases and even cause it to shred. Today, there are many other options for preserving a wedding dress, including using a cotton preservation bag or a specialty company, which can cost upwards of $1200.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding dress preservation method | Vacuum packing |
| Pros | Protects the dress from oxygen |
| Cons | Can leave permanent creases, cause shredding, expensive |
| Other preservation methods | Museum Method™ bridal gown preservation, 100% cotton wedding gown preservation bag |
| Vacuum packing tips | Leave both ends of the bag open, get help |
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What You'll Learn
Pros and cons of vacuum packing
Vacuum packing is a popular method for storing clothes and other fabrics. It involves placing items in a plastic bag and using a vacuum to remove the air, reducing the volume of the contents to 20% or less of their original size. While this technique can be useful for saving space, there are several pros and cons to consider before vacuum packing a wedding dress or other garments.
Pros of Vacuum Packing:
- Space-saving: Vacuum packing is ideal for maximising storage space and making it easier to pack clothes into tight areas, such as suitcases or storage bins. It reduces the volume of textiles by removing excess air between and within the fibres of the fabric.
- Protection: The thick plastic barrier of vacuum bags keeps contents sealed off from ambient dust, lint, and debris that can attract pests like carpet beetles and clothing moths.
- Odour control: The airtight vacuum environment prevents musty odours by controlling humidity levels inside the bag.
- Water-resistant: Plastic vacuum bags can keep clothes dry during travel, especially when exposed to water.
Cons of Vacuum Packing:
- Creases and wrinkles: If garments are not smoothed and folded properly before vacuum sealing, the pressure can embed deep creases that are difficult to remove. Delicate fabrics may also snag or shred from direct contact with the bag's zipper or seals.
- Time-consuming: Vacuum packing can be time-consuming, especially if you need to repeatedly pack and repack items, as it requires compressing the bag each time.
- Not weight-reducing: While vacuum packing reduces volume, it does not decrease the weight of the items. The weight of a garment is determined by its mass, which remains unchanged when air is removed.
- Prone to damage: Vacuum bags are made of thin plastic with weak points that can easily burst or leak, rendering them useless. They are also prone to melting when exposed to extreme heat.
Overall, vacuum packing can be beneficial for short-term storage or travel, especially when space is limited. However, it may not be ideal for long-term storage of delicate items like wedding dresses, as it can cause permanent creases and damage to the fabric over time. For wedding dress preservation, it is recommended to use a reputable company that specialises in handling delicate fabrics.
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Vacuum packing vs other preservation methods
Vacuum packing was a popular method of wedding dress preservation in the 1980s. The process involves placing the dress in an airtight container to protect it from oxygen, which was believed to be the enemy of gowns. However, this method fell out of favour as it often resulted in permanent creases, disintegration, and dry rot. Dry rot is caused by the growth of mould and mildew spores, which break down the delicate fibres of the dress over time.
Today, there are several alternative preservation methods available, such as the Museum Method™, which allows for easy inspection of the gown at any time. This method involves cleaning the dress and storing it in a 100% cotton preservation bag, protecting it from dust and light.
Another option is to use a wedding dress preservation kit, which includes materials such as an acid-free box and special lofting tissues to support the folds of the dress. These kits can be purchased from specialist companies and typically include pre-paid shipping labels and insurance for sending the gown to them for professional cleaning and preservation. The cost of these services can vary, ranging from $250 to $1,000, depending on the location and level of work required.
When choosing a preservation method, it is essential to consider the ideal conditions for storing your wedding dress. The general rule of thumb is to store it in a location with comfortable temperature and humidity levels, avoiding musty basements or extreme attic spaces. Additionally, it is crucial to use safe materials that will not cause sharp creases in the fabric, as these can damage the gown over time.
In conclusion, while vacuum packing was once a popular choice for wedding dress preservation, it is no longer commonly practised due to its potential to cause damage. Instead, other preservation methods, such as the Museum Method™ and specialised preservation kits, offer better protection and allow for easier inspection of the gown.
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DIY vs professional preservation
Wedding dresses are expensive and meaningful, and many brides want to preserve them for the future. While there are several DIY methods to preserve your wedding dress, professional preservation is always recommended.
DIY Preservation
There are a few DIY methods to preserve your wedding dress at home. However, none are as effective as getting a professional preservation treatment. Here are some steps you can take to preserve your wedding dress at home:
- Have the dress cleaned at a professional dry cleaner as soon as possible.
- If you're spot-cleaning, never use a harsh detergent, bleach, or a hot iron on your wedding dress.
- Purchase an acid-free paper to wrap your wedding dress in.
- Seal the gown in a bridal box in an archival storage box.
- Replace the storage box and paper every three years or so.
- Do not hang your wedding gown as this may lead to stretching or warping.
- Do not store your wedding dress in a cedar chest or plastic bag. Cedar chests can produce damaging acidic gases, and plastic bags can trap moisture, bugs, and mildew.
Professional Preservation
Professional preservation is always recommended for wedding dresses as they are delicate and intricate garments. Over time, they are prone to yellowing, oxidation, and other forms of damage, especially if not treated and stored properly right after the wedding. Professional preservation helps to prevent that damage and preserve your keepsake for future generations. Here are some reasons why professional preservation is preferred:
- Professional cleaners and preservationists are trained to spot the unseen. They can 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.
- Professional preservation companies will typically send you a kit of materials with a pre-paid shipping label and insurance for you to send your gown to them.
- Professional preservation companies can charge anywhere from $160 to upwards of $1,200, depending on the company and the services offered.
- Professional preservation companies offer guarantees for their services. For example, one company guarantees that the wedding dress won't yellow or fade for 100 years after it is professionally cleaned and preserved.
- Professional preservation companies have been trusted by brides and even museum curators who demand perfection.
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Cost of preservation
Vacuum packing was a popular method of wedding dress preservation in the 1980s. However, it is no longer a common practice due to the risks of permanent creasing and potential damage to the gown. Today, there are several alternative preservation methods available, and the cost of preserving a wedding dress can vary depending on several factors.
The fabric of the gown is one factor that influences the cost of preservation. Delicate fabrics like silk may incur higher charges due to the more intricate cleaning process required. The length and silhouette of the gown also matter, with floor-length gowns typically costing more than shorter dresses. Ornamentations and embellishments, such as sequins or feathers, can also increase the price as they make the cleaning process more challenging.
The degree of stainage is another critical factor in determining preservation cost. Deep-set stains may require more time and attention, resulting in higher charges. Additionally, the geographic location of the preservation service can impact pricing, with cities having higher costs of living generally offering more expensive services.
The urgency of the service can also affect the final cost. Expedited preservation services may come with additional fees. It is worth noting that some companies offer packages that include both cleaning and preservation, which can be more cost-effective than paying for these services separately.
The price for wedding dress preservation can range from \$160 to over \$1,200, depending on the company and the specific services provided. Reputable companies that specialise in wedding gowns typically charge around \$250 for both cleaning and preservation, while specialty companies may charge upwards of \$1,200. It is important to note that price does not always equate to quality, and it is possible to find highly experienced companies offering quality services at lower price points.
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How to pack a wedding dress for travel
Packing a wedding dress for travel can be a stressful task, but with careful planning, your dress will arrive safely at your destination. Here are some tips to help you pack your wedding dress for travel:
Choose the Right Bag
Select a sturdy garment bag to pack your dress in. The bag should have a waterproof layer to protect the dress from any spills during transit. If your dress came in a bag when you purchased it, you can use that as long as it is sturdy enough. Otherwise, you can easily purchase a suitable garment bag online. Ensure the bag meets the baggage size guidelines of your airline.
Prepare the Dress
Cover the dress with acid-free tissue paper to prevent creases from forming during travel. If your dress has straps, ensure the hanger straps are utilised to bear the weight, rather than the delicate dress straps.
Contact the Airline
Before your trip, contact the airline to inquire about hanging options. Some airlines offer closets for hanging garments, but space may be limited and given to passengers with other carry-ons that cannot be stowed overhead. Delta, for example, provides information on special baggage items, including wedding dresses, on their website.
Carry-On or Checked Bag?
It is generally recommended to carry your wedding dress onto the plane rather than checking it, to reduce the risk of damage or loss. Most airlines allow one carry-on and one personal item. Your wedding dress in its garment bag will likely count as your carry-on, especially if it is voluminous.
Steam or Iron
Bring a steamer or iron to remove any wrinkles from your dress after travel. However, be cautious when using these tools, as they can damage the fabric if not used correctly. It is a good idea to consult your dress designer or a dry cleaner to learn the best way to treat your wedding dress.
Vacuum Packing
While some sources suggest vacuum packing is no longer a common method of preserving wedding dresses, it is still an option for long-term storage after your travels. However, there are mixed opinions on this method, as some claim it can leave the dress with permanent creases or even damage it.
By following these steps and planning ahead, you can ensure your wedding dress arrives safely and in pristine condition for your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can vacuum seal a wedding dress. However, it is not a common practice anymore.
You can either do it yourself or pay bridal shops to do it for you. If you choose to do it yourself, you can use a vacuum sealer like VacMaster® PRO380.
Vacuum sealing your wedding dress can help to preserve and protect it by keeping oxygen out.
Yes, vacuum sealing a wedding dress can be expensive. Additionally, there is a risk of the dress getting permanently creased or shredded when it is removed from the vacuum-sealed bag.
Yes, there are several other options for preserving your wedding dress. You can use a 100% cotton wedding gown preservation bag, or a box with acid-free tissue paper. You can also send your dress to a company that specialises in wedding dress preservation.
