Deborah Chan
Wedding dresses are often packed with memories and emotions, and many brides want to preserve their dress after their wedding day. Proper storage is essential to keep the dress in good condition. This can include professional cleaning and preservation services, which use museum-quality techniques and materials to protect the dress from ageing factors such as light, humidity, and insects. Professional preservation services can also include minor repairs. It is important to get a clear picture of the cleaning process and to find a dry cleaner that uses a gentle and pure solvent. Some brides opt for standard dry cleaning and then store their dresses in a box with acid-free tissue paper, avoiding plastic covers or cardboard boxes, which can trap moisture and cause discolouration.
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What You'll Learn
Professional cleaning and preservation services
Wedding dresses are often made from delicate fabrics and materials, such as silk, satin, and lace, and may feature intricate beading, sequins, and other embellishments. As such, it is important to have them professionally cleaned and preserved to ensure their longevity.
Professional preservation services involve cleaning, treating, and packaging the dress using museum-quality techniques and materials. Firstly, a specialist will survey the gown, assessing the materials, embellishments, and stains. They will then formulate a specialised cleaning procedure, creating a unique treatment plan for each type of stain and fabric.
For example, certain fabrics, such as chiffon and organza, should only be dry-cleaned, whereas tulle should be hand-washed using warm water and soap flakes or gentle soap. Similarly, lace should be hand-washed in cold water with a high-quality gentle soap and soaked for 30 minutes before being laid flat to dry.
After cleaning, the gown is wrapped in acid-free tissue paper, which prevents any beads, sequins, or embroidery from snagging or scratching the fabric, and placed in a museum-quality archival box for storage. This process ensures the dress is protected from sunlight, oxidation, and other elements that can cause damage, such as pests, moisture, and mould.
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Storage boxes and tissue paper
Wedding dresses are often made from delicate fabrics and materials, so it's important to take extra care when storing them for long periods. While some people choose to donate or sell their wedding dresses, others may want to preserve them as keepsakes. If you're looking to store your wedding dress, using storage boxes and tissue paper is a great option. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this effectively:
Choosing the Right Storage Box
Avoid using plastic dress covers or regular cardboard boxes for long-term storage. Plastic can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to mould or mildew growth. Regular cardboard boxes often contain acid that can pass into the dress fabric, causing discolouration and yellowing. Instead, opt for a specialised storage box designed for preserving wedding dresses. These boxes are typically made from acid-free, lignin-free materials, which provide a breathable environment to maintain the dress's quality. Acid-free storage boxes resist dust, dirt, and light infiltration, ensuring your dress stays protected from external factors.
Preparing the Dress for Storage
Before placing your dress in the storage box, it is crucial to have it professionally cleaned. This will remove any stains or contaminants from the wedding day, such as spills, grass stains, or perfume. Make sure to choose a dry cleaner who specialises in wedding dress preservation, as they will create a unique treatment plan for your dress's specific fabric and details. After cleaning, loosely fold the dress, avoiding sharp creases, especially in delicate areas. You can also stuff the sleeves and bodice with acid-free tissue paper to help retain the shape and prevent creases.
Using Tissue Paper
Acid-free tissue paper is essential when storing your wedding dress. It helps to cushion and protect the dress during storage, preventing any beads, sequins, or embroidery from snagging or scratching the fabric. Wrap the entire surface of the dress in acid-free tissue paper, ensuring no part of the dress is exposed. Avoid using coloured tissue paper, especially black tissue paper, as it can transfer colour to the dress over time.
Storage Location
The location of your stored wedding dress is crucial for its preservation. Choose a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or a guest room, to keep your dress safe from extreme temperatures and discolouration. Avoid storing it near heat sources, excessive moisture, or direct sunlight. Additionally, keep the dress away from cooking or smoking odours, as these can permeate the fabric over time. It's also important to check on your dress regularly, even during long-term storage.
By following these instructions and utilising storage boxes and acid-free tissue paper, you can effectively preserve your wedding dress for years to come. However, it is important to note that professional preservation treatments are the most effective method for long-term preservation.
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Stain removal
Wedding dresses are often made from delicate fabrics such as lace, silk, and satin, and may be adorned with intricate beading or embroidery. As such, it is important to be mindful of the different types of stains and how to treat them, as well as the specific fabric and details of your dress.
Dirt and Grass Stains
If your wedding dress has been lightly soiled with dirt, you can try rubbing the spot with a dry towel or lightly brushing it with a damp cloth. For grass stains, it is best to leave them alone, as they usually occur at the bottom of the dress and are unlikely to be noticed. However, if you wish to remove the stain, it is recommended to consult a professional cleaner after the wedding, as attempting to remove the stain yourself may stretch and affect the hem and length of the dress.
Grease Stains
For grease stains, create a solution of equal parts dish soap and white vinegar. Place a white towel or absorbent cloth under the fabric, and lightly tap on the stain with a Q-tip or rag dipped in the solution. This will push the stain through to the cloth underneath.
Makeup Stains
Makeup stains, such as lipstick and foundation, can be tricky to remove, especially if they are permanent. It is recommended to test removal solutions before the wedding and to avoid applying lipstick while wearing the gown. If you get makeup on your dress, try dabbing or brushing it lightly with a damp cloth or makeup remover. For mascara stains, use a Q-tip dipped in eye makeup remover and apply a light touch.
Beverage and Food Stains
For spills of fruit juice, tea, cola, liquor, or wine, immediately flush the stain with a solution of three parts water and one part dish soap. If the residue persists, apply a solution of equal parts water and bleach. Remember to separate the layers of the dress while removing the stain. If the dress is made of silk, it is best to consult a professional dry cleaner.
General Tips
- Baking soda can be used to clean spills on lace dresses. Dampen the spot, apply baking soda for at least five minutes, then rinse with cold water. Add warm water to the spot and allow it to soak before adding a drop of clear dish detergent.
- Avoid using harsh detergents, bleach, or a hot iron on your wedding dress, especially if it is made of delicate fabrics such as lace or silk.
- If you are unable to remove a stain completely, consider using safety pins, double-sided tape, or strategically placed veils or trains to hide the stain.
- Consult the designer or boutique from which you purchased the gown for specific cleaning instructions.
- For peace of mind, consider using a professional wedding dress cleaning and preservation service.
Remember, it is always best to test any stain removal methods on a small, inconspicuous area of the dress before applying them to the entire garment.
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Displaying the dress as decor
Displaying your wedding dress as decor is a great way to relive the memories of your special day. Here are some ideas to showcase your wedding dress as a decorative piece:
Framing
Framing your wedding dress allows you to transform it into a stunning art piece. Companies like The Beautiful Frame Company and Outrageous Framing specialize in framing wedding gowns, preserving them for years to come. You can hang it on your wall, creating a sentimental reminder that you can admire every day.
Display Cases
Display cases offer a sophisticated way to showcase your wedding dress. Consider a custom-lit, black-framed glass display case, which can be mounted over a dresser or in a closet. Alternatively, a full-sized shadow box can elegantly encase your dress, perhaps accented with a mirrored wall or flanked by display cabinets for a striking visual effect.
Built-in Shelves
If you have a spacious walk-in closet, built-in modular shelves can provide the perfect setting for your wedding dress display. Recessed lighting and stainless steel clothing rails can further enhance the presentation, creating a luxurious and well-illuminated showcase for your gown.
Creative Decor Ideas
Think outside the box by incorporating your wedding dress into unique decor pieces. For instance, you can repurpose parts of your dress, such as the fabric or lace, to create decorative throw pillows or even a stylish rug. Another idea is to display your dress alongside complementary design elements, such as a Moroccan wedding blanket, to create a cohesive and visually appealing space.
Remember, while displaying your wedding dress as decor is a beautiful idea, it's essential to prioritize preservation. Consult professional preservationists and cleaners to ensure your dress remains in pristine condition, especially if you intend to pass it down to future generations.
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Selling, donating, or passing down the dress
If you're planning to sell, donate, or pass down your wedding dress, proper preservation is essential to maintain the gown's beauty and integrity for years to come. Here are some detailed tips to help you with the process:
Cleaning and Inspection
Before selling or donating your wedding dress, it is highly recommended to have it professionally cleaned. Invisible stains from sweat, body oils, or spills can develop over time, causing yellowing or fabric deterioration. A professional cleaner will be able to remove these stains and ensure your dress is in pristine condition, making it more appealing to potential buyers or donation centres.
Additionally, it is important to inspect the dress for any loose threads, missing buttons, torn lace, or unstitched seams. Addressing these issues beforehand will help prevent further damage and increase the resale value or donation prospects.
Photography
If you plan to sell your dress online, clear and well-lit photos are essential for attracting buyers. Include close-up shots of details like lacework, beadwork, and fabric texture, as well as front, back, and side views. Consider including photos from your wedding day so buyers can see how the dress looks when worn.
Storage
Proper storage is crucial to preserve your wedding dress, especially if you intend to pass it down to future generations. Avoid using plastic bags or cardboard boxes for long-term storage, as they can trap moisture and cause damage. Instead, opt for acid-free tissue paper and store your dress in a cool, dark place away from humidity, such as a closet or under your bed. You can also consider using a cloth garment bag or an acid-free storage box designed specifically for preserving wedding dresses.
Donation Options
If you choose to donate your wedding dress, you can give another bride the opportunity to wear it and create special memories. Look for charities, thrift stores, or organisations that provide dresses for brides in need, such as Brides for a Cause, which helps raise money for women-focused nonprofit organisations. Donating your dress is not only a heartfelt gesture but also helps cut down on textile waste and frees up storage space.
In summary, whether you're selling, donating, or passing down your wedding dress, proper cleaning, inspection, storage, and choosing a suitable donation centre are key steps to ensure its preservation and give it a second life.
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding dress preservation involves cleaning, treating, and packaging your dress using museum-quality techniques and materials. This process ensures that your dress is protected against ageing factors such as light, humidity, and insects. It's important to get your dress professionally cleaned as soon as possible after wearing it, as not all stains are visible, but they can turn brown or yellow over time.
Avoid using plastic dress covers or regular cardboard boxes, as they can trap moisture and bacteria in the dress and lead to mould or mildew growth. Instead, use acid-free tissue paper and store your dress in a breathable environment, such as an acid-free, lignin-free wedding dress storage box.
First, fold the dress in half at the waist with the bodice on top. Measure the width, length and height of the dress while folded to determine the best size box for your gown. Line the bottom of the box with tissue paper, leaving a bit hanging over the edges. Lay the dress in the box facing down with the skirt centred. Pad the inside of the skirt with tissue paper to provide support.
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. Try to also keep your wedding dress away from any cooking or smoking odours, as they can permeate the fabric over time.
