Your wedding dress is not just a beautiful garment; it's a symbol of cherished memories and the love-filled moments of your special day. To preserve its beauty and sentimental value, proper care and preservation techniques are essential. In this blog post, we'll provide you with valuable tips on how to preserve your wedding dress after the big day, ensuring it remains a treasured keepsake for years to come.
- Act Quickly: Schedule a Professional Cleaning
Time is of the essence when it comes to preserving your wedding dress. Schedule a professional cleaning as soon as possible after your wedding day to remove any stains, dirt, or spills. Choose a reputable cleaner experienced in handling delicate bridal gowns. Make sure to inform them of any specific stains or areas of concern for appropriate treatment.
In Tasmania, we recommend Regal Dry Cleaners or LilyWhites Dry Cleaners. MyDress Box is also a great option as you can send them the gown wherever you live.
- Choose the Right Storage Materials
Selecting the right storage materials is crucial to preserving your wedding dress. Avoid plastic bags or covers, as they can trap moisture and promote yellowing or mold growth. Instead, opt for acid-free tissue paper to stuff the bodice and sleeves to help maintain the dress's shape. Use an acid-free, archival-quality storage box or a breathable fabric garment bag for long-term storage. Your professional dry cleaner will be able to provide these materials and securely pack the gown for storage.
- Store in a Cool, Dark, and Dry Environment
Proper storage conditions are essential to prevent damage to your wedding dress. Choose a cool, dark, and dry environment for storing your gown. Avoid areas with high humidity, direct sunlight, or extreme temperature fluctuations, as these can deteriorate the fabric and cause discolouration. A closet or under-bed storage area is ideal for preserving your dress.
- Handle with Clean Hands
When handling your wedding dress, always wash and dry your hands thoroughly to avoid transferring oils, dirt, or residue onto the fabric. Oils from your hands can cause discoloration over time. Consider wearing white cotton gloves when touching the dress to provide an extra layer of protection against oils and potential snags.
- Regularly Inspect and Refold
Periodically inspect your wedding dress to ensure it remains in good condition. Gently unfold and refold the dress along different lines to prevent permanent creases from forming. This step helps distribute the stress on the fabric and reduces the risk of long-term damage. Be cautious when handling delicate embellishments or lace to avoid snags or tears.
- Consider Professional Preservation
If you want to ensure the utmost care and longevity of your wedding dress, consider professional preservation services. Professional wedding dress preservation specialists can clean, repair, and store your gown using archival-quality materials and techniques. They have expertise in handling various fabrics and can address any unique preservation needs your dress may have. Ask your dry cleaner about these services.
Preserving your wedding dress is a way to safeguard the memories and sentimental value associated with your special day. By acting quickly to schedule a professional cleaning, choosing the right storage materials, storing the dress in a cool and dry environment, handling it with clean hands, regularly inspecting and refolding, and considering professional preservation services, you can ensure your wedding dress remains in pristine condition for years to come. Cherish the memories preserved within the delicate fabric, and let your wedding dress continue to be a cherished heirloom for generations.
