Wedding Gown Preservation
After your wedding day, your bridal gown becomes the most precious garment you have ever worn. And with all the time, effort, money and emotion invested in finding that one special gown, most brides hope to keep it in good condition long after the big day. Perhaps a daughter or a niece will wear this treasured family heirloom at her own wedding.
But what is the best way to ensure the proper care and treatment of your wedding gown?
Don't just hang your gown in the closet. It will be vulnerable to dust, bacteria, moisture, light, moths and other damaging agents. A gown left on a hangar can be misshapen by its own weight. Never seal gowns in plastic bags. Plastic attracts moisture which promotes mildew and fabric rot. And don't keep your gown in the attic or basement where there are extreme changes in temperature and/or humidity.
To keep the gown looking as beautiful as possible over the years, you should have it treated professionally. Delicately designed wedding gowns require hand care by a cleaner trained in the special handling of lace, embroideries, appliques, pearls, sequins and droplets. Though there is no way to completely guarantee that a garment won't yellow over a long period of time, having your gown professionally prepared for storage gives it the best possible chance of remaining lovely.
Look for a reputable wedding gown preservation service. Professional treatment should include preliminary inspection of the gown, cleaning, repairs if necessary, and return of the dress in a special long-term storage box. Your gown should be treated separately from other items. It should be cleaned by hand, layer by layer. Heavily soiled areas and stains are spot-cleaned first, then the gown is cleaned using the method best suited to its materials and construction. The gown should be air dried and hand-finished by steam pressing.
After cleaning, the gown is stuffed with acid free tissue to puff up and shape the sleeves and bodice. Finally, the preserved gown should be layered and secured in an attractive display box as well as an additional outer storage container for ultimate long-term storage and protection.
As with any other product or service surrounding your wedding day, be sure to ask any questions you may have, and look for a service provider who will guarantee your satisfaction. One final note: Make certain that the preservation box you take home with you contains your gown!
