The
anticipation and excitement of your wedding day culminate in the perfect
celebration, with your wedding gown being a central part of the experience.
This beautiful dress, symbolizing love and joy, deserves careful preservation
to keep the memories of your special day alive. Proper care and storage are key
to maintaining the gown's beauty and significance.
Why
Proper Storage is Crucial
Wedding
gowns often carry immense sentimental value that transcends their cost. These
delicate garments are typically cleaned only once before being stored, making
careful preservation essential. Using high-quality materials and methods helps
slow the aging process, ensuring your gown remains as stunning as the day you
wore it. This careful preservation can also make it possible for another bride,
perhaps a daughter or granddaughter, to wear the gown in the future.
Understanding
the Delicacy of Wedding Gowns
Wedding
gowns are crafted from a variety of sensitive fabrics and trims, such as satin,
shantung, organdy, taffeta, lace, sequins, beads, and rhinestones. These
materials are prone to damage from sunlight, invisible gases, and improper
storage conditions like hot attics or damp basements. Without proper care, the
gown's whiteness—a delicate blend of fibers, colorings, and whiteners—can
yellow over time.
Invisible
stains from food, beverages, and body oils can become permanent if not properly
cleaned. It's advisable to have your dress professionally cleaned before
storage to remove these potential stains. Additionally, inspect decorative
trims with your cleaner, as some may not withstand the dry cleaning process,
potentially affecting beads, glitter, sequins, and laces.
Storage
Methods
Hanger and
Bag: After cleaning, store your gown on a hanger using sewn straps at the
waistline to relieve shoulder pressure from the skirt's weight. Wrap the dress
in a protective white sheet or muslin covering to shield it from dust and
light.
Box and
Tissue Paper: Alternatively, pack your gown in a box with white acid-free,
unbuffered tissue paper to prevent hard wrinkles. Pad any folds with tissue
paper or clean, washed cotton fabric to avoid sharp creases. Remove foam
padding, metal buttons, or other metallic trims, and store them separately to
prevent oxidation or deterioration.
Tips
for Effective Storage
- Cool, Dry Place: Store your
gown in a cool, dry area, such as under your bed, to slow fabric aging.
Avoid basements and attics, where moisture and heat can cause mildew or
yellowing.
- Periodic Inspection: Regularly
check your gown for any emerging stains and address them promptly. Avoid
using polyurethane bags for long-term storage, as they can damage the
fabric over time.
- Dry Conditions: Ensure your
gown is completely dry before sealing it in a plastic box or bag, as
trapped moisture can lead to mildew growth.
Advanced
Preservation Techniques
For
enhanced preservation, consider replacing the oxygen in the storage box with
nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or argon. These gases help prevent oxidation and
inhibit bacterial growth, providing extra protection for your gown.
A wedding
gown is more than just a dress; it's a cherished keepsake, embodying the hopes
and dreams of a lifetime. With proper care and storage, you can preserve this
precious garment, allowing its beauty and memories to endure for generations.
Investing in professional cleaning and suitable storage solutions ensures your
gown remains a timeless symbol of your special day.