Bridal Gown Care

~*~A wedding gown is considered a memento in a woman’s life and can be ever lastingly cherished. We know that special care must be taken for the long term preservation of this exquisite and usually very expensive gown, so where to begin?

The best place to investigate is look at your local museum. How do they care for the clothing they have on display that is 100's of years old? We are aware these items do sit in a glass display case of some sort. I don’t want a glass case for my gown, sitting in the middle of my house, who knows where, right? I am sure your new husband would not fancy such an idea either.

The next best thing we can do is copy the same techniques that museum curators and staff practice with their museum pieces but without the glass case. It is considered the better method rather than boxing or sealing our gown in some other sort of case. There would be the risks of permanent wrinkles, stains or eventual fabric decay and total loss of the gown.

The following items will need to be gathered ;

– Gown, ensure your gown has been cleaned, prior to storage.

– Hanger, covered in 100% acid- free cotton and matches your own shoulder size.

– Tissue paper, white, acid- free tissue paper to fill in the bodice and sleeves, this prevents creases plus adds overall support.

– Cotton Storage bag, a 100% cotton bag custom sized to fit your gown, no zippers.

– Storage area, ensure it is well ventilated, minimal light, steady temperature, zero humidity.

– Gloves, prevent transfer of natural body oils.

Practicing this method of care ensures the longevity of the gown. You will be able to remove your gown for inspection at any time and see there is no fabric decay, mildew, odors, chemicals, wrinkles or tears. Gloves are to be used when handling your gown to prevent transfer of natural body oils .

The acid free environment that you have created for your gown ensures protection against acid migration and is absorbed by the tissues. Your gown fabric will now be able to breathe. Air will flow through out and stay dry. Occasional removal and change of the tissues to further protect your gown can be done at your own set times and recommended to prevent wrinkling.

Wedding stores, other suppliers and dry cleaners also offer these preservation bags. Ensure you follow all the above steps. If you are feeling really adventurous and confident you could make your own gown preservation bag. Just ensure that you are able to recreate that acid-free environment for your gown and maybe one day have your granddaughter admiring the gown with you. Read more --> here and there.

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Article(C)2011 Dame Scribe, all rights reserved. Dame Scribe creates articles and posts online. She creates articles on business skills & development, health, science, technology and society and has a strong passion for writing.