Wedding Dress Preservation Decoded: Expert Tips You Can’t Afford to Miss
Your wedding dress is more than just a fabric – it is a symbol of love and commitment to your partner. Most brides spend a lot of time and money on their wedding dresses, but once the wedding is over, the gowns end up stored in a closet. This can lead to fabric degradation and yellowing over time.
That is why experts recommend preservation of the wedding dress after your big day. It can help you to:
- Prevent yellowing and discoloration
- Safeguard the sentimental value of your gown
- Wear it again or pass it down to future generations
- Protect the delicate fabric of your gown from sunlight and humidity
However, before you go ahead, it is essential to know a few wedding dress preservation tips. In this guide, we will discuss how to preserve your wedding gown for years to come.
How to Preserve Your Wedding Gown?
The way you care for your wedding gown determines its lifespan. The sooner you opt for wedding dress cleaning and preservation, the better it will be to maintain your gown for years to come.
Inspect Your Dress For Stains
Your wedding dress can accumulate multiple stains during your wedding ceremony, which can take a toll on the delicate fabric. Before storing your wedding gown, it is essential to remove those stains.
Take the time to examine your gown thoroughly and note the different types of stains on it. Look under the hem, around the armpits, neckline, and back for stains.
Since different types of stains require different types of cleaning methods and solvents, it is wise to take professional help to get rid of those stains. Detailed inspection can help you grab the attention of your wedding dress cleaner to the specific area and treat it with extra care.
Find a Reputable Wedding Dress Cleaning and Preservation Company
Not all dry cleaners are created equal. So, when it comes to your wedding gown, you need experts who specialize in wedding dress preservation. Look for companies that:
- Have years of experience dealing with delicate fabrics like silk, lace, tulle, etc.
- Use eco-friendly, gentle solvents to prevent damage.
- Offer a 100-year guarantee against yellowing or staining.
- Provide insurance and safe shipping.
In addition, you can ask for before-and-after photos, read reviews, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. They will answer all your queries before beginning the preservation process.
Keep It Away From Direct Sunlight
Sunlight can significantly damage the delicate fabrics of your gown. In fact, it can fade colors and weaken fibers. So, if you’re keeping it at home, don’t hang it in a sunny room or near a window. Even if it’s in a garment bag, light can still penetrate and cause damage.
And even if your dress is professionally cleaned and preserved, make sure it’s stored in a dark place, away from UV light.
Store in a Humidity and Temperature Controlled Room
Humidity and temperature fluctuations can wreak havoc on fabric. High humidity encourages mold and mildew growth, whereas dry environments can cause fibers to become brittle.
So, the best place to store your preserved gown is in a climate-controlled room, not the attic, basement, or garage. Ideally, choose a location that is consistently cool and dry, like the top shelf of a closet in your main living area.
Don’t Store in a Plastic Bag
Plastic is a big no-no when it comes to long-term wedding dress storage. Plastic bags can trap moisture, which leads to mold, mildew, and yellowing. They can also emit chemicals over time that break down delicate fabric.
So, instead of storing your gown in a plastic bag, get it preserved in an acid-free, archival-quality box. These boxes are designed to prevent light exposure, maintain shape, and protect the gown from environmental contaminants.
| Note: If you want to store the gown before professional preservation, use a 100% cotton garment bag instead of plastic. |
Don’t Hang Your Gown
While it’s okay to hang your dress temporarily, long-term hanging is not ideal, especially for heavy gowns with elaborate beadwork or embellishments. The weight of the fabric can cause stretching or distortion, particularly at the shoulders and seams.
Once cleaned and preserved, your dress should be stored lying flat inside a preservation box. If you do need to hang it for any reason, use a padded hanger and support the weight of the skirt to relieve stress on the bodice.
The Bottom Line
Your wedding gown is more than an outfit – it’s a symbol of a beautiful beginning. Preserving your dress ensures that the memories attached to it remain intact for years, decades, or even generations.
Whether you’re dreaming of a daughter walking down the aisle in your gown or simply want to relive that magical day every time you open the box, proper wedding dress preservation is the key.
