Preserving Your Wedding Dress
You’ve tried on countless dresses, had several alteration appointments, and have been dreaming about your wedding gown since you were a little girl. The wedding is over and the most expensive item of clothing you’ve ever owned is hanging in your closet…so, now what?? After wearing this beauty for one of the most important days of your life, saying goodbye to her can be a tough pill to swallow. Here’s the good news: You don’t have to!
Preserving your dress is always a good idea and today’s brides have plenty of options for what to do with their wedding dresses after their nuptials. Some brides will repurpose their dress while others will choose to donate them or even sell them on the Internet. Some brides, however, just want to hang on to that dress which represents so much fun, celebration, happiness and love.
That’s why wedding dress preservation is so important. Because of its intricate design and delicate fabrics, wedding gowns cannot be cleaned like any other piece of clothing. One mistake brides often make is taking their dresses to their local dry cleaners. Preservation experts are trained and experienced in the best practices and techniques for ensuring wedding dresses of all fabrics stay in pristine condition for long-term storage. Wedding gown cleaning and preservation are key to making sure your dress lasts a lifetime. If you choose not to preserve it, you may risk oxidation spots, yellowing of the fabric, mold, and mildew growth, and permanent fabric creasing.
Preservation refers to the special cleaning and packaging techniques used by professionals to help your gown retain its beauty. Let’s be honest: After a day spent walking down the aisle and gliding across the dance floor, your gown will be dirty. Luckily, with a little TLC, it can look as good as new.
Maintaining the Memories
Your wedding gown is the one tangible reminder of all the special moments you shared on your wedding day. By preserving your gown, you are protecting those cherished memories. Over time, fabrics can deteriorate, colors can fade, and stains can set in. Through proper preservation, you can prevent these issues and maintain your gown’s condition, allowing you to relive the magic whenever you want.
Preservation as an Heirloom
A wedding gown can become a treasured family heirloom. Historically, one of the most popular reasons women preserve their dress is so that it can be passed down from generation to generation. By preserving your gown, you are investing in its longevity. Properly stored and cared for, your gown can be cherished by future generations, allowing your love story to continue unfolding over time.
Make Your Wedding Dress Last
Wedding gowns are often delicate, with intricate lace, beading, and embroidery. Without preservation, these fragile elements can be susceptible to damage, yellowing, and discoloration. Preservation provides protection against aging and damage caused by light, humidity, and environmental factors. Professional preservation specialists utilize specialized techniques and materials to prevent deterioration, ensuring that your gown remains in pristine condition.
Restyle Your Wedding Dress
Even if you don’t think you’ll wear your gown again (which is pretty likely), or pass it to a loved one, you may want to use it a different way down the road. Some brides choose to repurpose their gown into a veil, a baby blanket, or a christening gown. Other brides are choosing to have it altered into a tea-length dress that they can wear to their first-anniversary dinner with their spouse. Whatever you decide to do with your dress, you will want it to look as clean and beautiful as the day you first wore it and preservation is the way to do that.
Enhancing Resale Value
Should you ever consider selling your gown to make some extra cash, proper preservation can significantly enhance its resale value. A well-maintained gown that has been professionally preserved and comes with a certificate of preservation attesting to its condition can attract discerning buyers and command a higher price.
One of the most significant symbols of your wedding day is your gown. It holds sentimental value and reflects your unique style as a bride. Whether you plan to pass it down as an heirloom, transform it into something new, or simply want to preserve its beauty, the benefits of gown preservation are undeniable.
