After the big day has finally come and gone, wedding dress preservation may be the last thing on your mind. If you’re like many brides, you will simply hang your dress up back in the closet and forget all about it. Who can blame you? Even though it’s likely the most expensive piece of clothing you’ve ever purchased, you probably aren’t planning to wear it ever again.
Whatever your intentions are at this moment, it’s nice to have options. You may decide you want to pass your gown down to a family member or sell it to another new bride. Imagine the disappointment when you pull out your cherished gown only to see that it’s been ruined by years of improper storage. Avoiding these top five wedding dress preservation mistakes will help ensure this doesn’t happen to you.
Mistake #1: Failing to Have Your Gown Properly Cleaned
Even if you were lucky enough to avoid getting any noticeable stains on your dress, there will still be invisible stains lurking on the fabric. After a long day and night of photo shoots, hugging relatives, and busting a move on the dance floor, you’re bound to have some perspiration and perfume on your gown. If not cleaned properly, these marks will show up later in the form of yellowing and deteriorating fabric. Clean your dress as soon as possible to reduce the chance of stains setting in. Experts recommend cleaning your wedding gown within 30 days after the wedding. If you are heading off on your honeymoon right away, consider putting this on the list of things your bridesmaids can help you with.
Mistake #2: Trying to Clean Your Dress Yourself
Wedding gowns are usually made of delicate materials like silk, rayon, and lace. These materials could easily be damaged by your attempts at cleaning. You put a lot of heart and soul into choosing your dress; don’t make the mistake of choosing the cheapest dry cleaner or trying to do it yourself. Trust your gown to a professional wedding dress preservation company. They will have the skilled staff and equipment to properly care for your gown.
Mistake #3: Using the Wrong Storage Materials
You will only want to use acid-free materials or unbleached cotton fabric (muslin) for your gown storage. This will help prevent yellowing and other types of deterioration that can occur. Your storage box should close tightly to avoid exposure to light, dust, bugs, moisture and dirt. If your storage chest contains a viewing window, ensure that it is made of acetate or polyester, and not plastic.
Mistake #4: Storing Your Dress in a Plastic Garment Bag
Long gone are the days where professional wedding dress preservation services vacuum sealed dresses for long term storage. To keep your dress in mint condition the fabric must be able to ‘breathe’. Plastic vapors are very damaging to fabric and will cause it to yellow. Storing your dress in plastic of any sort can also lead to mold and mildew if moisture is present. Never keep your gown in a dry cleaner’s bag or a plastic garment bag. For temporary storage you can purchase a cotton fabric wedding gown storage bag. However, for long term storage, professional wedding dress preservation in an acid-free preservation chest is recommended to ensure it is safe from bugs, dust, sunlight and dirt.
Mistake #5: Storing Your Gown in a Poor Location
Store your gown in a dry and climate-controlled environment. Many brides make the mistake of keeping their preserved dress in the attic or basement. Heat is the enemy of preservation, and your attic can reach temperatures of up to 140 degrees. There is also the chance of a leak in your roof or a burst pipe in the basement. If this happens, you can bet the water will somehow find its way to your gown.
With a little bit of forethought, you can ensure that your gown remains as gorgeous as it was the day you fell in love with it. Contact us today to learn how easy it is to return your gown to pristine condition and ensure it stays that way for generations.
