One of the most meaningful items of apparel is the bride’s wedding dress. It represents a new beginning and a promise to one another. Understandably, many brides would like to keep their wedding gowns for the rest of their lives. But what does it even mean to keep a bridal gown preserved?
Preserving a wedding dress is taking measures to keep it in pristine condition for as long as feasible. It entails giving the dress a thorough cleaning and getting rid of any stains or dirt that may have settled into the fabric. The process also involves putting the clothing away in a way that safeguards it from light, humidity, and insects.
Here in the article, we’ll go into the finer points of preserving bridal gowns. We’ll talk about the best ways to clean and store your wedding dress, as well as the many reasons why you should do so. This article is for anyone who has recently gotten married or who has been given a wedding dress as a gift. Let’s get started now on the path to protecting your beautiful wedding gown!
What Does It Mean To Preserve A Wedding Dress?
To retain and enjoy a wedding dress for many years to come, it is important to take measures to protect and maintain its original condition. Cleaning, mending, and storing a wedding dress in a way that prevents damage or degradation are the three main components of wedding dress preservation.
Cleaning the clothing is the first step in preserving it for future use. Dresses should be properly cleaned as soon as possible after the wedding, even if they look to be clean. This is useful for cleaning out any traces of the wedding day’s dirt, sweat, makeup, or other items that may have gathered on the dress.
Repairing any holes or rips in the dress is the next stage. Patching minor holes, reattaching buttons or beads, and mending loose threads all fall under this category. Any damage to the garment should be repaired before it is stored away, or else it will just become worse.
Finally, the dress is put away in a way that will prevent it from being damaged by the elements. The garment can be protected against yellowing and discolouration by being stored in a pH-neutral, acid-free box or by being wrapped in acid-free tissue paper. Pests, wetness, and direct sunshine are all bad for the dress and should be avoided in the storage space.
You can keep your wedding gown in pristine shape for decades by following these instructions. It’s also a great method to preserve and share a treasured family heirloom for years to come.
Wedding Dress Care And Maintenance
If you want your wedding dress to look beautiful for years to come, proper care and maintenance are a must. To help you maintain your dress’s stunning appearance, consider the following advice:
Handle With Care
Handling your wedding dress with care is essential to prevent damage to the delicate fabric and intricate details. Here are some tips for handling your dress:
- Wash your hands: Before handling your dress, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to remove any oils, dirt, or lotions that can transfer onto the fabric.
- Lift from the bottom: When lifting your dress, always hold it from the bottom to avoid pulling or stretching the fabric. Don’t grab it by the bodice or sleeves.
- Be gentle: Be gentle when handling your dress and avoid rubbing, pulling, or tugging on the fabric. If you need to adjust it, do so with a light touch.
- Avoid sharp objects: Keep sharp objects such as jewellery, pins, or scissors away from your dress to avoid snagging or tearing the fabric.
- Store properly: When not in use, store your dress in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture. Use an acid-free, pH-neutral storage dress box or hang it on a padded hanger to maintain its shape.
Store Properly
Storing your wedding dress properly is crucial to ensure its longevity and prevent damage to the delicate fabric and intricate details. Here are some tips for storing your dress:
- Clean and dry: Before storing your dress, make sure it’s completely clean and dry. Any stains or dirt left on the fabric can become more difficult to remove over time and may cause discolouration or damage.
- Choose the right container: Choose a storage container that is large enough to hold your dress without compressing or crushing it. An acid-free, pH-neutral storage box or bag is recommended to prevent yellowing and discolouration over time.
- Avoid sunlight and moisture: Store your dress in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Sunlight can cause fading and discolouration, while moisture can promote mould and mildew growth.
- Avoid hanging for extended periods: Hanging your dress on a padded hanger is a great way to prevent wrinkles, but avoid hanging it for extended periods, as this can cause stretching or sagging in the fabric.
- Check on it regularly: Check on your dress periodically to make sure it’s still in good condition. If you notice any issues, such as discolouration or wrinkles, take it to a professional cleaner or preservationist for assistance.
Clean And Preserve
Cleaning and preserving your wedding dress is crucial to maintain its beauty and quality over time. Here are some tips for cleaning and preserving your dress:
- Choose a reputable cleaner: Before getting your dress cleaned, do some research and choose a reputable cleaner who specializes in wedding dresses. Make sure they have experience handling delicate fabrics and intricate details.
- Clean promptly: It’s best to get your dress cleaned as soon as possible after the wedding to prevent stains from setting in and becoming more difficult to remove. Even if you don’t see any visible stains, there may be sweat, oil, or dirt on the fabric that can cause discolouration over time.
- Preserve the dress: After cleaning, consider having your dress professionally preserved. This involves placing the dress in an acid-free, pH-neutral storage box or bag, along with acid-free tissue paper to help maintain its shape and prevent yellowing over time.
- Store properly: Store your preserved dress in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid hanging it for extended periods, as this can cause stretching or sagging in the fabric.
- Handle with care: When handling your dress, be gentle and avoid tugging, pulling, or rubbing the fabric. Wash your hands before touching the dress to prevent transferring oils or dirt onto the fabric.
Avoid Perfumes And Sprays
It’s important to avoid using perfumes, hairsprays, or other sprays around your wedding dress, as these products can contain chemicals that can damage the delicate fabric and discolour it over time. Here are some tips for avoiding perfumes and sprays:
- Avoid using perfumes and sprays on your wedding day: On your wedding day, try to avoid using any perfumes, hairsprays, or other sprays near your dress. If you do use these products, make sure they’re fully dry before putting on your dress.
- Apply products before getting dressed: If you need to use any sprays or products, apply them before putting on your dress to avoid getting them on the fabric.
- Cover your dress when using sprays: If you must use a spray near your dress, cover it with a protective cloth or towel to prevent any overspray from getting on the fabric.
- Wash your hands: Before touching your dress, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to remove any oils or residue from perfumes or sprays.
Don’t Try To Fix It Yourself
If your wedding dress becomes damaged, it’s important to resist the temptation to try to fix it yourself. Attempting to fix a tear, stain, or other damage on your own can often lead to further damage or make the problem worse. Here are some reasons why you should avoid trying to fix your dress yourself:
- Lack of expertise: Without the proper knowledge and expertise, attempting to fix your dress yourself can often result in further damage. Wedding dresses are often made from delicate fabrics and intricate details, which require specialized knowledge and tools to repair.
- Risk of further damage: Attempting to fix a problem on your own can often lead to further damage, such as making a tear worse or causing a stain to set in further.
- Voided warranty: If your wedding dress comes with a warranty or guarantee, attempting to fix it yourself may void the warranty and leave you responsible for any future damage.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Extreme temperatures can be damaging to your wedding dress, as they can cause the fabric to become brittle, fade, or discolour over time. Here are some tips for avoiding extreme temperatures:
- Store your dress in a cool, dry place: It’s important to store your wedding dress in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Avoid storing your dress in an attic or basement, as these areas can be prone to temperature fluctuations.
- Transport your dress in a climate-controlled vehicle: If you need to transport your wedding dress, make sure to do so in a climate-controlled vehicle to avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures.
- Avoid leaving your dress in a hot car: Leaving your wedding dress in a hot car, especially during the summer months, can cause the fabric to become damaged or discoloured. If you need to transport your dress in a car, make sure to keep it in a protective garment bag and avoid leaving it in the car for extended periods.
- Be mindful of where you store your dress: If you’re storing your dress at home, make sure to keep it away from any areas that may be prone to temperature fluctuations, such as near a window or heating vent.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that your wedding dress will hold a particular place in your heart and memories. Careful handling, correct storage, regular cleaning and preservation, protection from perfumes and sprays, and protection from excessive temperatures will keep it looking great for years to come. With these precautions, you can keep your wedding gown in pristine condition for years to come. Feel free to consult a professional wedding dress cleaner or preservationist if you have any questions or concerns about maintaining the integrity of your dress.