Preserving Your Wedding Gown: Framing Techniques And Tips

how to frame a wedding dress

Framing a wedding dress is a unique way to commemorate a special day and display a dress that holds fond memories. While it can be expensive, with quotes ranging from $1200 to $5000, it is possible to find more affordable options, such as sales or DIY alternatives. The process of framing a wedding dress involves careful preservation to maintain the dress's condition and protect it from damage, pollutants, UV lighting, and discolouration. Framing services offer customisation, allowing brides to choose the type, size, and depth of the frame, as well as the perfect angle and layout for their dress and any accompanying accessories.

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Framing costs

The Beautiful Frame Company, a UK-based company, offers dress framing services starting at £900. The price can be lower if you choose to display only your accessories or opt for a half-size frame, which folds up the skirt behind the bodice. The full-size frame option is more costly.

Some individuals have mentioned costs of $1200 and upwards of $2000 for professional framing services. It is worth noting that the framing cost can sometimes exceed the cost of the wedding dress itself.

If you opt for a DIY approach, you will still need to consider the cost of the frame, mat, mat board, backing, hardware, and acrylic or glass. Non-glare acrylic can be particularly expensive. Additionally, you may need to invest in materials to preserve the dress, such as UV-protective glass or acrylic, to prevent discolouration and fabric degradation.

To save costs, you can look out for sales at framing shops, as they may offer significant discounts during holidays or certain times of the year.

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Framing services

Wedding dress framing services are available from companies such as The Beautiful Frame Company, Ironbridge Fine Arts & Framing, and Artist Russell Collins. These services typically involve working closely with the company to choose the type, size, and depth of the frame, as well as the angle and presentation of the dress. The cost of these services varies depending on the company and the specifics of the frame, with The Beautiful Frame Company's prices starting at £900.

The Beautiful Frame Company, a family-run business based in Shropshire, offers a bespoke service that tailors the frame to the style of the dress, the couple's home, and their personal taste. They use techniques such as maintaining the pH balance, employing museum-grade UV protective glass, and stitching through seams to preserve the dress and ensure its longevity. The company was founded by Sam and Charlotte, who struggled to find a similar service after her own wedding.

Ironbridge Fine Arts & Framing, also based in Shropshire, offers a four-step process that includes a consultation to explore framing options, visualisation of the dress on a mount board to determine the angle, creation of a mock-up, and a discussion about glazing options and display locations. They can accommodate dresses of any shape and size and can also frame additional items such as veils, buttonholes, and jewellery.

Artist Russell Collins, located in Milton Keynes, provides a wedding dress framing service and offers the option to purchase materials for customers to mount their dresses themselves.

While some opt for professional framing services, it is possible to frame a wedding dress as a DIY project. This typically involves ordering a custom frame, mat, mat board, backing, and hardware, as well as considering the use of acrylic instead of glass to reduce weight. However, it is important to note that DIY framing can be challenging and may not guarantee the same preservation techniques and protection offered by professional services.

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DIY framing

Framing a wedding dress is a unique way to preserve and display your dress. While it is recommended to get it done by a professional, you can also frame your wedding dress at home. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you with the process:

Step 1: Clean the Dress

Before framing, it is important to clean the dress to get rid of any stains. You can either get it dry cleaned or use an online service to clean your dress. Many services also offer anti-yellowing and stain removal treatments to give your gown long-lasting protection.

Step 2: Choose a Frame

The next step is to choose a frame for your dress. You can either order a custom frame or look for a ready-made one. If you are ordering a custom frame, make sure to consider the type, size, and depth of the frame. You can also decide whether you want your dress displayed on a mannequin or just on mountboard inside the frame.

Step 3: Mount the Dress

Once you have the frame, the next step is to mount the dress. You can either do it yourself or take help from a professional. If you are mounting it yourself, make sure to handle the dress with care and choose an appropriate angle to display the dress.

Step 4: Seal the Frame

After mounting the dress, seal the frame carefully. Make sure there is no dust or dirt inside the frame. You can also add a backing and hardware to the frame for extra support.

Step 5: Display the Frame

Finally, choose an appropriate area in your home to display the frame. Make sure to select a space that does not get a lot of direct sunlight and is cool and dry. Also, ensure that the frame is safely fixed to the wall to avoid any damage.

By following these steps, you can frame your wedding dress at home and preserve it for years to come.

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Display location

Framing your wedding dress is a unique way to commemorate your special day. It is a popular option for brides, but there aren't many companies offering a full preservation and framing service. The Beautiful Frame Company, a family-run business in Shropshire, UK, is one such company. They offer a bespoke service, tailoring the frame to the style of the dress, the couple's home, and their personal taste. The cost of their service starts at £900.

When considering the display location for your framed wedding dress, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you need to ensure you have a wall large enough to accommodate the frame. Consider spaces such as a large bedroom wall or a landing area. If you have a large enough wall in your office, displaying your dress there can be a wonderful reminder of your wedding day.

Another thing to consider is the lighting conditions of the display location. Wedding dresses are delicate and can be susceptible to damage from UV light, which can cause the material to fade or discolour. To mitigate this, consider using a frame with UV protective glass or acrylic. Additionally, avoid displaying your dress in areas with direct sunlight or strong artificial lighting to prevent any potential damage.

The humidity and temperature of the display location are also important factors to consider. Ideally, the room should be well-ventilated and maintain a consistent, cool temperature to prevent moisture build-up and mould. If the display location does not have ideal humidity and temperature conditions, consider adding a dehumidifier or air conditioner to regulate the environment.

By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that your framed wedding dress remains in pristine condition and becomes a beautiful piece of artwork in your home.

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Dress preservation

Wedding dresses are often made of delicate fabrics and adorned with intricate embellishments, so they require professional care to be properly safeguarded from the elements and mishaps that occur through improper storage or cleaning. Wedding dress preservation is a special cleaning and packaging process that ensures the garment retains its quality for years to come.

It is important to get a clear picture of the cleaning process and select a dry cleaner that uses a gentle and pure solvent. Regular dry cleaning might contain impurities that can leave your dress with a strange smell. Wedding dress cleaning and preservation should be done by dry cleaners who specialize in cleaning gowns. Preservation begins with an experienced specialist's assessment, who then creates a unique treatment plan according to the dress fabric, stitching, and details.

If you are looking to display your dress as a piece of art in your home, framing is a popular option. The Beautiful Frame Company offers a full preservation and framing service, where they work closely with the customer to decide on the type, size, and depth of the frame, as well as the perfect angle for the dress. They also carefully preserve the dress to make sure it lasts as long as possible, including maintaining the pH balance, using museum-grade UV protective glass, and stitching through seams to keep the dress in place. The price will depend on the type of frame you choose, and whether you want your dress displayed on a mannequin or mountboard.

If you are looking for a cheaper option, you can purchase a Wedding Dress Cleaning and Preservation Kit from companies such as Happily Ever After Preservation, and do it yourself. However, it is important to note that this process is complex and requires specialist knowledge.

Frequently asked questions

Framing your wedding dress is a wonderful and unique way to commemorate your special day. It can become a prominent piece of artwork in your house.

The cost of framing a wedding dress varies depending on the company and the services they offer. Some companies offer full preservation and framing services, which can be more expensive. The price will also depend on the type, size and depth of the frame, and whether you choose to display your dress on a mannequin or just on mountboard. Prices can range from £900 to $5000.

The process of framing a wedding dress typically takes around 4-6 weeks.

It is possible to frame your wedding dress yourself, but it can be challenging and expensive. You will need to order a custom frame, as well as the necessary materials such as the mat, mat board, backing, and hardware. It is also important to consider the weight of the frame, as glass can be very heavy.

There are a number of companies that offer wedding dress framing services, including The Beautiful Frame Company in the UK and Artists Frame Service in Chicago. You can also search for local framing stores that may be able to provide this service.

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