Franklin Dean
Wedding dresses are often expensive and hold a lot of sentimental value, so it's important to store them correctly. If you want your wedding dress to remain in good condition for years or even decades, wedding dress preservation is key. This involves cleaning, treating, and packaging your dress using museum-quality techniques and materials. The sooner you're able to get your wedding dress cleaned and sent to a preservationist, the better. However, if months or years have passed since your wedding, it's still possible to preserve your dress. In terms of storage location, it's best to choose a cool, dry, dark place within your primary living quarters, such as the top shelf of a closet. Avoid storing your wedding dress in an attic, basement, or garage, as these locations are not climate-controlled.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | It is recommended to get the wedding dress professionally cleaned before storing it. |
| Storage location | Store the dress in a cool, dry, dark place, away from sunlight, heat sources, cooking or smoking odours, and pets. |
| Storage container | Use acid-free tissue paper or cloth/breathable garment bags or boxes designed for wedding dress storage. Avoid plastic bags, plastic covers, cardboard boxes, and cedar chests. |
| Hanger | Hanging the dress is not recommended, especially for heavy dresses, as it can lead to stretching or warping over time. |
| Folding | If not hanging, fold the dress loosely to avoid creasing or damaging delicate fabrics. |
| Storage duration | The longer the dress is stored, the more likely it is to yellow, so it is best to store it for as short a time as possible. |
| Preservation | Professional preservation services can be used to clean, treat, and package the dress using museum-quality techniques and materials. |
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What You'll Learn
The importance of professional cleaning
The wedding dress is a precious garment, often emotionally valued by the brides who wear them. To ensure the dress stays in pristine condition, it is important to have it professionally cleaned and preserved.
Professional cleaning is the first step in wedding dress preservation. The sooner the dress is sent to a preservationist or dry cleaner, the better. Even if the dress appears clean, there may be invisible stains that can set in, oxidize, and darken over time. Professional cleaners use specialised techniques to remove stains and ensure the gown is in mint condition before storage. They will also treat the dress to prevent future discolouration and damage.
It is important to find a dry cleaner that uses a solvent that is gentle and pure enough for a wedding gown. Regular dry-cleaning solvents may contain impurities that can re-deposit onto the dress, leaving a strange smell. Wedding dress cleaning should only be done by professionals who specialise in cleaning gowns. These specialists will also be able to offer repair services for stitching and beading.
Once the dress is professionally cleaned, it is important to store it in the appropriate place. The best place to store a wedding dress is in a cool, dry, dark place, protected in an acid-free garment bag or box. Basements and attics are not recommended as they are prone to temperature fluctuations, leaks, and vermin damage. Regular closets may also not have the proper climate control, so it is best to choose a storage space with moderate temperature and humidity.
Professional preservation services can ensure the wedding dress is maintained in mint condition. This involves cleaning, treating, and packaging the dress using museum-quality techniques and materials. Preservationists will also provide instructions on how to store the dress, including the use of acid-free tissue paper to prevent creases and protect the fabric.
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Choosing the right storage location
Firstly, avoid storing your wedding dress in areas like attics, garages, or basements. These locations often lack proper climate control, leading to extreme temperature fluctuations and high humidity, which can damage the dress over time. Instead, opt for a cool, dry, and dark place within your primary living quarters, such as a spare bedroom or closet.
Secondly, ensure the chosen area is not exposed to direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause discolouration and fading of the fabric. Keep the dress away from windows or other sources of natural light.
Thirdly, maintain moderate temperature and humidity levels. Wedding dresses are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Aim for conditions that you would find comfortable for yourself. Avoid hanging the dress near heat sources, and if using a closet, ensure it is not located in an area with extreme temperature variations.
Additionally, select a storage space that is not frequently accessed or disturbed. This reduces the risk of accidental damage and minimises the chances of staining or oil marks from handling. It is best to keep the dress on the top shelf of a closet or in a spare room where it is out of sight and reach.
Lastly, ensure the storage location is free from odours. Cooking or smoking odours can permeate the fabric over time, so it is crucial to choose a well-ventilated area that is not in close proximity to the kitchen or smoking areas.
Remember, the key to successful wedding dress preservation is creating a stable and controlled environment that minimises potential sources of damage, discolouration, or contamination.
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Avoiding plastic and cardboard
When storing a wedding dress, it is important to avoid using plastic dress covers or cardboard boxes. Plastic emits colourless and odourless fumes as it breaks down, which can cause the fabric to yellow. Plastic also does not allow the fabric to breathe and can trap moisture, leading to mould or mildew growth.
Cardboard boxes, especially those containing lignin, can damage the fabric of the gown. Lignin is an organic substance found in wood pulp that can scorch or stain the fabric.
Instead of plastic or cardboard, use acid-free tissue paper to wrap the dress and store it in a breathable cloth garment bag or a plain cotton sheet. Acid-free tissue paper will help protect the fabric of the wedding dress and prevent creases. A cloth bag or cotton sheet will allow the fabric to breathe and protect it from discolouration.
If you prefer to store your dress in a box, choose a wedding dress storage box that is specifically designed for preserving wedding dresses. These boxes are acid-free and lignin-free, providing a breathable environment that maintains the quality of the dress.
It is also important to consider the storage location of your wedding 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.
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Regularly checking for damage
When handling your dress, be sure to wear clean gloves to prevent oils from your hands from discolouring the fabric. If you have used acid-free tissue paper for storage, be sure to repackage the dress with this paper after your inspection. It is important to avoid plastic dress covers or cardboard boxes, as they can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to mould or mildew growth. Instead, use a cloth garment bag or an acid-free, lignin-free wedding dress storage box.
If you notice any stains on your dress during your inspections, it is important to get it to a preservationist or dry cleaner as soon as possible. Professional cleaning is crucial in wedding dress preservation, and the sooner you can get your dress treated, the better. Be sure to vet the dry cleaner's process and ask about their training and experience.
Additionally, avoid storing your wedding dress in a basement, attic, or garage, as these areas can be damp or too hot. Choose a cool, dark place within your primary living quarters, such as the top shelf of your everyday closet. Somewhere with moderate temperature and humidity is ideal.
By regularly checking for damage and following these storage guidelines, you can help ensure that your wedding dress remains in excellent condition for years to come.
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The impact of hanging
Hanging a wedding dress is a common practice, but it is not ideal for long-term storage. While hanging the dress in a garment bag is a convenient option, it is important to consider the potential impact on the gown.
Firstly, hanging a wedding dress can cause strain on the fabric and seams due to the weight of the dress. Wedding gowns are often heavier than typical clothing because of their intricate designs and multiple layers of fabric. The strain of hanging can lead to stretching and distortion over time, especially for dresses with beading or long trains. To reduce this impact, additional hangers can be used to distribute the weight more evenly.
Secondly, the hanger itself can impact the dress. It is recommended to use the hanger straps installed by the designer or added by a seamstress. Standard hangers may not provide adequate support for the dress, leading to unwanted creases or stress on specific areas.
Hanging a wedding dress in a garment bag also has potential drawbacks. Plastic bags can emit fumes that speed up fabric yellowing and discolouration. They do not allow for adequate breathability and can trap moisture, leading to mould or mildew growth. While short-term hanging in a plastic bag may be convenient, it is not suitable for long-term storage.
Additionally, hanging a wedding dress can increase the risk of accidental damage. A hanging dress is more susceptible to spills, sharp objects, and pests than one stored flat or in a box. It is also more likely to be disturbed, increasing the chances of damage over time.
Lastly, hanging a wedding dress may not be feasible for all storage spaces. Basements, attics, and garages are typically not recommended due to temperature fluctuations, dampness, and the risk of pests. A hanging dress requires sufficient vertical space and a suitable hanging location, which may not be available in all storage areas.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not advisable to store your wedding dress in the bag it came in for long periods. The bag may contain acids and other substances that can degrade the dress over time.
Wedding dresses can be stored for years without damage if they are professionally cleaned and preserved. However, it is recommended that you have your dress professionally cleaned and stored within a week of your wedding to prevent stains from setting in.
Wedding dresses can be stored at home for years if they are stored correctly. It is recommended that you store your dress in a cool, dry, dark place, away from sunlight, heat sources, and pets.
Wedding dresses can be stored for years before your wedding, but it is recommended that you have it professionally cleaned and preserved if it has been stored for more than a year to prevent yellowing and other damage.
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