After trying on countless wedding gowns and hundreds of fittings and wearing them for one of the most important days, letting go of your wedding dress can be one of the most challenging things for many brides. The wedding gown is probably your most expensive clothing and is now hanging in your closet. And you’re wondering, Now what?
You don’t have to worry anymore. There are plenty of options for what to do with your wedding dress after the wedding. Some donate or sell their gowns, while others recycle them into kids’ gowns or cocktail attire. Many women simply want to keep their dress, symbolizing love, joy, and festivity.
That’s why choosing a wedding dress preservation company is so important. Wedding dresses are meticulously designed, highly delicate, and can’t be cleaned like usual clothes. Cleaning and preserving your wedding dress is essential to ensure its longevity. Not preserving your wedding dress may cause yellowing of the fabric, brown oxidation spots, mold and mildew growth, and permanent fabric creasing.
Step 1: Seize the Moment – Time is of the Essence
Don’t let those post-wedding blues lull you into procrastination! The sooner you address your dress’s preservation needs, the better. Stains left unattended can become permanent party crashers, turning a simple cleaning process into a costly restoration mission. Ideally, aim to have your dress professionally cleaned within a week or two of your wedding. This swift action helps prevent stains from setting in and allows you to relax, knowing your precious gown is in good hands.
Step 2: Finding the Perfect Preservation Partner
Not all dry cleaners are created equal. There are so many wedding gown preservation companies nowadays, you need a specialist – a knight in shining armor for your gown. Seek out a reputable cleaner with a proven track record in handling delicate wedding attire.
Look for certifications from organizations like the Wedding Gown Preservation Guild (WGPG) and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Inquire about their cleaning methods, experience with specific fabrics and embellishments, and what their preservation process entails. Remember, this is an investment, so choose a cleaner who inspires confidence and makes you feel comfortable entrusting them with your treasured garment.
Step 3: Pre-Preservation Prep – A Thorough Examination
Before the cleaning magic begins, your chosen specialist will become intimately familiar with your dress. They’ll conduct a meticulous inspection, identifying any stains, tears, or delicate beading that requires special attention.
This pre-cleaning assessment ensures a customized approach, addressing potential trouble spots before they become permanent flaws. If minor repairs are necessary to ensure the dress’s structural integrity, the cleaner will discuss these with you and obtain your approval before proceeding.
Step 4: Thorough Cleaning Procedure
Wedding gown preservation is an art that requires expertise and a gentle touch. Textile specialists use specialized cleaning solutions to remove the gown’s even minor stains, dirt, sweat patches, and hidden sugar-based stains that can cause yellowing.
This ensures your dress is spotless and free from any lingering threats. With their expertise, your dress emerges revitalized and ready to be cherished for generations.
Step 5: Packed & Wrapped
Once the cleaning ritual is complete, your dress will enter a pampering phase. It will be carefully wrapped in acid-free tissue paper. This special paper neutralizes any acidity that could damage the fabric over time.
Finally, your dress will rest in a museum-quality, acid-free preservation box. This sturdy, specially designed-container provides a controlled environment, safeguarding your dress from dust, light, and other environmental threats.
Step 6: Finding the Ideal Storage Spot
Now that your dress is impeccably clean and luxuriously preserved, it needs the perfect home. Remember, light, heat, and humidity are the enemies of your preserved gown. Avoid basements, attics, and garages, which are prone to fluctuating temperatures and moisture levels. Instead, seek a cool, dry location with consistent climate control. A higher shelf in a climate-controlled closet is a great option. By keeping your dress in a stable environment, you’ll ensure its continued beauty for years to come.
Bonus Tips for Lasting Love: Your Dress’s Fairytale Ending
● Minimize Handling:
Remember, even the gentlest touch can stress the fabric of your dress. Take out your dress only for special occasions, and always wear clean gloves when handling it. This minimizes the risk of accidental snags or dirt transfer.
● Outsmart Pesky Pests:
Moths and other insects can turn your dream dress into a nightmare. Consider placing cedar sachets or acid-free moth repellents near the storage box (but not directly touching the dress) to deter these unwelcome visitors.
● Label It with Love:
Attach a beautiful and informative label to the preservation box. Include your name, wedding date, any specific care instructions, and even a short message about the significance of the dress. This not only adds a personal touch but also provides valuable information for future generations who may inherit this special piece.
Conclusion
In conclusion, by following these steps, you can transform your wedding dress from a cherished memory to a timeless heirloom. With a wedding dress preservation company, your gown will be shielded from the threats of time, ready to be admired, revisited, or even reimagined for future generations. So, take a deep breath, knowing your special dress is safe and sound, a beautiful reminder of your happily ever after.
