**How Wedding Gown Preservation Works**
It isn’t any magic formula that brides exert considerable hard work and devote numerous long hours in planning for their special day. With all the attention on perfecting every single little detail for the big day, most brides fail to consider wedding gown preservation. Once you take your wedding dress off, you may need to think about where to store it. Wedding gown preservation ensures that your gown is free from all stains, dirt, and various particles that might discolor or damage your gown over time. Proper wedding gown preservation also ensures that the gown is stored in an environment that is free from temperature changes, insects, mildew, and mold. Here are some common approaches to wedding gown preservation:
1. **Acid-Free Box**
Using an acid-free box is a very popular method of gown preservation. In order to do this process yourself, you will need to purchase an acid-free box, as well as acid-free tissue paper. Some boxes have a small window where you can see the clothing. Try purchasing these materials from your dry cleaner. The first thing you need to do is remove all the fabric-covered buttons and pins found on your gown, then store these in a separate container. Later, carefully fold your wedding gown and place sheets of acid-free tissue paper between the folds. Place your gown in the box, and it’s all set for storage. Since this area is not sealed shut, the fabric remains able to breathe. In order to avoid your wedding gown from getting permanent creases, make it a point to refold it every few years.
2. **Cedar Wood Chest**
Many brides also choose to store their wedding dress in a cedar wood chest or closet. A chest or closet is a great place to keep your gown from light while allowing the garment to breathe. Cedar wood is known to repel insects, which is another reason it’s a favorite method of wedding gown preservation. Remember, however, that your gown will probably smell like cedar wood after being stored for a long period of time.
3. **Garment Bag**
Another method of wedding gown preservation is the use of a garment bag. While your wedding gown may have already come in a garment bag, this is probably not the type of bag you should be using. You’ll need an acid-free and breathable garment bag, which is best for long-term storage. Using a garment bag for your wedding gown is a very good way to protect it from permanent creasing, as well as mildew development. Additionally, it keeps your wedding gown free from dirt and light.
These are just a few of the wedding gown preservation methods that brides use. Regardless of which method you choose, make sure it is stored in a climate-controlled environment. Also, be sure to inspect your wedding gown every few years to ensure that it’s still in great condition. Oxidation spots often appear during the first year of storage. The sooner you spot these stains, the sooner you can have them treated.
**Keywords:**
- Wedding gown preservation
- Acid-free box
- Cedar wood chest
- Garment bag
- Long-term storage