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By Lei Lydle, Founder and Editor
Last Updated: 8/8/2005 10:18:50 PM |
I Originally Chose Not To Preserve
Well, I have done some research on this whole gown preservation thing and I have decided not to preserve my dress.
Why? Well, I have read countless horror stories about the dresses getting ruined during the preservation process. I have also read that gowns will eventually turn yellow whether you have them professionally preserved or not. Now before anyone gets upset, I must say that this is nothing I know from experience - only research.
I May Change My Mind...
Since my wedding, I have seen some gowns that have been beautifully preserved. I have also seen some gowns that have been beautifully restored to their original color. Now I am thinking that I may want to preserve my gown...I just can't decide.
In my book, its a toss up. My advice is, if you want to preserve your dress and you can afford the expense - go for it!
Preserve Your Gown Yourself
If you want to preserve your dress but you can't afford to have it professionally preserved, you can try to preserve it yourself.
Please note: I do not recommend preserving your dress yourself. I interviewed several local dry cleaners and have written these instructions in response to several requests for such instructions. Neither I, nor this Web site, take any responsibility for anyone ruining their wedding dress by following these instructions. Preserve at your own risk!
Satin, Taffeta, Organza or Tulle Gowns
If your dress is made of satin, taffeta, organza or tulle, follow these steps to preserve your dress yourself:
- If you have any pearls on your dress, remove one and soak it in cold water for 10 minutes. If it disintegrates, do not follow anymore of these steps and take it to a reputable dry cleaner. If nothing happens to the pearl then you should proceed.
- Spray the inside and outside of your dress with Spray 'N Wash.
- Throw it in the washing machine on the gentle cycle with cold water and Woolite.
- Hang the dress to dry on a plastic hanger.
- After the dress is dry, wrap it in a clean, dry, white cotton sheet.
- Stuff the dress with acid free tissue paper that you can purchase at local art supply stores.
- Place the dress in an acid-free box which is also available at art supply stores.
- Store it in a cool dry place - no basements or attics.
One Final Note
Remember, preserving your dress is not your only option. You could sell or consign your dress to a local re-sale shop as soon as you are mentally able to part with it. The sooner the better too because of changing styles you may not be able to sell it in a few years.
| Posted by: QDTHEQT from Birmingham, AL on 8/8/2005 10:18:50 PM |
I bought my wedding dress in April of this year and my wedding is in April 2006. I have it hanging in the closet in a garment bag that I purchased along with the dress. Is it okay until next year. Are there any preparations I need to make? Please send replies to qdent@bellsouth.net
Wedding Date: April 29, 2006
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| Posted by: larisa from cluj,romania on 7/20/2005 7:20:36 AM |
if i buy the wedding dress this year,a satin dress,will it be ok till next year?
Wedding Date: 08.07.06
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| Posted by: larisa from cluj,romania on 7/20/2005 7:19:40 AM |
if i buy the wedding dress this year,a satin dress,will it be ok till next year?
Wedding Date: 08.07.06
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| Posted by: Nissa from Upstate, New York on 4/29/2004 |
I sewed my own wedding dress saving me TONS of money, at least $1,500. I was going to have it preserved but now I am glad I didn't. I also called around and different places had different ideas on how to preserve my dress, not to mention different prices. It is now many years later and the marriage did not last. But my gown so far has. Now, I didn't follow your instructions, but yours make more sense to me, than what I was told repeatedly by dry cleaners. I am so happy I haven't preserved my dress, as I believe now, that it most probably would have been ruined. Despite the loss of the marriage, the dress still holds many fond memories and I would hate to lose those..... Thanks for reassuring me that I did the right thing.....
Smiles around....
Wedding Date: July 24, 1992
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| Posted by: Diana S. from San Francisco, CA on 4/15/2004 |
Thank you so much! I am now contemplating this since I have done some research and was blow away to find out that preserving your gown professionally can cost up to $600 for a Satin A-Line gown, which mine is. My gown is also a couture designer gown, but $600 is a hefty investment, if it is true that the gown will eventually turn yellow.
I heard that dry cleaners do not necessararily throw it into a "dry clean" machine with Perc solution, but it is hand washed, with the exception of Silk gowns. So I might as well try wool-light & buy my own acid-free paper & acid box! Thanks for the great tip!
Wedding Date: Jan 2004
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