Junior Rasmussen
Wedding dresses are often preserved and stored in boxes to protect them from damage and keep them in good condition. There are several companies that offer wedding dress preservation services, including Happily Ever After Preservation and UOVO, which provide cleaning, preservation, and storage services for wedding gowns. These services use archival-quality materials that protect the dress from ultraviolet rays, acid, dust, dirt, and light infiltration. When storing a wedding dress box at home, it is recommended to keep it in a cool, dark place with relative humidity at 50 percent. Additionally, proper techniques should be followed when placing the dress in the box, such as folding the dress carefully and using tissue paper for padding and protection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To preserve the beauty of your wedding dress beyond the wedding day |
| Cleaning | It is recommended to have your dress professionally cleaned as soon as possible after your wedding |
| Storage | Store in a cool, dark place with relative humidity at 50%. Avoid attics, basements, or garages. |
| Box type | Choose a box that is large enough for your dress, with acid-free, archival-quality materials that resist dust, dirt, and light infiltration. |
| Display | Avoid displaying your box in direct sunlight, as this can fade your dress over time. |
| Handling | Avoid opening your box and handling your dress, as oxygen is the enemy of clothing kept for long periods. |
| Accessories | You may wish to purchase a memory box for accessories such as your veil, jewellery, gloves, or garter. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a box size
Additionally, some boxes are designed for specific dress lengths. For example, the Traditional Standard box is suitable for most styles of wedding dress, including those with long trains, while the Prom Dress Box is ideal for dresses with a slim silhouette and a flare at the bottom or a long train.
When choosing a box, it is important to consider the materials used. Archival-quality boxes are constructed from acid-free, durable materials that resist dust, dirt, and light infiltration to protect your dress from discolouration and damage.
Finally, consider the storage space you have available. While it may be tempting to display your dress box in a prominent place, direct sunlight can fade your dress, even through the box window. Instead, choose a cool, dark place with relative humidity, such as under your bed or in your closet.
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Preparing the dress
Cleaning
Firstly, have your dress professionally cleaned as soon as possible after your wedding. Professional cleaners will carefully examine your dress for stains, both visible and hidden, and use appropriate cleaning solutions to remove them without damaging the delicate fabric. They will also ensure your dress is in pristine condition, free of any dirt, spills, or rips that could lead to fabric deterioration and permanent stains over time.
Materials for Storage
When preparing your dress for boxing, always use acid-free tissue paper. Acid-free tissue paper will help cushion and protect your dress during storage. It prevents any beads, sequins, or embroidery from snagging or scratching the fabric. Additionally, avoid using any coloured tissue paper, as the dye can transfer onto the dress. Only use white tissue paper to wrap your dress before placing it in the box.
Folding
Before placing your dress in the box, it's important to fold it properly. Firstly, make sure to fold it loosely to avoid creasing or damaging delicate fabrics. Fold the top of the dress inside, keeping the bottom half or train of the dress on the outside. Be extremely careful to avoid sharp folds, especially in delicate areas.
Choosing a Box
Selecting the right box is essential for preserving your wedding dress. Avoid using plastic dress covers or regular cardboard boxes, as they can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to mould or mildew growth. Instead, choose a sturdy, high-quality storage box that is acid-free and lignin-free. Acid-free boxes are designed to protect your dress from dust, light infiltration, and discolouration. They provide a breathable environment that maintains the wedding dress's quality over time.
Storage Location
Finally, choosing the right storage location is vital. Avoid attics, basements, and regular closets, as they may not provide the proper climate control. Instead, opt for a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a guest room or under your bed. Ensure the space has relative humidity at around 50 percent. Additionally, keep your dress away from heat sources, excessive moisture, direct sunlight, and odours from cooking or smoking, as these can permeate the fabric over time.
Remember, it's essential to check on your dress regularly to ensure its condition and that the storage location remains optimal.
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Folding the dress
Folding a wedding dress requires careful attention to detail to preserve the garment. Firstly, it is important to note that folding a wedding dress is not recommended for long-term storage, as oxygen is the "enemy of clothing kept over a long period of time". Sealed boxes are designed to keep air out, preventing oxidation, which can cause yellowing, discolouration, and other types of damage.
However, folding a wedding dress is necessary for travel, whether for a destination wedding or for transporting the dress to the ceremony venue. It is recommended to use a garment bag to protect the dress during travel. Before folding the dress, ensure that the bag is secure and that it has hanger straps. Loop the hanger straps around the clothing hanger multiple times to bear the weight of the dress, and use the loop underneath the train to hang it on the hanger, distributing the weight evenly.
When folding the dress, always keep it on its hanger. Place the top of the dress inside the bag, pulling the top of the hanger through the opening. Keep the bottom half and train of the dress outside the bag for now.
Next, carefully fold the right and left sides of the bottom of the dress towards the waistline in the centre. Then, slowly roll up the train, ensuring the folds stay in place. Continue rolling until the train fits comfortably in the garment bag. Zip up the bag slowly, running your finger along the inside of the zipper to avoid snagging the fabric.
Finally, avoid placing the folded dress in a suitcase. Instead, carry it on an airplane or hang it in the car. If folding the garment bag into a suitcase is necessary, fold it in half or in a trifold, keeping the folds loose to avoid creases.
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Padding the dress
When it comes to storing a wedding dress, it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure its preservation. One crucial aspect of this process is properly padding the dress to maintain its shape and structure. Here are some detailed instructions on how to pad your wedding dress before placing it in storage:
Preparing the Dress
Start by having your wedding dress professionally dry-cleaned as soon as possible after wearing it. Not all stains are visible, but they can turn brown or yellow over time, so it is important to address them promptly. When choosing a dry cleaner, ask for recommendations and read reviews to ensure they are reputable. Work closely with the dry cleaner to inspect the dress for any stains, and request fresh or filtered solvents for the cleaning process.
Choosing the Right Materials
Once your dress is clean and dry, it's time to gather the appropriate materials for padding. Acid-free tissue paper is highly recommended for padding and protecting your dress during storage. Avoid using any form of coloured tissue paper, as it may contain dyes that can transfer onto the dress. The acid-free tissue paper will help prevent creases and protect the fabric of your wedding dress.
Padding the Skirt and Train
Lay the dress in the box facing down, with the skirt centred. If your dress has a train, pad it first and then fold the skirt up over the train. Place tissue paper inside the skirt to provide support and padding. If the skirt has tulle layers, carefully place tissue between each layer to separate them and prevent snagging from beads, pearls, or sequins. Use tissue paper wherever fabric encounters other fabric to avoid snags. Once you're done, place a final layer of tissue on top of the skirt.
Padding the Sleeves and Bodice
If your dress has sleeves, gently roll the tissue paper and slide it into each sleeve. For the bodice, use crinkled tissue paper to pad and maintain its shape. Gently fold the bodice over the skirt, and add more tissue if needed, especially if there are intricate details close to the bodice. Finish by adding another layer of tissue over the top of the bodice for extra protection.
Storage Considerations
After your dress is carefully padded and boxed, it's important to consider the storage location. Avoid attics, basements, or garages, as these areas can have fluctuating temperatures, high humidity, and critters that may damage your dress. Instead, choose a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or a guest room. Ensure the area is away from heat sources, excessive moisture, and direct sunlight, as extreme temperatures can cause damage and discolouration. Regularly check on your dress to ensure its preservation.
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Storing the box
Storing your wedding dress in a box is a great way to preserve it for future use or sentimental reasons. Firstly, it is important to have your dress professionally cleaned, as soon after your wedding as possible. This will ensure any stains, rips, or dirt are removed before storing.
When it comes to the box itself, you will want to ensure it is archival quality. Archival-quality boxes are permanent, durable, and chemically stable, protecting the dress from ultraviolet rays and acid from sources such as skin, wood, and wood-based products. You will also want to ensure the box is the correct size for your dress. Measure the width, length, and height of the folded dress, and if there is a train, fold this under the skirt before measuring.
When packing the dress into the box, line the bottom with unbuffered tissue paper, leaving a little hanging over the edges. Place the dress in the box facing down, with the skirt centred and the bodice face-down over the edge of the box. Pad the inside of the skirt with tissue paper to provide support, and if there are tulle layers, place tissue between each layer. If the dress has puffed up higher than the box, gently press down to expel some of the trapped air. Finally, place the lid on the box and clearly label it.
Now you have your boxed dress, you will want to store it in a cool, dark place with relative humidity at 50%. Avoid attics, basements, or garages, as these are prone to fluctuating temperatures and humidity, and may attract pests. A good option is to store the box in a climate-controlled storage unit.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to box your wedding dress is to have it professionally cleaned and preserved. You can then place it in an archival garment storage box, which is constructed from acid-free materials that resist dust, dirt, and light infiltration.
First, measure the width, length, and height of the dress while folded to determine the best size box for your gown. If the dress has a train, fold it under the skirt before measuring. Next, line the bottom of the box with tissue paper and lay the dress in the box facing down with the skirt centred. Gently fold up the bodice over the skirt and add tissue to pad out the bodice and maintain its shape. Finally, add another layer of tissue over the top of the bodice and, if necessary, gently press down on the dress to expel some of the trapped air.
It is best to store your boxed wedding dress in a cool, dark place with relative humidity at 50%. Avoid attics, basements, or garages, as these are often home to pests and have fluctuating temperatures and humidity.
The size of the box you need will depend on the size and style of your dress. Most wedding dress boxes are designed for slim dresses with a flare at the bottom or long trains. However, if your dress has an exceptionally large skirt, you may need to order a custom box.
There are several companies that offer wedding dress boxes, including Happily Ever After Preservation, UOVO, and The Empty Box Company. These companies offer a range of box sizes and styles to suit different types of wedding dresses.
