You took a lot of time searching for the perfect wedding dress for your big day and you LOVE your gown! After the wedding, you may be wondering if you should preserve your wedding dress and how to go about doing it. Today, we all talking all about wedding gown preservation!
What is wedding gown preservation?
Wedding gown preservation ensures that your dress can be stored and protected so that when you are ready to use the dress again or pass it along to someone else, it will look almost as good as they day you bought it! Wedding dress preservationist use special formulas and archival materials to seal your dress so it is protected from the elements and from the wear and tear that time can take on materials. They also pack your dress up into a small box so that it is easy to store and won't take up a lot of space.
Do you need to clean your dress prior to sending it off?
YES! Regardless of if you decide to preserve your gown or not, you will want to get it professionally cleaned and mended as soon after the wedding as you can. The longer you wait to clean your dress, the harder it will be to remove stains and spots. Even if your dress doesn't look dirty, it still is and stains can start showing themselves months after your wedding so you'll want to get it cleaned. Most dress preservation companies won't clean your gown before preserving it so you will want to get it cleaned before you send it off.
Why should you preserve your gown?
Preserving your wedding gown will help your dress stay in the best possible shape. Time can wreak havoc on your dress and can cause the material to yellow or disintegrate. Bugs and moths can also get ahold of your dress and start chewing through the material. The preservation company will also treat the gown with a special spray that will help protect the dress from mold and mildew. The box that the gown is folded and set into is sealed to keep air from entering which helps prevent anything from getting inside. Preserving your gown means that when you are ready to use your gown, pass it down to your children/grandchildren, etc it will be in pristine shape and ready for it's second life.
What are the reasons for not preserving your gown?
If you aren't planning on keeping your gown and may be wanting to donate or sell your dress, then there isn't a reason for you to preserve it. People will need to see and try on the dress if you are selling it so just having your dress professionally cleaned will be enough. Likewise, if you are planning on wearing your gown again soon for more photos or for other events or maybe will be turning your dress into something else like a cocktail dress or robe, then you will want to hold off on preserving your gown.
How much does it cost?
The cost will vary depending on your dress and the company that you use. However, on average, you can expect to pay around $250-$750 to get your gown preserved. It may seem like a lot of money to pay but you invested a lot into your dress and if you want it to last and be preserved, this money will be well worth it!
What preservation service should I use?
There are a lot of different companies that offer wedding dress preservation. First ask the shop where you purchased your dress to see if they have any recommendations. Usually they will know of reputable companies that have preserved other brides gowns in the past. Ask your friends who have gotten married to see if they have a company that they used and loved. You can also use Google to search for companies and to read their reviews so you can find a company that will be best for your needs.
