Preserving a wedding dress is a meaningful step for many brides who want to keep their gown as a cherished memory or pass it down through generations. However, preserving such a delicate garment is not as simple as storing it away in a closet.
From improper cleaning to poor storage practices, several mistakes can jeopardize the condition and longevity of your gown. To ensure your wedding dress remains in pristine condition for years to come, here are the most common mistakes to avoid during the preservation process.
Delaying the Cleaning
One of the most frequent mistakes is waiting too long to clean the dress after the wedding. While your gown may appear clean, invisible stains from sweat, body oils, beverages, or makeup can oxidize over time and cause yellowing or brown spots. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that these stains will set and become difficult to remove. Ideally, the gown should be cleaned within a few weeks of the wedding to ensure any contaminants are properly treated before they cause damage.
Choosing a Regular Dry Cleaner
Not all dry cleaners are equipped to handle wedding gowns. Taking your dress to a standard cleaner can result in the use of harsh chemicals or incorrect techniques that can damage delicate fabrics like silk, lace, or tulle.
Many wedding dresses also feature intricate beadwork and embellishments that require special attention. It’s essential to find a cleaner who specializes in wedding gown preservation and uses gentle, fabric-safe cleaning methods tailored to the gown’s material and design.
Storing the Dress in Plastic
Many brides leave their gown in the plastic garment bag it came in, assuming it’s safe. However, plastic is not breathable and can trap moisture, leading to mildew and mold. Additionally, some types of plastic emit gases over time that can cause fabric discoloration. Storing a wedding dress in plastic long-term is one of the quickest ways to cause irreversible damage.
Hanging the Dress for Extended Periods
While it’s common to hang the dress before the wedding, long-term hanging can distort the fabric and seams. Heavier gowns, in particular, can stretch at the shoulders and lose their shape. The weight of the dress pulling down over time may cause structural stress, especially in gowns with full skirts or heavy embellishments. It’s better to store the dress flat in a preservation box designed for long-term storage.
Using Non-Acid-Free Materials
Ordinary tissue paper and cardboard boxes contain acids that can break down fabric fibers and cause yellowing over time. These materials can interact with the gown’s fabric, especially if it’s made from natural fibers like silk or cotton. Using only acid-free, archival-quality materials helps maintain the fabric’s integrity and prevents long-term damage.
Neglecting to Inspect for Damage
It’s important to examine the gown thoroughly before preservation. Small tears, loose threads, or missing beads might seem minor now, but they can worsen over time if not repaired. Preserving the gown without addressing these issues means sealing in problems that may be harder to fix in the future. Before preservation, the gown should be carefully inspected and any necessary repairs completed.
Storing in Poor Environmental Conditions
Where you store the preserved dress matters just as much as how you preserve it. Basements, attics, and garages are often prone to temperature fluctuations, humidity, and pests—all of which can damage your gown. High humidity levels can cause mold, while extreme heat may weaken fabric fibers and adhesive materials. The ideal storage location is a cool, dry, dark area inside your home, such as a bedroom closet.
Frequently Opening the Preservation Box
After preserving the wedding dress, it’s tempting to open the box to admire it or show friends and family. However, frequent handling and exposure to air, oils from your hands, or environmental pollutants can undo the preservation efforts. If you do open the box, make sure to use clean gloves and limit how often you disturb the packaging.
Opting for Inexpensive DIY Preservation Kits
Some brides choose DIY preservation kits to save money, but not all kits offer the quality or materials needed for proper long-term storage. Using a kit without understanding how to prepare the gown or properly use the materials can result in incomplete cleaning or poor storage conditions. If you opt for a DIY solution, research thoroughly and make sure the kit includes acid-free materials and detailed instructions.
Overlooking the Value of a Preservation Guarantee
A preservation guarantee provides extra peace of mind that your gown will remain protected over time. Reputable preservation services often offer guarantees against yellowing or staining for several decades, sometimes up to 100 years. Skipping this step may leave you with no options if the gown deteriorates due to issues with the cleaning or packaging process.
Failing to Check on the Gown Over Time
Even if you’ve professionally preserved your gown, it’s wise to periodically check on it—especially if you’ve moved or experienced changes in climate or storage conditions. Over time, even the best packaging materials can degrade, or unexpected environmental factors like water damage or pests can cause harm. A quick inspection every few years can help you catch any issues before they become irreversible.
Conclusion
Preserving your wedding dress is a wonderful way to safeguard the memory of your big day, but it requires care and attention to detail. Avoiding common mistakes like improper cleaning, poor storage, and using the wrong materials can make all the difference in maintaining your gown’s beauty. Whether you plan to treasure it as a keepsake, repurpose it, or pass it down, taking the right preservation steps will ensure your wedding dress remains a cherished heirloom for generations to come.
