It’s a well-known fact that wedding dresses usually cost a fortune. Depending on the fabric and materials used, the price would range from a not-so-measly $500 to a whopping $10,000 (not including those ridiculously priced ones). Nevertheless, a wedding gown is quite an expensive piece of clothing for something you’re just going to wear for a day (or two, if you’re into that), so it’s only natural that one is inclined to care for it as long as they can.
It could be the wedding gown’s financial aspect that motivates you to maintain it or it could be the sentimental value it holds; after all, it’s not every day you get to walk down the aisle with the person you love, surrounded by your many loved ones. The memory would warrant a keepsake and your wedding dress would be the perfect remembrance.
Another good reason why you would want to preserve wedding dresses is probably the fact that you can sell them for a certain price to someone who wouldn’t mind a second-hand piece. Depending on the quality of the dress, you might be able to salvage some of the expenditure you issued back when you purchased your gown.
No matter what your reason is for wanting to preserve a wedding dress, you have to know that wedding dress preservation isn’t as easy as it sounds. There are a lot of factors that you need to take into consideration before engaging in this matter.
1. Know Where to Store Your Gown
You don’t want to store your dress in just random places. Attics, basements, and garages are a major no-no because they usually don’t have correct ventilation. A place with no proper air circulation means that it’s going to be moist and humid, making the room the perfect residence for mildew and mold growth. These usually stick into clothes causing irreversible damage to the fabric.
Avoid placing your dress in direct sunlight because this can cause your dress to fade and turn yellow. Heat also contributes to wedding gown degradation, so make sure the room you store your wedding dress in is at a temperature that you would be comfortable in.
2. Plastic is a no-go
It might be tempting to store your gown in plastic but hear us out: don’t. Most plastics are made of chemicals that could cause permanent damage to your dress once they come in contact. Another reason why you should ditch plastic is that moisture gets easily trapped in it. Moisture invites molds and mildew, plus the chemicals in plastic will most likely stain your gown yellow.
3. Invest in a Garment Bag or a Wedding Storage Box
Both are surprisingly cheap and they help you do the job right. Your gown might be a little on the pricey side, but that does not mean your attempt at preserving wedding dress should be. A wedding storage box is ideal if you want to keep your dress for years. Make sure to pick one out that’s acid-free and isn’t riddled with chemical components.
If you want to keep your dress flat and crease-free, a garment bag is a way to go. Don’t forget to get a padded hanger if you wish to put it up and bear in mind that you shouldn’t hang the dress by its shoulders. It stretches it out and will make it lose its shape. Instead, hang it by the stringy belt loops located inside.
4. Don’t Be Shy. Consult Experts
The preservation of wedding dress may sound simple, but it’s not an easy feat. It can be a little confusing, and you have to take a lot of things into account. If you aren’t well-versed in the area, don’t hesitate to ask a professional. There are plenty of professional cleaners and preservationists who will gladly come to your aid, and it will truly benefit you and your dress.
