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One of the most important factors in both dreaming about a wedding and planning it (for the bride at least), is the wedding dress.
Something many brides forget to plan for though, is how they are going to preserve their dress once the wedding is over. So the question today is, how do you preserve a wedding dress?
This is something many brides don't think about until after the wedding but you are definitely going to want to factor wedding dress preservation in to your wedding planning book.
To preserve a wedding dress, you need to have it properly cleaned to remove any stains that may lead to discoloration, mold or mildew over time, and then placed into a box with acid free tissue paper or simply acid free paper to prevent yellowing of the material.
We will be sure to list where to buy wedding dress preservation boxes below.
Let's get into the details of how to properly preserve your wedding gown.
As a bride, you probably want to keep your wedding gown in the best condition possible for years, as a keepsake from your special day, but there are some important things you need to know about when it comes to preserving your wedding dress.
If you want to find out how to do this, and what you need to know, here’s everything!
In this article we are going to talk about
One of the first things to note is that it’s important that to clean your wedding dress properly and appropriately if you’re hoping to hold onto it for years to come.
Most wedding gowns are designed, decorated and created very intricately and delicately, so they can’t just be thrown in the wash like any other dress.
Wedding gown preservation begins as soon as you take it off. Don't just throw it in a pile somewhere, care needs to be taken immediately if you want it in wedding day condition for years to come.
You can preserve your cherished wedding dress in various different ways, and the way you choose may depend on various preferences, particularly your budget.
One of the first options in wedding dress cleaning is to take it to a dry cleaners or other professional cleaning service who specializes in wedding dresses and have them remove any of the tiny, seemingly invisible stains for you.
This wedding dress cleaning step is very important for wedding gown preservation, as some of the stains that you may not have noticed on your dress can develop into worse, much more noticeable stains over time.
Also, sugars or other substances can turn brown with age and this is something you’ll obviously want to avoid.
Of course, you can try to clean your wedding gown yourself, and you may want to as it will feel sentimental. Although, if you choose a cleaning agent that is too harsh, you may discolor parts of your dress, and if there are any stains you miss, they could foster bacterial growth and further discoloration.
You may save money by trying to clean your own wedding dress, but is it worth the risk? This is up to you.
We highly recommend hiring wedding gown specialists or cleaners and having your wedding dress cleaned by them to preserve your wedding dress and the memories of your day.
By hiring a professional cleaning service to carry out the entire cleaning process for you you will have successfully taken the first step in preserving your wedding dress.
The second step of wedding dress preservation is a proper storage box.
For your wedding gown preservation, it is best to use a preservation box or go with a wedding dress preservation service.
If you are doing your own diy wedding dress preservation using a preservation box, you can rest assured you are using the best option for long-term storage; it really shouldn't go in anything else.
When using a wedding dress preservation box, you’ll need to pad out certain areas such as the chest and the sleeves using tissue paper or muslin cloth, making sure that this is white to prevent staining or color transfer, and also place some of the tissue or cloth between every fold to minimize any creasing.
Finish by putting in some silica desiccant packets into the box to prevent excess humidity and store the box in somewhere away from direct light and humidity, such as under the bed. Avoid areas such as the attic or garage as these can get damp, causing mold and mildew on your dress.
Check up on your gown every two to three years at least, making sure there is no creasing occurring and re-fold it every time you get it out to prevent permanent creases from appearing.
If you want to know what the BEST wedding dress preservation boxes are, we featured a trusted company who makes wedding gown memory boxes by hand and has been making them for 30 years.
These boxes are made to preserve the color and integrity of your wedding dress and are so beautiful, have been featured in tv and film, such as Downton Abbey.
See the best wedding dress preservation boxes here
Your wedding is probably one of the most important days of your life, and it’s a day you’ll remember for years, so it’s not a surprise that we spend so much time thinking about it and planning it. Make sure that you take time to prepare to preserve your wedding memories and properly store your wedding dress.
A properly cleaned and preserved wedding gown will be able to be passed down through generations.
To preserve your wedding dress, start by having it professionally cleaned by a reputable wedding dress preservation specialist. Then, store it in a cool, dry place, preferably in a acid-free and archival-quality box. Avoid plastic bags or boxes, as they can trap moisture and promote yellowing or mold growth. We highly recommend a professional wedding dress preservation box.
The cost of wedding dress preservation varies depending on factors such as location, the complexity of the dress, and additional services like repairs or alterations. On average, you can expect to pay between $200 and $500 for professional wedding dress preservation.
With proper care and storage, a wedding dress can be preserved for many years, even decades. High-quality preservation techniques can help prevent discoloration, deterioration, and damage to the fabric, allowing your dress to remain in excellent condition for future generations.
If your wedding dress has stains or spills, it's important not to attempt to remove them yourself. Instead, take it to a professional wedding dress cleaner who specializes in stain removal. They have the knowledge and tools to safely treat different types of stains without causing further damage to the dress.
Yes, a professional wedding dress preservation specialist can handle dresses with intricate beadwork or embroidery. They have experience working with delicate fabrics and embellishments, ensuring that your dress is cleaned and stored properly without compromising its intricate details.
It's generally recommended not to remove your wedding dress from its garment bag too often. The more you handle the dress, the higher the risk of accidentally causing damage or introducing dirt or moisture. However, it's a good idea to inspect the dress periodically for any signs of damage or discoloration.
While the primary purpose of wedding dress preservation is to safeguard the dress's condition for sentimental or heirloom purposes, some people do choose to reuse their preserved dresses.
Store your preserved wedding dress in a cool, dry, and dark location, such as a closet or under the bed. Avoid basements, attics, or areas prone to extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations. Use an acid-free, archival-quality preservation box or garment bag to protect the dress from light, dust, and pests.
We hope you found this article informative and helpful!
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