Rhiannon Hendricks
Deciding what to do with your wedding dress after the big day can be a difficult choice. Some brides choose to donate, sell, or auction off their dresses, while others opt for a 'trash the dress' photo shoot, customisation, or framing. If you want to keep your wedding dress, it is recommended to get it professionally cleaned as soon as possible and store it in an acid-free box. You can also display it by getting it framed, either on your own or through a company that specialises in dress preservation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding dress preservation | Dry cleaning, storing in a wedding dress box, framing, donating, auctioning, trashing, customising, or selling |
| Wedding dress dry cleaning | Costs £160 and above, to be done by a specialist who uses virgin solvent |
| Wedding dress storage | To be stored in an acid-free box, to be inspected every 2-3 years |
| Wedding dress framing | Costs £495 and above, to be done by a professional or as a DIY project |
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What You'll Learn
Dry cleaning your wedding dress
Before selecting a dry cleaner, it is recommended to research their processes. Choose a company that uses virgin solvents rather than recycled ones, as the latter is typically used for ordinary dry cleaning and may leave an unpleasant smell on your dress. Additionally, ensure that the company guarantees compensation in the event of any damage.
Time is of the essence when it comes to wedding dress preservation. It is advisable to take your dress to a dry cleaner as soon as possible after the wedding, preferably the day after. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to remove any stains that may have sunk into the fabric.
If you plan to clean your wedding dress yourself, it is important to follow the cleaning instructions on the label. Avoid using bleach, and opt for soft-bristled brushes or toothbrushes for removing marks. To prevent fingerprints and marks during handling, consider wearing white cotton gloves.
After dry cleaning, it is essential to store your dress properly. Avoid leaving it in a plastic dress cover, as plastic can disintegrate over time and leave harmful particles on the dress. Instead, use a cotton duvet as a temporary cover. When choosing a storage box, invest in a pH-neutral wedding dress box to ensure your gown remains in optimal condition.
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Storing your wedding dress
If you're looking to store your wedding dress, you may want to consider getting it dry cleaned first. Wedding dresses are prone to staining, so it's best to get it professionally cleaned as soon as possible after your wedding day. Look for a dry cleaner that specialises in wedding dress preservation and uses a virgin or gentle solvent, rather than a recycled one, to avoid any strange smells.
After cleaning, you can store your dress in an acid-free box to keep it safe. If you want to go one step further, you could frame your dress and display it as a piece of decor in your home. This way, you can admire your dress every day and keep the memories alive.
When packing your dress away, lay it face down with the bodice centred over the box. Use acid-free tissue paper between the layers to prevent creasing and pad any folds. Stuff the sleeves with tissue and pad any remaining gaps to secure the dress in place.
Remember to inspect your dress every 2-3 years to check for any signs of damage or stains. Gently move the folds to prevent creases from becoming permanent, ensuring your gown retains its pristine appearance for years to come.
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Framing your wedding dress
The process usually involves bringing your dress to the shop, where you will work closely with the company to decide on the exact framing specifications. They will then create a mock-up of how the dress will look, and you will be quoted a price. You can expect your finished frame to be ready within 4-6 weeks. It is important to note that this service is not cheap, and you will need to use a conservation framer to ensure that your dress is not damaged.
The Beautiful Frame Company hand-crafts each frame and tailors it to the style of the dress, the couple's home and their personal taste. They also carefully preserve the dresses to ensure they last 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. This family-run business is based in the Shropshire town of Ironbridge and specialises in preserving dresses from air pollutants, UV lighting and other damage.
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Auctioning or selling your wedding dress
If you do decide to sell your wedding dress, there are several options to consider. You can sell your dress through a bridalwear shop, either in-person or online. For example, Sell My Wedding Dress in Essex offers this service. Alternatively, you can use an online platform such as Stillwhite, which does not charge commission or monthly fees. When selling your dress, it is beneficial to showcase the dress through photos or videos, and to be mindful that the earlier you sell, the better, as styles can become less sought-after over time.
Before selling your dress, it is worth getting it dry cleaned to ensure it is in the best condition possible. Wedding dress preservation can be costly, but it is important to get your dress cleaned as soon as possible after your wedding to prevent stains from setting into the fabric. It is recommended to use a dry cleaner that specialises in wedding dress preservation, as they will be able to assess the fabric, stitching, and details to determine the best cleaning method.
Overall, whether you choose to auction, sell, or keep your wedding dress is a personal decision that depends on your individual preferences and circumstances.
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Donating your wedding dress
Deciding what to do with your wedding dress after your wedding day can be a tough choice. Many brides choose to preserve their wedding dresses by storing them in a wedding dress box or having them framed. However, if you're looking to part with your dress, donating it is a great option.
If you're considering donating your wedding dress, it's important to keep a few things in mind. First, ensure that your dress is in good condition and has been cleaned or dry-cleaned. This will help ensure that your donation is well-received and can be used by another bride. Check for any stains and have them treated by a professional cleaner, especially if they are visible. Choose a dry cleaner that specialises in wedding dress preservation, as they will be able to assess the fabric, stitching, and any intricate details to determine the best cleaning method.
Additionally, consider the timing of your donation. If your dress has been stained, don't wait too long to have it treated, as the stains can set in over time, making them more difficult to remove. It's best to get your dress to a dry cleaner as soon as possible after your wedding day.
Lastly, research the charities or organisations you're considering donating to. Understand their mission and values and ensure they align with your own. This will help you feel confident that your dress is going to a good home and making a positive impact.
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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's important to choose a dry cleaner that specialises in wedding dress preservation, as they will be able to take a close look at the fabric, stitching and details to clean it in the most appropriate way. Ask questions about their training, how many dresses they handle each year, what kind of dresses, and how much overall experience they have.
There are a few options for storing your wedding dress. You can store it in an acid-free preservation box designed specifically for wedding dresses, as these are free of harmful chemicals and will provide the best conditions long-term. Alternatively, you can frame your dress and display it as a piece of decor in your home. Framing companies can guarantee that the dress won't be damaged, and that the material won't fade or break down due to pollutants or UV light.
It's important to get your wedding dress professionally cleaned and sent to a preservation specialist 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, oxidise and darken in the months to come.
