Franklin Dean
Wedding dress preservation is a special cleaning and packaging process that helps retain the garment's quality for years to come. This process can take anywhere from 4 to 10 weeks and involves cleaning, packaging, and storing the dress to ensure its long-term preservation and protection. Brides often choose to preserve their wedding dresses for their sentimental value, to save them for their children's future weddings, or for anniversary vow renewals. Preserving a wedding dress can also increase its resale value. Once a wedding dress has been preserved, it can be re-worn, but it is recommended to handle it with clean hands or gloves to prevent any damage or discolouration to the fabric.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you wear a wedding dress after it has been preserved? | Yes |
| Reasons for preservation | Sentimental value, passing down as a family heirloom, upcycling, reselling, donation |
| Preservation process | Cleaning, packaging, storing |
| Cleaning | Professional dry cleaning, handwashing, spot cleaning with mild detergent, rinsing, drying, final inspection |
| Packaging | Acid-free boxes, acid-free tissue paper |
| Storing | Cool, dark place with moderate temperature and humidity, e.g. closet, under the bed |
| Preservation time | 4–10 weeks, or 6–8 weeks according to one source |
| Preservation companies | May seal boxes, may offer a guarantee |
| Handling a preserved dress | Clean hands, gloves, lift from underneath, avoid dragging on rough surfaces, store alone, lay flat or hang when transporting |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding dress preservation methods
Wedding dresses are delicate and intricate, and over time they can become damaged or discoloured. Brides often choose to preserve their wedding dresses for future family members to wear at their own weddings, or to save them for anniversary vow renewals.
Wedding dress preservation is a special cleaning and treatment plan to ensure the gown looks pristine for years to come. The process can take anywhere from 4 to 10 weeks, or even up to 8 weeks depending on the preservation company. It is important to get a clear picture of the cleaning process and choose a dry cleaner that uses a solvent that is gentle enough for a gown.
There are some DIY tips for preserving your wedding dress at home, but none are as effective as getting a professional preservation treatment. If you choose to clean your dress at a professional dry cleaner, make sure to do so as soon as possible after your wedding. Avoid harsh detergents, bleach, or a hot iron, as these can damage the fabric.
Professional preservationists will create a unique treatment plan according to your dress's fabric, stitching, and details. They will also repair any broken hems, beading, or other details. After the dress has been cleaned and restored, it should be stored in an acid-free box, folded with special lofting tissues to support the folds of the dress. Many companies will also offer a guarantee, ensuring that your dress will remain in pristine condition for years to come.
When storing your wedding dress at home, choose a cool, dark place within your primary living quarters, such as the top shelf of your everyday closet. Avoid storing your dress in the attic or basement, as these areas are prone to temperature fluctuations and water leaks, which can damage the dress.
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Re-wearing a preserved wedding dress
Wedding dresses are often constructed from delicate materials such as lace, taffeta, and silk, making them prone to damage and yellowing over time. Brides may choose to preserve their wedding dresses to save them for their child's future wedding or an anniversary vow renewal. The preservation process involves cleaning, packaging, and storing the dress to ensure its long-term protection and typically takes 4 to 10 weeks.
If you plan to re-wear a preserved wedding dress, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it is important to handle the dress with clean hands or gloves to prevent any transfer of oils or dirt onto the fabric. Second, when transporting the dress, place it in a sturdy and breathable garment bag and avoid dragging it on rough surfaces to prevent snagging or tearing. Third, when storing the dress, choose a cool, dark place with moderate temperature and humidity, such as the top shelf of your closet.
Additionally, if you are considering re-wearing a preserved wedding dress that is over 20 years old, it is recommended to purchase a wedding dress restoration kit to have it re-cleaned and re-preserved for the next generation. This will ensure that the dress is free of any fabric rot, fire/smoke damage, bug damage, or other issues that may have occurred during storage.
It is worth noting that some preservation companies seal their boxes, which means you cannot unseal the box without breaking the guarantee. In this case, if you plan to re-wear the dress, you may need to repeat the preservation process to guarantee its condition.
Overall, re-wearing a preserved wedding dress is a beautiful way to honor a loved one and continue traditions. With proper care and handling, a preserved wedding dress can be worn again and cherished for many years to come.
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How to store a preserved wedding dress
Yes, you can wear a wedding dress after it has been preserved. Many brides choose to preserve their wedding dress so that it can be worn by their child or another family member on their wedding day.
To store a preserved wedding dress, it is recommended to keep it in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or a guest room. It is important to avoid storing the dress in an attic or basement as these areas are prone to temperature fluctuations, air and water leaks, and vermin damage. The top shelf of your everyday closet is a great option.
The dress should be stored in a acid-free, lignin-free box designed specifically for preserving wedding dresses. Lignin is an organic substance found in wood pulp that can damage the material of your gown. You can also use acid-free tissue paper to wrap the dress and protect the fabric. Avoid using plastic bags or regular cardboard boxes as they can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to mould or mildew growth.
It is also important to keep the dress away from heat sources, excessive moisture, or direct sunlight as extreme temperatures can cause damage and discolouration. Try to also keep your wedding dress away from any cooking or smoking odours, as they can permeate the fabric over time.
Additionally, it is recommended to check on the dress regularly and handle it with clean hands or while wearing cotton gloves to prevent any oils from your hands from discolouring the fabric.
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The cost and time of preservation
The cost of wedding dress preservation varies depending on several factors. The average price is typically greater in cities with high costs of living. The degree of staining also influences the cost, with deep, set-in stains requiring more time and attention. The number of embellishments and various stains will also be considered when formulating a specialised cleaning procedure. The type of fabric will also determine the cost, with some fabrics requiring more care than others. The location of the preservation company will also impact the price, as some companies charge extra for shipping. The average cost of preservation ranges from USD 250 to USD 1,000, while the cost of cleaning ranges from USD 200 to USD 300. Some companies offer packages that include both cleaning and preservation, such as The Knot, which offers a package for USD 285.
The time it takes to preserve a wedding dress can vary depending on several factors, including the time of year and the company's workload. On average, the preservation process takes between four to ten weeks. However, some companies offer a rush service that can reduce the processing time to as little as two weeks for an additional fee of USD 35. It is recommended to do research ahead of time to determine the best company and service for your needs.
Some companies offer guarantees for their preservation services, ensuring that the dress will remain in pristine condition for a certain period. For example, the Wedding Gown Preservation Kit offers a 100-year guarantee, ensuring that the dress will not yellow or deteriorate over time.
It is important to note that wedding dresses should be cleaned before preservation to remove any stains that may be present. Professional preservationists are trained to spot and treat a variety of stains, from invisible sugar stains to visible dirt and wine stains. The cleaning process can range from spot-cleaning to a full dry cleaning, depending on the degree of staining. It is recommended to get the dress cleaned as soon as possible after the wedding to prevent stains from setting in.
Overall, the cost and time of wedding dress preservation depend on various factors, including the degree of staining, the company's location and workload, and the type of fabric. It is essential to do research and plan ahead to ensure the best preservation process for your cherished wedding dress.
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Other options for old wedding dresses
There are many options for old wedding dresses, from upcycling to donating to a good cause.
Upcycling
If you're handy with a needle and thread, or know someone who is, you could turn your dress into a whole host of items. You could create a new garment, such as a corset top, a shorter skirt, or a dressing gown. You could also create accessories, such as a clutch bag, or even a teddy bear. If you're not keen on cutting up your dress, you could dye it and turn it into a work of art.
Home Decor
Your dress could be used to create some unique home decor. You could frame the dress, or a detailed section of it, along with other mementos such as your wedding invitations. Alternatively, you could use the fabric to create a throw pillow, or a patchwork quilt using other memorable elements from your wedding, like material from the shirt your husband wore.
Donate
There are many organisations that will accept wedding dress donations. Brides Across America gives dresses to military brides in need, Every Girl's Dream in Michigan accepts dresses for brides facing financial hardship, and Operation Prom and Cinderella's Closet will take dresses to help low-income students dress for their prom. The Salvation Army and Goodwill will also accept wedding dress donations, as will local thrift stores.
Pass It On
You could pass your dress on to a family member, either in its original form or altered to their taste. This could be a beautiful way to start a family tradition.
Re-wear
If you're feeling sentimental, you could host a wedding dress party and give yourself and your friends a chance to wear your wedding dresses again. Alternatively, you could celebrate a big anniversary by taking photos in your dress, perhaps recreating some of your old wedding photos.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can absolutely wear a wedding dress after it's been preserved. Many brides choose to preserve their dress so that a future family member can wear it on their wedding day.
The process can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the preservation company and time of year.
Store your wedding dress in a cool, dark place with moderate humidity, such as the top shelf of your closet or under your bed. Avoid storing it in the attic or basement, as these areas are prone to temperature fluctuations and water leaks.
Always handle a preserved wedding dress with clean, dry hands or white cotton gloves to prevent dirt, oils, and stains from transferring onto the fabric.
