Franklin Dean
Wedding dresses are often preserved for sentimental reasons, to be passed down to future generations, or to be sold. Preservation involves cleaning and packaging the dress using materials that ensure the long-term physical and chemical stability of the fabric. This includes acid-free tissue paper and boxes, which protect the dress from discolouration and maintain its quality. It is recommended that dresses are stored in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or guest room, to prevent damage from extreme temperatures, moisture, and direct sunlight. While some people choose to preserve their dresses at home, others opt for professional services that offer cleaning, preservation, and insurance for the dress.
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What You'll Learn
Use acid-free tissue paper and boxes
Wedding dresses are often packed in boxes for preservation. However, not all boxes are suitable for this purpose. Regular cardboard boxes, for instance, are not recommended because they are quite acidic and can cause the dress to yellow over time. Plastic dress covers are also a no-go, as they can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to mould or mildew growth.
Instead, opt for an acid-free, lignin-free box designed specifically for preserving wedding dresses. Lignin is an organic substance found in wood pulp that can damage the fabric of your gown. Acid-free boxes provide a breathable environment that maintains the quality of the dress. You can order a custom-sized blue box from companies like University Products.
When storing your wedding dress, it is also important to use acid-free tissue paper. Regular tissue paper is often acidic and can cause discolouration. The acid-free variety helps protect the fabric, prevent creases, and maintain the shape of the dress. It also cushions the dress, preventing any beads, sequins, or embroidery from snagging or scratching the fabric. Additionally, the tissue paper ensures that no part of the dress is exposed to the elements, further preserving its quality.
To prepare your dress for storage, start by removing any cardboard inserts, bodices, and supports that can create strain on the fabric. Then, stuff the gown with acid-free tissue paper, making sure to get into the arms as well. Finally, wrap the entire surface of the dress in the tissue paper, creating a protective layer that will keep your wedding dress in good condition for years to come.
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Avoid plastic and cardboard
Wedding dresses are often made from delicate fabrics that are prone to damage and discolouration, especially if not treated and stored properly. It is therefore important to avoid using plastic or cardboard when preserving a wedding dress.
Plastic bags and covers can trap moisture, leading to mould or mildew growth. They can also trap bacteria, which can cause further damage to the dress over time, such as from bugs and oxidation. Plastic also increases the risk of contaminants transferring to the dress, which can cause yellowing.
Cardboard boxes are often acidic, which can cause the dress to yellow over time. Acidic cardboard can also cause the transfer of acid to the dress, leading to further discolouration. Cardboard is also prone to trapping moisture, which can lead to mould or mildew growth.
To avoid these issues, it is recommended to use acid-free tissue paper to wrap the dress and store it in an acid-free, lignin-free box designed specifically for preserving wedding dresses. The acid-free tissue paper will help protect the fabric of the wedding dress and prevent creases, while the acid-free storage box will provide a breathable environment that maintains the wedding dress's quality.
It is also important to choose a suitable storage location for the wedding dress. A cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or a guest room, is ideal. Humidity control is essential to avoid damage and discolouration, so it is best to avoid storing the dress near heat sources, excessive moisture, or direct sunlight.
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Get it professionally cleaned
Wedding dresses are often the most expensive piece of clothing a person owns, so it makes sense to want to preserve it. The best way to do this is to get it professionally cleaned and preserved.
Professional preservation treatments are the most effective way to ensure your wedding dress is kept in pristine condition. This is not a DIY job, and it's best to avoid standard dry cleaners, who may not have the expertise to deal with wedding gowns. Instead, opt for a specialist company that offers wedding dress preservation services. These companies have preservationists who are trained on museum-level fabric cleaning and preservation techniques. They will be able to spot and deal with any stains, from the invisible to the visible, and prevent future yellowing.
It's important to get your wedding dress professionally cleaned as soon as possible after your wedding day. Even if your wedding gown seems to be in good condition, there may be invisible stains that will set in, oxidize, and darken in the months to come. If you are jetting off on your honeymoon, arrange for a bridesmaid or family member to take it for you.
The cost of wedding dress preservation varies, but you should expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $1,000 for this service, depending on the gown and your location. Some companies offer a lifetime warranty and shipping insurance, so be sure to shop around and read reviews before choosing a company.
Once your dress has been professionally cleaned, 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.
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Avoid hanging it up
Hanging up a wedding dress for long periods can cause the fabric to stretch and warp, especially if the gown is heavy. This will distort the neckline and length of the dress. Therefore, it is best to avoid hanging up your wedding dress for long-term preservation.
If you are storing your wedding dress at home, it is recommended to store it in a cool, dark place, away from humidity. A closet shelf or under the bed is a good option.
It is also important to regularly check on your dress. Every six months, inspect the dress for any signs of damage or pests. If necessary, refold the dress along different lines to prevent permanent creases.
When choosing a storage container, avoid using plastic dress covers or cardboard boxes, as they can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to mould or mildew growth. Instead, use acid-free tissue paper and a cloth garment bag, or an acid-free, lignin-free wedding dress storage box designed for preserving wedding dresses. Make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the dress without compressing it.
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Store in a cool, dry, dark place
The location of your wedding dress plays a significant role in preserving it. It's important to store your wedding dress in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or a guest room.
Firstly, avoid storing your wedding dress near heat sources, excessive moisture, or direct sunlight. Extreme temperatures can cause damage and discolouration, turning your gown yellow. Heat sources can also cause the fabric to dry out and become brittle, leading to tears and other damage.
Secondly, avoid hanging your wedding dress in a garment bag, as this can create the perfect environment for mould and mildew to thrive. If the bag is not breathable, it can trap moisture, and if it is plastic, it may release chemicals as it breaks down, causing the fabric to yellow and deteriorate.
Thirdly, keep your wedding dress away from cooking or smoking odours, as these can permeate the fabric over time. Cooking odours, in particular, contain oils and fats that can stain and discolour the fabric.
Finally, it's best to store your wedding gown in a place where it won't be disturbed frequently, reducing the risk of accidental damage. While long-term storage is intended to preserve your wedding dress, it's still essential to check on your dress regularly.
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding dress preservation is a special cleaning and packaging process that ensures the garment will retain its quality for years to come. It involves cleaning, treating, and packaging your dress using museum-quality techniques and materials. It is best to get it done by a professional preservation specialist.
Dry cleaning does not involve an analysis of the specific stains on the gown or any repairs. Wedding dress preservation, on the other hand, begins with an experienced specialist's assessment, who then creates a unique treatment plan according to the dress fabric, stitching, and details.
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. It is also important to check on your dress regularly.
