Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding dress preservation is a special cleaning and packaging process that ensures the garment will retain its quality for years to come. Brides often choose to preserve their wedding dresses so that they can be passed down from generation to generation as a treasured family heirloom. However, wedding dress preservation can be costly, and there are alternatives to consider, such as donating or selling the dress, or repurposing it into lingerie or cocktail attire. This article will explore the pros and cons of wedding dress preservation and provide information on the different options available to brides.
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What You'll Learn
Wedding dress preservation cost
Wedding dress preservation is a special cleaning and packaging process that ensures the garment retains its quality for years to come. The cost of preserving a wedding dress varies depending on factors such as the fabric, length, silhouette, and ornamentation of the gown. Generally, prices range from $250 to $700, but they can go as high as $1,000.
The fabric of the gown is an important consideration, as some fabrics are more delicate and require a more intricate cleaning process. For example, removing stains from silk may incur additional charges. The length of the dress also matters, as shorter dresses typically cost less to clean and preserve than floor-length gowns due to the difference in the amount of fabric.
Embellishments such as sequins, feathers, and floral appliques can also increase the price, as they make the cleaning process more challenging. It is recommended to have the dress cleaned by a professional as soon as possible after the wedding.
Some companies offer a lifetime guarantee, ensuring that the dress can be retreated if new stains or yellowing appear during the guaranteed period. This guarantee, however, does not usually insure against stains or damage, but rather specifies the length of time for which a company will allow a retreatment.
There are also DIY preservation options, such as purchasing an acid-free paper to wrap the dress in and sealing it in an archival storage box. However, professional preservation is always recommended for the best results.
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Pros and cons of preservation
Pros of Preservation
Wedding dress preservation is a special cleaning and packaging process that ensures the garment will retain its quality for years to come. It can be a great choice if you want to hang on to the look that represents so much love, happiness, and celebration. Here are some benefits of preserving your wedding dress:
- Preservation helps to prevent oxidation spots, yellowing of the fabric, mould, mildew growth, and permanent fabric creasing. It also protects your dress from direct sunlight, which may fade and turn the dress yellow.
- A properly preserved wedding gown can become a treasured family heirloom, passed down from generation to generation.
- If you ever plan to sell your gown, proper preservation can significantly enhance its resale value. A well-maintained gown that has been professionally preserved can attract discerning buyers and command a higher price.
- You can repurpose your preserved wedding dress into a veil, a baby blanket, or a christening gown. You could also have it altered into a tea-length dress that you can wear to anniversary dinners or other special occasions.
Cons of Preservation
While preservation can help maintain the condition of your wedding dress, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:
- The cost of wedding dress preservation can be significant, ranging from $120 to $1,000 or more. This expense may not be feasible for everyone, especially considering the other costs associated with a wedding.
- Wedding dress preservation requires specialised knowledge and equipment, which means it must be done by a professional. This can be inconvenient and time-consuming, especially if you have to travel to find a reputable preservationist.
- Preserving a wedding dress typically involves storing it in an airtight box, which can take up valuable space in your home. This may be a concern if you have limited storage space or live in a smaller home.
- Once a preserved dress is removed from its airtight box, it must be preserved again to maintain its condition. This can be inconvenient and costly, especially if you only want to inspect or try on the dress occasionally.
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DIY preservation vs. professional preservation
Wedding dress preservation is a special cleaning and packaging process that ensures the garment retains its quality for years or even decades to come. While some brides choose to donate, sell, or repurpose their wedding dresses, others prefer to preserve their dresses as a cherished memory to be passed down to future generations.
DIY Preservation
If you're considering DIY preservation, it's important to follow these steps:
- Have the dress professionally dry-cleaned as soon as possible after the wedding.
- If spot-cleaning, avoid using harsh detergents, bleach, or a hot iron.
- Purchase acid-free paper to wrap the dress in and store it in an archival storage box.
- Replace the storage box and paper every three years.
- Avoid hanging the dress, as it may stretch or warp.
- Do not store the dress in a cedar chest or plastic bag, as these can damage the fabric.
Professional Preservation
Professional preservation is recommended by experts as it offers a more effective and thorough treatment. Here's what to expect:
- An experienced specialist will assess the dress and create a unique treatment plan based on its fabric, stitching, and details.
- Professional cleaners are trained to spot and treat all types of stains, including invisible ones.
- Preservation companies typically offer a lifetime guarantee or an extended guarantee of up to 75 or 100 years.
- The preservation process may involve removing oxygen and replacing it with nitrogen to prevent degradation.
- Professional preservation services can provide peace of mind and ensure the dress is safely stored for future generations.
While DIY preservation can be a more affordable option, professional preservation offers a higher level of expertise and guarantees that provide assurance for such a cherished item. Ultimately, the decision between DIY and professional preservation depends on individual preferences, budgets, and the desired level of expertise.
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Preservation methods
Wedding dress preservation is a special cleaning and packaging process that ensures the garment retains its quality for years to come. It is not a simple process of dry cleaning and putting the dress in a box. Instead, it involves an experienced specialist who creates a unique treatment plan according to the dress fabric, stitching, and details.
Professional Preservation Treatment:
- Send your dress to a preservation specialist: This is the recommended method for effective preservation. Specialists are trained to spot and treat all types of stains, from invisible ones to those caused by red wine or foundation. They will create a customised treatment plan for your dress.
- Choose a reputable company: Opt for companies that have proven, reliable experience with wedding dress preservation, especially if your dress has yellowing or stains. Look for testimonials and before-and-after photos on their website.
- Understand the guarantee: Most companies offer a lifetime guarantee, ranging from 75 to 100 years. However, guarantees typically cover retreatment for new stains or yellowing, not insurance against stains or damage. Read the fine print to understand the specifics of the guarantee.
- Costs: Professional wedding dress cleaning and preservation costs vary depending on the material, embellishments, and soil level of the gown, ranging from $250 to $800.
At-Home Preservation:
- Professional dry cleaning: While not as effective as specialist preservation, you can opt to have your dress professionally dry-cleaned. Ensure the dry cleaner uses a gentle and pure solvent suitable for gowns. Avoid dry cleaners that use standard one-size-fits-all cleaning approaches.
- Spot cleaning: If you intend to spot clean your dress, avoid using harsh detergents, bleach, or a hot iron. Follow specific instructions for different fabrics.
- Wrapping and storage: Purchase acid-free paper to wrap your wedding dress, then seal it in an archival storage box. Replace the storage box and paper every three years. Do not hang your wedding gown as it may stretch or warp. Avoid storing it in plastic bags, cedar chests, attics, or cellars, as these can cause damage.
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Alternatives to preservation
If you're not interested in preserving your wedding dress, there are several alternatives to consider. Here are some options to explore:
Donate or Sell
If you're open to parting with your dress, donating it is a thoughtful option. There are organisations that accept donated wedding dresses and repurpose them into burial gowns for infants or "Angel Gowns" for babies who have passed away. You could also sell your dress, either locally or online, to recoup some of its cost. Keep in mind that to maximise its resale value, it's a good idea to have it professionally cleaned first.
Repurpose
Another option is to repurpose your wedding dress into something new. You could transform it into lingerie, a getting-ready robe, or even cocktail attire. If you're crafty, you might attempt this yourself, or you could enlist the help of a professional seamstress.
Pass It Down
If you're hoping to keep your dress in the family, you might pass it down to your children or grandchildren, either to wear at their own weddings or simply to have as a keepsake. You could also use parts of the dress, such as the veil, in future weddings as a meaningful addition to the ceremony.
Store It
If you're not ready to part with your dress but also don't want to go through the preservation process, you could simply store it. This might involve keeping it in a closet, renting a storage unit, or asking friends or family if they have space to store it for you. However, be mindful that simply storing your dress without proper preservation can lead to yellowing, stains, and fabric deterioration over time.
Display It
If you'd like to admire your dress regularly, consider displaying it in your home. You could have it framed in a shadowbox or simply keep it in a preservation box, which can be easily opened if you ever want to try the dress on again.
Ultimately, the alternative you choose depends on your personal preferences and the significance you attach to the dress. Whether you decide to let it go or keep it close, there are a variety of options to explore beyond preservation.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on your plans for the dress. If you want to keep it as a memento, pass it down to future generations, or resell it, preservation is a good idea. However, if you intend to repurpose the dress or donate it, preservation may not be necessary.
Wedding dress preservation is a professional service that involves assessing, cleaning, repairing, pressing, and packaging the dress to ensure it retains its quality for years.
The cost of wedding dress preservation can vary depending on the gown and location, but it typically ranges from $250 to $700, with prices going as high as $1,000.
It is important to select a reputable company that specialises in wedding dress preservation. Ask questions about their experience, the cleaning process, and whether they offer insurance and tracking for your dress.
Yes, there are some DIY preservation methods you can try at home. These include cleaning the dress, wrapping it in acid-free paper, and storing it in an archival storage box. However, professional preservation is more effective and ensures the dress is properly cared for.
