Brides & Weddings Magazine
By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher of Brides & Weddings
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Your wedding dress is one of the most important and special items you will ever own. It’s a symbol of your love and commitment to your partner and is likely something you’ll want to keep for many years to come. However, preserving your wedding dress can be a bit tricky. Here are some tips and tricks to help you keep your dress in pristine condition for years to come.
Have it professionally cleaned and preserved.
After your wedding, it’s essential to have your dress professionally cleaned as soon as possible. Professional cleaning will remove any dirt, sweat, or other stains that may have accumulated during the wedding day. Once the dress is clean, you can choose to have it preserved. Preservation involves packing the dress in acid-free tissue paper and placing it in a preservation box. This will help protect the dress from dust, moisture, and sunlight, which can cause yellowing and discoloration over time.
Store it properly.
Once your dress has been cleaned and preserved, it’s essential to store it properly. Keep the preservation box in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat sources. Avoid storing the dress in an attic or basement, as these areas can be prone to temperature and humidity fluctuations. It’s also essential to store the preservation box upright and not to stack anything on top of it.
Handle it with care.
When handling your wedding dress, always be gentle and take precautions to avoid damaging it. Use clean, dry hands when handling the dress, and avoid touching any delicate lace or beading. If you need to move the preservation box, do so carefully and avoid dropping or jostling it.
Check on it regularly.
It’s a good idea to check on your dress regularly to make sure it’s still in good condition. Once a year, take the preservation box out and inspect the dress for any signs of damage or discoloration. If you notice any issues, take the dress to a professional preservationist for inspection and repair.
Consider a display case.
If you want to display your wedding dress, consider investing in a display case. Display cases are designed to protect dresses from dust, sunlight, and other environmental factors while allowing you to showcase your dress. Look for a display case made of high-quality materials, such as UV-protected acrylic or glass.
Preserving your wedding dress is an important part of keeping it in excellent condition for years to come. By having it professionally cleaned and preserved, storing it properly, handling it with care, checking on it regularly, and considering a display case, you can ensure that your dress stays beautiful and timeless for generations to come.
