Brides today have multiple options regarding what to do with their wedding gowns after the big day. Some donate or sell their gowns, while others rework them as lingerie or cocktail clothing. Not to mention those who “destroy it” with a colour-bomb-filled photoshoot. Many brides, on the other hand, desire to keep that outfit that conveys so much love, happiness, and celebration.
How to Keep a Wedding Dress
Once your gown has been cleaned and is ready for storage, it must be properly packed to ensure its lifespan. The best place to keep your gown is in an acid-free box or container designed exclusively for bridal gown preservation. The wedding dress preservation box should be large enough to fold the gown once or twice and have enough for any accessories, such as a veil or gloves.
Wrap the gown in acid-free tissue paper before packaging it to help prevent it from creases and folds. To help the gown hold its shape, fill the bodice with tissue paper. When storing the gown, any accessories, like a veil or gloves, should be wrapped in acid-free tissue paper.
It is critical to keep the gown in a dry, cool spot away from sunshine and humidity. Avoid storing the gown in an attic or cellar, where it could be subjected to high temperatures and moisture. A wardrobe or spare bedroom is an excellent choice.
Finally, check your gown every few years to ensure it is still in good condition. If you see any fading or discoloration on the gown, it may be time to get it professionally cleaned again.
Your wedding dress can be preserved as a prized family heirloom for future generations by taking the time to clean and store it properly.
Wedding Dress Preservation Ideas and Suggestions
If you intend to pack the accessories and dress yourself for storage, make sure each part is neat and thoroughly dry prior to preservation. Accessories with embellishments, metal buttons or artificial gems, such as a belt or headband, must be kept solely from the material of fabric to avoid unintentional tarnishing damage. The same is true for leather products like shoes and purses.
All dresses, whether they are Beach Wedding Dress, Sakura Wedding Dress, Boho Wedding Dress, or Scoop Neck styles, should be stored flat in an appropriate container whenever at all possible. Garments left holding can get distorted and expand tears and rips because of the strain on the seams. Unless it’s a preservation box labelled for archival box, never use an ordinary cardboard box. These are acid-free papers that are completely secure to utilize. Purchase the huge size required as the low moulds in the dress, the low likely fibre damage from creases.
If you can’t search archival storage boxes or are worried about the box getting destroyed, buy a plastic storage box. To keep your fabric mementos safe, the box must be manufactured of cast polypropylene. Yellowing can also be caused by other forms of plastic. Never put a wedding gown in a plastic bag provided by a dry cleaner. If you intend to hang the dress, use a white, 100 percent cotton garment bag or construct one from a white cotton bed sheet.
Also, archival tissue paper must be purchased. It must be designated as acid-free as well as lignin-free. Lignin is a chemical component found in wood that causes clothes to yellow. To soften folds, wrap specific pieces, and stuff sleeves and headpieces so they don’t get crushed, you’ll need tissue.
Wash and dry your hands before you begin. No lotions or creams that may discolor the pieces should be used. Simply put on clean white cotton gloves for the finest results. Begin by lightly filling the dress’s shoulders and bust with acid-free tissue paper to help it keep its shape.
The gown should then be placed into the box or container on a layer of tissue. To minimize significant creasing, make sure there is enough of tissue cushioning each fold. If you have a helper who can hold the dress while you cushion each fold, the job will be much easier.
Steps should be repeated for each accessory, including the veil. Don’t overfill the storage box. Heavy items, such as belts and shoes, should be stored in smaller wedding dress preservation boxes.
For storage, select a dark, cold, and dry location. Avoid places with high temperatures, such as attics, basements, and garages. The optimum location is an internal room away from exterior walls and potentially bursting pipes, and off the floor and away from pets.
At least once a year, inspect your wedding treasures. Check for any stains that may form and treat them as soon as possible. The sooner you catch stains, the greater your chances of removing them. After checking, fold the goods somewhat differently and cushion with tissue to minimize wrinkles and stress to the items.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long should you keep your wedding gown?
The faster you can get your wedding gown washed and delivered to a preservationist, the ideal.
- How long does it take to preserve a wedding gown?
It is not unusual to come across a lifetime or, at most, a 100-year guarantee.
3. How does it take to maintain your wedding gown in good condition?
The full procedure can take between 4 and 10 weeks.