Congratulations, newlywed! You’ve tied the knot, danced the night away, and looked absolutely stunning in your altered wedding dress from Sew Bridal.Love. Now that the celebration is over, it’s time to ensure your gown stays as beautiful as the day you wore it. Proper care and preservation are key to maintaining its pristine condition for years to come. Here are our expert tips on how to care for and preserve your altered wedding dress after the big day.
1. Clean Your Dress Promptly
After the festivities, it’s essential to clean your wedding dress as soon as possible. Even if it doesn’t appear dirty, dresses can attract invisible stains like sweat, dirt, or food residue. These stains can set in over time and become more difficult to remove.
Professional Cleaning: Take your dress to a reputable dry cleaner experienced in handling wedding gowns. Make sure they specialize in delicate fabrics and embellishments.
Check for Local Services: Look for cleaners in Stoke-on-Trent or Staffordshire that offer wedding dress preservation and cleaning and services. They can ensure your gown receives the proper care it needs. Sew Bridal can dry clean your wedding dress for you, drop us a message if this is something you would like.
2. Store Your Dress Correctly
Once your dress is clean, proper storage is crucial to maintaining its shape and fabric integrity. Follow these guidelines:
Avoid Plastic Bags: Plastic can trap moisture and cause yellowing over time. Instead, opt for a breathable, acid-free garment bag.
Keep it Cool and Dry: Store your dress in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. Avoid attics, basements, or areas prone to temperature fluctuations.
3. Hang Your Dress Properly
If you choose to hang your dress, do so correctly to prevent stretching or distortion:
Use a Padded Hanger: A padded hanger will support the delicate fabric of your dress without causing creases or marks.
Cover with a Garment Bag: Slip your dress into a breathable garment bag to protect it from dust and light exposure.
4. Consider Professional Preservation
For long-term preservation, consider professional wedding dress preservation services:
Preservation Boxes: These boxes are specially designed to protect your dress from light, humidity, and insects. They often include acid-free tissue paper to cushion and support the gown.
Sealed Preservation: Some preservation services vacuum-seal dresses to remove air and prevent oxidation, which can cause yellowing.
5. Regularly Inspect Your Dress
Even in storage, it’s wise to periodically inspect your dress:
Check for Mold or Stains: Inspect your dress every few months for signs of mold, mildew, or stains. Address any issues promptly to prevent them from setting in.
6. Handle with Care
If you ever need to move or transport your dress:
Use Clean Hands: Always handle your dress with clean, dry hands to avoid transferring oils or dirt.
Avoid Folding: If possible, avoid folding your dress to prevent creasing. Instead, gently drape it over a hanger or lay it flat in a preservation box.
7. Document Your Dress
Capture memories of your wedding day and dress by:
Photographing and Journaling: Take photos of your dress before cleaning and after preservation. Write down memories and details of your wedding day to accompany the photos.
8. Plan for Heirloom Preservation
If you hope to pass down your dress:
Consider Future Generations: Discuss preservation techniques with a professional to ensure your dress remains in pristine condition for future generations to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding dress is a cherished memento of your special day, and proper care ensures it remains a beautiful reminder for years to come. At Sew Bridal.Love, we’re here to help you every step of the way, from alterations to preservation. Contact us for more information on caring for your wedding dress or to schedule your alterations appointment. Here’s to preserving your memories and the beauty of your wedding gown!