George Boyle
Wedding dresses are often boxed for shipping or preservation. When shipping a wedding dress, it is important to cover the dress in protective plastic and seal the box with strong mailing tape. To preserve a wedding dress, it is recommended to use a sturdy, acid-free box that is big enough to fit the dress without squashing it. Wedding dress preservation is a specialised process that involves cleaning and packaging the dress to maintain its quality over time. It is recommended to open a preserved wedding dress box at least yearly to inspect the condition of the dress.
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What You'll Learn
Wedding dress preservation
Professional cleaners and preservationists are trained to spot and treat all types of stains, from invisible to visible ones. They will also repair any broken hems, beading, and other embellishments. 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, like the skirt, sleeves, and bust.
It is important to note that your preserved wedding dress should not be stored in an airtight box. While many people recommend never breaking the seal of the box, this is contrary to everything expert clothing conservationists know to be true. A true professional will encourage you to examine their work and will not recommend sealing the dress in an airtight environment. Instead, they will use a box that can be opened and should be opened at least yearly to ensure the dress is kept in a stable and predictable environment.
When choosing a wedding dress preservation service, it is important to vet their process thoroughly. Ask questions about their training, the number and types of dresses they handle each year, and their overall experience. Inquire about their cleaning process and ensure they use a solvent that is gentle and pure enough for a gown. Wedding dress cleaning and preservation should only be done by dry cleaners who specialise in cleaning gowns.
There are several reputable companies that offer wedding dress preservation services, including Happily Ever After Preservation and Wedding Gown Preservation Kit. These companies use advanced cleaning and preservation technology to ensure your dress is safely and securely handled, packaged, and shipped. They also offer insurance and warranties to protect your dress during transit and the preservation process.
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Shipping a wedding dress
Choosing the Right Box
Select a sturdy corrugated cardboard box that is just big enough to accommodate the dress without crushing or damaging it. Avoid using a preservation box, as it may be too flimsy and not provide sufficient protection during transit. The recommended box sizes for shipping a wedding dress are:
- Length: 18 inches, Width: 16 inches, Height: 9 inches
- Length: 30 inches, Width: 20 inches, Height: 8 inches
- Length: 24 inches, Width: 16 inches, Height: 6 inches
Preparing the Dress
Before placing the dress in the box, cover it with protective plastic to shield it from moisture or damage. You can use a clear recycling bag or a new plastic garment bag. Additionally, consider using tissue paper or muslin cloth between the layers of the dress to protect embellishments and beading.
Sealing the Box
Use strong mailing tape that is at least 2 inches wide to securely seal all the flaps and seams of the box. Ensure that the tape is applied smoothly and firmly to prevent accidental openings during transit.
Labelling the Box
Print and attach the shipping label to the top of the box, avoiding any seams, closures, or areas covered with tape. Place a duplicate label inside the box as well, so that the package can be easily identified and routed even if the outer label is damaged. Mark the box with the words "WEDDING GOWN" to indicate the fragile and valuable nature of the contents.
Insurance and Costs
When shipping a wedding dress, consider purchasing additional insurance to cover the value of the gown in case of loss or damage. The standard included insurance may not be sufficient to replace the dress. Import fees, duties, and taxes may apply for international deliveries, so ensure that the recipient is aware of these additional costs, which are typically the buyer's responsibility.
Shipping Carriers
Obtain online quotes from multiple carriers, such as UPS or FedEx, to find the most cost-effective option. Provide them with the measurements of your box, the weight of the dress, and the destination zip code for accurate pricing.
Preservation and Storage
If you are shipping the wedding dress for long-term storage or preservation, ensure that the dress is properly cleaned and prepared by a professional preservationist. Avoid sealing the dress in an airtight box, as this is not recommended by expert clothing conservationists. Instead, store the dress in a stable and predictable environment, using acid-free boxes and lofting tissues to support the folds of the dress.
By following these steps, you can confidently ship your wedding dress, ensuring its protection and preservation during transit to its final destination.
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Storage boxes
Wedding dresses are often stored in boxes for safekeeping, either for sentimental reasons or for future use. However, it is important to note that wedding dress preservation is not a simple process and should be undertaken by a professional.
When choosing a storage box for a wedding dress, it is important to select one that is the appropriate size. The box should be just big enough to fit the dress without being too large. Recommended box sizes for wedding dresses range from L:18 x W:16 x H:9 to L:30 x W:20 x H:8. Sturdy corrugated cardboard boxes are a good option, and they can often be found at local moving supply stores or bridal salons for under $10.
To prepare a wedding dress for storage, it should first be cleaned and restored by a professional dry cleaner who specialises in cleaning gowns. This ensures that any stains or damage are properly treated and that the dress is in the best possible condition before being placed in the box.
When placing the dress in the box, it is important to use tissue paper or muslin cloth between layers to protect embellishments and beading from snagging. The dress can also be covered in protective plastic, such as a large clear recycling bag, to protect it from moisture or damage during transit. Acid-free boxes are recommended for long-term storage, as they help to ensure the physical and chemical stability of the fabric.
It is recommended to avoid storing wedding dresses in airtight boxes, as this is contrary to the advice of expert clothing conservationists. Instead, the box should be designed to keep air out, with all the oxygen sucked out to prevent oxidation and discolouration. These boxes should be opened at least yearly to check on the condition of the dress.
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Repurposing a wedding dress
Wedding dresses are often preserved in boxes to maintain their quality for years to come. However, some people choose to repurpose their wedding dresses instead of storing them away. Here are some ideas for repurposing a wedding dress:
Transforming the Dress
One option is to transform the wedding dress into a new design. This could be a modern bridal gift, a family keepsake, or a new outfit to wear again. For example, dyeing a wedding dress can transform it into a formal dress of a different colour. Alternatively, the fabric from a wedding dress can be used to create new items, such as a tulle skirt, headbands, bracelets, bags, or baby clothes.
Creating Keepsakes and Decorations
The fabric of a wedding dress can be used to create various keepsakes and decorations. For instance, the dress can be made into a miniature replica, a pendant necklace, or a photo mat for displaying wedding photos. The fabric can also be used for holiday decorations, such as a Christmas tree skirt, angel tree topper, or ornaments.
Donating or Selling
Another option is to donate or sell the wedding dress. Some charities accept wedding dress donations to create 'angel gowns' for stillborn babies. Alternatively, the dress can be sold, especially if it is in good condition and a popular style.
Passing it On
A wedding dress can be passed down to future generations. Some people choose to preserve their wedding dress specifically for their children or grandchildren to wear on their own wedding day. Others may pass down the dress as a family heirloom without the intention of it being worn again.
Framing and Displaying
Instead of boxing up the wedding dress, some people choose to display it as a decorative piece. This could involve framing the dress or simply hanging it in a prominent place. This allows the dress to be admired and appreciated regularly instead of being stored away.
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Cleaning and preservation
Wedding dress preservation is a special cleaning and packaging process that ensures the garment retains its quality for years to come. This process is best undertaken by a professional cleaner or preservationist, who will be able to deal with any stains on the dress and create a treatment plan for each type of stain.
Firstly, it is important to have your dress professionally cleaned before folding it for storage. Use acid-free tissue paper to prevent any beads, sequins, or embroidery from snagging or scratching the fabric. The tissue paper helps to cushion and protect the dress during storage. When folding the dress, be sure to fold it loosely to avoid creasing or damaging delicate fabrics. Fold the top of the dress inside and keep the bottom half or train of the dress outside, avoiding sharp folds in areas where the fabric is more delicate or prone to wrinkles.
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, like the skirt, sleeves, and bust. Do not use a plastic bag or a cedar chest for storage, as these can trap moisture, bugs, and mildew, and cedar chests can produce damaging acidic gases. It is also important to note that your preserved wedding dress should not be stored in an airtight box, as this is contrary to the recommendations of expert clothing conservationists.
When storing your boxed dress, look for a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or a guest room, to keep your dress safe. Avoid storing it near heat sources, excessive moisture, or direct sunlight, as extreme temperatures can cause damage and discolouration, causing the gown to turn yellow. Try to also keep your wedding dress away from any cooking or smoking odours, as these can permeate the fabric over time. It is best to store the wedding gown in a place where it won’t be disturbed frequently, reducing the risk of accidental damage.
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Frequently asked questions
Boxing your wedding dress is a great way to preserve your dress for future use or sentimental reasons. Wedding dresses are often expensive and meaningful, so it makes sense to want to keep them in good condition.
Boxing a wedding dress is not a simple task and should be undertaken by a professional. It involves cleaning and treating the dress for stains, and then using acid-free boxes and tissue paper to ensure the long-term physical and chemical stability of the fabric.
The size of the box will depend on the length of your dress and the length of its train. You want the box to be big enough so that the dress does not feel squashed, but not so big that the dress is drowning in the box.
While it is tempting to open the box and take a peek at your dress, it is recommended that you do not do so. These boxes are designed to keep oxygen out, and opening the box can cause oxidation, leading to yellowing and discolouration. However, if you do need to open the box, make sure your hands are clean and follow the preservation company's recommendations for opening and closing the box.
