Rhiannon Hendricks
Display cases for wedding dresses are designed to protect the dress while showcasing it as a reminder of a special moment. Closet Factory's designer, Hayley Gonzales, designed a custom walk-in closet system centred around a wedding dress. Hayley's client provided photos from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, showcasing a wedding dress inside a glass enclosure. Hayley's design included a 34-inch-wide glass door, recessed lighting, and LED strip lighting to highlight the dress. The client and Hayley chose to paint the back wall a deep cobalt blue to make the white wedding dress stand out. To maximise space, Hayley created a custom closet system that reached the ceiling, adding extra shelves and hanging space.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To showcase a wedding dress and protect it from damage |
| Location | In a walk-in closet, home office, guest room, hobby room, or on a wall |
| Design | Custom-made, with glass doors, and lighting to highlight the dress |
| Space | Maximized with shelves, drawers, hanging rods, and hampers |
| Materials | Glass, wood, fabric, and adhesive |
| Size | Large enough to fit the full-length dress and accessories |
| Color | Chosen to complement the dress, e.g. a deep cobalt blue for a white dress |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning and pressing the dress
Wedding dresses are often one of the most important and sentimental pieces of clothing a person will ever wear, so it's no surprise that many brides want to keep their dress in pristine condition after the big day. Whether you plan to display your dress in a custom closet or a glass enclosure, here's a detailed guide on cleaning and pressing your wedding dress.
Cleaning Your Dress
First, it's essential to identify the fabric of your dress. Various compositions will impact how you clean your gown, the solvents you can use, and the extent of the cleaning. For example, gowns made entirely of polyester are much more durable than gowns made of silk. If you're unsure of the fabric, you can check the designer's website for detailed information.
Next, carefully inspect your dress for any stains, marks, or dirt. Wedding dresses are notoriously easy to stain, and even the cleanest-looking gowns can hide stains, especially if they are long and touch the floor. If you notice any twigs, leaves, or other debris collected during your outdoor photoshoot, gently remove them.
If your dress has visible stains, you can attempt to spot clean the affected areas. Choose a gentle stain remover suitable for the fabric of your dress and perform a patch test in an inconspicuous area. When you're ready to treat the stain, separate the layers of your dress to prevent the stain remover from seeping onto other layers. Gently pat the stain remover onto the fabric—never rub it in, as this can damage the fibres. Rinse the area thoroughly and dry it with a hairdryer to prevent watermarks.
For more extensive cleaning, you may want to soak your dress in a bathtub. Start by disinfecting and rinsing the tub to prevent any residue from transferring onto your dress. Fill the tub with cool water and add a gentle liquid detergent and stain remover. Soak your dress in the solution, being mindful to avoid excessive heat that could damage the fabric or melt any embellishments like beads or sequins. Use a soft toothbrush to gently remove any remaining dirt or stains, taking care not to scrub too hard and cause holes.
Pressing Your Dress
After cleaning your dress, you may need to press it to remove any wrinkles or creases. One option is to use a clothing steamer, which can effectively remove wrinkles without direct contact with the fabric. This is especially useful for delicate fabrics or dresses with intricate details that may be damaged by a traditional iron.
If you don't have access to a steamer, you can carefully iron your dress. Set the iron to a low temperature, and test it on an inconspicuous area of the dress to ensure it won't damage the fabric. Use steam sparingly, as excessive moisture can lead to watermarks. Gently press the iron against the fabric, working your way from seam to seam to smooth out any creases.
By following these steps, you can effectively clean and press your wedding dress, ensuring it remains in pristine condition for display.
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Choosing the display case location
When choosing a location for your wedding dress display case, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you'll need a space that is large enough to accommodate a full-length dress. This could be in a custom walk-in closet, as featured in Closet Factory's designs, where the dress can be showcased without disrupting the overall closet design. For example, an L-shaped closet allows for the display case to be positioned without taking up too much functional space.
Another option is to display your wedding dress in a shadow box, which can be hung on a wall in a room of your choice. Consider a room where the display case will not overwhelm the space, such as a home office, a guest room, or a hobby room. Avoid placing it in a busy area like the living room, as the large size of the shadow box may not suit the decor or the room's purpose.
Additionally, ensure the display case is positioned away from direct sunlight or any sources of heat or radiation. These elements can damage the dress over time, so it is crucial to select a location that offers protection from these factors.
When deciding on the location, also think about the overall aesthetic and how the display case will complement the surrounding decor. For instance, in the Closet Factory example, the client and designer chose to paint the back wall of the display case a deep cobalt blue to make the white wedding dress stand out. This added a unique touch that enhanced the overall ambiance of the closet.
Finally, if you plan to include accessories and other wedding items in the display case, such as shoes, a veil, or a bouquet, ensure there is sufficient space around these items. This will prevent the display from looking cluttered and allow each piece to be appreciated individually.
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Using a single glass door
Display cases for wedding dresses are often custom-built to fit a specific space, such as a walk-in closet or bedroom. The case can be designed to showcase the dress while also protecting it and adding glamour to the room.
When using a single glass door for a wedding dress display case, there are several important considerations. Firstly, the width of the door is crucial. A wider door provides a more unobstructed view of the dress, but it also needs to be supported adequately. In one example, a designer opted for a 34-inch-wide glass door to showcase a wedding dress, ensuring that there was no seam in the middle that could distract from the dress's beauty.
To enhance the display, lighting can be strategically placed. For instance, a centre recessed puck light can be positioned directly above the dress, and LED strip lighting can be wrapped around the interior of the door to illuminate the dress without the lights themselves being visible.
The colour of the interior backdrop of the display case can also significantly impact the overall presentation. Choosing a colour that complements the dress will make it stand out. For a white wedding dress, a deep cobalt blue background was chosen to create a striking contrast.
Additionally, the placement of the display case within the room can be carefully considered to maximise space and create a functional and aesthetically pleasing layout. For instance, in a closet setting, custom shelving, drawers, and hanging spaces can be incorporated to accommodate clothing, shoes, and accessories, transforming the space into a showcase for the entire wardrobe, with the wedding dress as the central focal point.
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Adding lighting
When adding lighting to a wedding dress display case, there are several factors to consider. The size and shape of the case, as well as the dress itself, will determine the placement and type of lighting used. For example, top lighting will reflect differently on a tall, slender dress than on a shorter, fuller skirt. If the lighting is not adequate for the size of the display case, shadows may form in the corners, creating an unintended mysterious effect.
There are several options for lighting a display case. Small recessed lighting, such as puck lights, can provide a clean, bright look and are ideal for spotlighting the dress. Strip lighting, such as LED light strips, is another straightforward option that can be controlled with a single switch. These lights are efficient, long-lasting, and bring out the best in valuable items. They can also be adjusted without rewiring, making them a popular choice for retail spaces.
When choosing lighting, it is essential to consider the potential impact on the dress. Some items, such as certain footballs, can be damaged by fading, discolouration, or aging due to exposure to specific types of light. Therefore, it is crucial to select lighting that will not harm the dress.
The colour of the display case's interior can also affect how the dress is illuminated. For example, a deep cobalt blue backdrop can make a white wedding dress stand out. Thus, careful consideration of lighting and colour can enhance the overall presentation of the dress.
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Using fabric inside the case
Display cases are a great way to showcase and preserve your wedding dress. When it comes to using fabric inside the case, here are some detailed instructions to achieve the best results:
Choose the Right Fabric
Select a fabric that complements the colours of your wedding. Opt for a fabric that is soft and delicate, similar to the fabric of your wedding dress. This will create a cohesive and elegant look inside the display case.
Prepare the Fabric
Measure the inside walls of the display case and cut the fabric to size. Ensure you have enough fabric to completely cover all the walls, allowing a little extra fabric to overlap the edges. Spray an adhesive along the inside walls and gently place the fabric, smoothing out any wrinkles or creases with your hands. Allow the adhesive to dry completely, usually for about 30 minutes.
Trim and Finish
Once the fabric is securely attached and dry, use sharp fabric shears to carefully trim off any excess fabric that extends beyond the edges of the display case. Ensure a neat and precise finish by running your fingers along the edges to feel for any uneven areas that may require further trimming.
Mount the Wedding Dress
Now it's time to mount your wedding dress inside the display case. Use a dry mounting adhesive, applying a thin layer to the back of the dress. Centre the dress inside the case, gently pressing it against the fabric-covered back wall. Ensure the dress is straight and secure, with no creases or wrinkles.
Add Personal Touches
You can further personalise your display by adding wedding day accessories. Mount your wedding shoes, dried bouquet, garter belt, or even a picture from your wedding day. These special touches will enhance the story of your wedding dress and make the display even more meaningful.
By following these steps, you will create a stunning and personalised display for your wedding dress, preserving it for years to come.
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Frequently asked questions
Display cases for wedding dresses are made to protect the dress while showcasing it. The case adds glamour to the closet and reminds the owner of a special moment in their life.
The display case should be made of glass to showcase the dress. The case should be large enough to fit a full-length dress. To highlight the dress, lighting can be added, and the back wall of the case can be painted a colour that makes the dress stand out.
One challenge is ensuring that the glass door is strong enough without using double doors, which can take away from the dress. Another challenge is maximising the space in the closet while accommodating the display case.
The display case can be designed to fit into the shape of the closet, such as an L-shaped closet, so that it doesn't take away from the overall design.
