There is no doubt that your wedding dress will hold a special place in your heart. You feel like a princess the second you put it on, and it will always be a reminder of your special relationship. You want to keep it safe for the long term, maybe even for future generations to enjoy. Wedding dresses are often kept in their boxes after the big day. Is it possible for you to preserve your wedding gown in its box?
In this article, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of storing your wedding dress in a box and provide advice for preserving your dress in great shape for years to come.
Can I Keep My Wedding Dress In The Box?
It’s fine to store your bridal gown in its original packaging, but there are a few things to keep in mind. The box your garment came in will shield it from dirt, light, and wear and tear caused by handling. Your garment can still get damaged over time if it isn’t stored properly. Several things are worth remembering:
Choose The Right Box
If you want your wedding dress to last forever, proper storage is essential. The dress should fit in a dress box that is large enough to hold it without being crushed or wrinkled. It needs to be big enough to protect the dress, but not so big that it can shift around inside the box. It’s also important that the box’s material is archival-grade and acid-free to guard against environmental hazards. Avoid using standard cardboard or plastic boxes since they will eventually yellow or discolour.
It is also important that the box has a reliable closure mechanism to keep out dust and insects. It’s preferable to use a box with a lid that fits snugly or one that can be sealed with tape. When picking a box, it’s also important to think about how easy it will be to get into the dress. A convenient feature of some boxes is a window or opening through which the clothing can be inspected before it is removed.
Prepare Your Dress
Properly preparing your wedding gown for storage is essential to ensuring its long-term survival. First, have it cleaned by a professional dry cleaner who has experience with wedding gowns? Doing so will ensure that grime, oil, and the like are removed before they can do any lasting harm. Make sure the garment is dry before putting it aside after cleaning. Mould and mildew might grow on the dress if it is still damp, damaging the fabric.
Inspect the dress for any loose threads or embellishments that could snag or rip the fabric when it is in storage after you have cleaned and dried it. Don’t put the garment away until you’ve had any flaws fixed, if any are visible.
Take special care to avoid snagging or tearing any lace, beading, or other delicate embellishments on your dress. To keep these spots from catching on the garment or rubbing against other parts of it, you can wrap them in acid-free tissue paper. Tissue paper can be used to stuff the bodice and the sleeves to maintain their shape.
The last step before putting the dress away is to put it in a garment bag that allows air to circulate. This will shield it from dirt and debris without restricting airflow to the dress. If you take the time to care for your wedding dress before putting it away, it will look beautiful for years to come.
Protect Delicate Materials
It is crucial to take care of the more delicate parts of a wedding dress if you want it to look good and last a long time. Lace, beadwork, and embroidery are all examples of delicate fabrics that need to be handled with care when being stored. Some suggestions for preserving fragile items:
- Use acid-free tissue paper: Wrap the delicate areas of your dress, such as the sleeves and bodice, in acid-free tissue paper. This will prevent the delicate materials from rubbing against each other, which can cause snags or tears.
- Avoid direct contact: When storing your dress, avoid direct contact between delicate materials and other items in the storage box. You can use acid-free tissue paper to separate the dress from other items or place the dress in a separate box altogether.
- Store in a cool, dry place: Delicate materials are sensitive to temperature and humidity. To prevent damage, store your dress in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. High humidity can cause mould and mildew to grow on delicate materials, which can be difficult to remove.
- Avoid folding: Folding your dress can cause creases and damage to delicate materials. If possible, store the dress flat in the box. If you must fold the dress, pad the folds with tissue paper to prevent creasing.
- Handle with care: When handling the dress, be gentle and avoid tugging or pulling on delicate materials. Avoid wearing jewellery or accessories that could catch on the dress.
Store In A Cool, Dry Place
If you want your wedding dress to look beautiful and last a long time, you must keep it in a cool, dry area after the big day. Damage such as yellowing, staining, and weakened fabric can result from prolonged exposure to moisture, heat, and sunshine on fragile fabrics. Keep your wedding gown in pristine condition by following these storage guidelines:
- Choose a suitable storage location: Find a storage location that is cool, dry, and dark. A closet or a spare room in your house can be a good option. Avoid storing your dress in an attic, basement, or garage where temperature and humidity can fluctuate.
- Use a climate-controlled storage box: Consider using a climate-controlled storage box to protect your dress from temperature and humidity changes. These boxes are specially designed to regulate the temperature and humidity inside the box, providing a stable environment for your dress.
- Avoid plastic bags: Do not store your dress in a plastic bag, as this can trap moisture and cause mould and mildew to grow. Instead, use a breathable garment bag made of natural fibres, such as cotton or muslin.
- Keep the dress away from sunlight: Sunlight can cause discolouration and weaken delicate materials. Store your dress in a dark location away from direct sunlight.
Check On Your Dress Periodically
It’s crucial to keep an eye on your wedding gown while it’s in storage to make sure it hasn’t deteriorated. Even if you’ve taken every precaution to preserve your clothing, it’s still a good idea to check on it every so often. Here are some suggestions on how often you should inspect your dress:
- Schedule regular check-ups: Set a reminder to check on your dress every few months. This will allow you to inspect the dress for any signs of damage, such as yellowing, discolouration, or mould growth.
- Wear gloves: When handling your dress, wear cotton gloves to avoid getting oils from your skin on the fabric. Oils can cause discolouration and weaken delicate materials.
- Inspect the dress for damage: Check the dress for any signs of damage, such as yellowing, discolouration, or tears. If you notice any damage, take steps to address it immediately.
- Make adjustments if necessary: If you notice any issues with the storage conditions, such as excessive humidity or temperature fluctuations, take steps to address them. You may need to move the dress to a different location or invest in a climate-controlled storage box.
Conclusion
Keeping your wedding gown in pristine condition for many years to come begins with storing it correctly after the big day. You can help guarantee that your dress stays in pristine condition for many years to come by selecting the appropriate box, preparing it for storage, safeguarding sensitive materials, storing it in a cool, dry place, and checking on it regularly. Take your time and be gentle when packing away your garment for the long term. With the right care, your garment can be kept in pristine condition for years to come.