Have you recently cleaned your closet and found your beautiful wedding dress hanging in the closet? Are you wondering what a huge mistake you have made to your wedding gown by not preserving it?
Wedding gowns are the symbol of one of the most cherished days in one’s life. However, amidst the joy and celebration, many women overlook the importance of preserving their wedding gowns and end up thinking, “Can I restore the pristine beauty of the gown and preserve it now? When it is too late to have my wedding gown preserved?”
So, if you are also struggling with the same, you’re at the right place. In this guide, we will answer all your questions!
What Is Wedding Dress Preservation?
Wedding gown preservation is the process of cleaning and packaging a gown in an acid-free storage box to ensure it maintains its pristine condition for a lifetime. During this process, the professionals use advanced fabric cleaning techniques, like SYSTEMK4, to get rid of both visible and invisible stains and preserve them in a box to avoid fabric degradation.
Importance Of Wedding Dress Preservation
The most common reason for wedding dress preservation is to keep the wedding dress in its pristine condition so that it can be cherished for years to come or can be passed down through generations as a family heirloom.
Since wedding dresses are made up of delicate materials like silk, exposure to sunlight, air, dust, and humidity can lead to fabric discoloration and staining. Wedding gown preservation not only prevents yellowing but also ensures that the fabric remains strong and resistant to damage over time.
Preservation also safeguards the gown from common issues such as:
- Fabric degradation: Over time, exposure to light and air can weaken the fibers of your dress.
- Staining: Invisible stains, such as oils from the skin or perfume, can darken and become more pronounced.
- Mildew growth: Humidity and improper storage can lead to the growth of mold or mildew, which can irreparably damage your gown.
Is It Ever Too Late To Have Your Wedding Dress Cleaned And Preserved?
While the delicate material of your wedding dress starts to turn yellow within six months after your wedding, it is recommended to have it cleaned and preserved ASAP. This is because your wedding dress gets different types of stains on your wedding day that can permanently set into the fabric, leading to stains and fabric rot and decay.
While it is never too late to have your wedding dress cleaned and preserved, no one can restore the original condition of your precious gown, especially in the case of fabric rot or decay. So, if you are not planning to wear your wedding gown wear again soon in the future, experts recommend having your wedding dress cleaned and preserved within 10-14 days after your wedding.
Will The Cost Of Wedding Gown Preservation Increase With Time?
No, waiting to have your wedding gown cleaned and preserved will cost you more, whether you choose to wait for 3 months or 5 years. However, the sooner the preservation process is initiated, the less likely your dress will undergo yellowing and fabric degradation.
And, if you wait too long, there is a chance that your wedding gown’s fabric will decay, which may require advanced methods to carefully treat and repair older fabrics. At times, this can enhance the cost of wedding dress preservation, depending on the condition of your gown.
What Happens If You Don’t Preserve Your Wedding Gown?
Failing to preserve your wedding gown can lead to several irreversible issues, such as:
- Yellowing: Over time, the fabric of your gown will begin to yellow, particularly if it’s exposed to sunlight or artificial light.
- Fabric degradation: Delicate materials like silk or lace can weaken, fray, or tear if not properly cared for.
- Permanent stains: Invisible stains like oils from your skin or perspiration may darken, setting into the fabric permanently.
- Loss of sentimental value: If your gown isn’t preserved, its aesthetic and structural integrity will degrade over time, diminishing its sentimental and possibly monetary value.
The Bottom Line
While it is good to have your wedding dress cleaned and preserved soon after your wedding, it is never too late to begin the process. So, if you have recently found your wedding dress tucked in a closet and you have made up your mind to have your wedding dress preserved, go ahead.
Remember that the key is to act now to prevent further damage and ensure your gown remains a cherished memory for years to come. However, make sure you choose a reputable company for wedding gown preservation. Check the reviews and never decide solely based on the price!
