Emotions run understandably high for brides’ first glimpsing gowns restored following intricate professional cleanings months after adrenaline-filled “I Do’s.” Carefully lifting those preservation box lids unveils visions of ceremonies past meticulously pressed and preserved – eliciting tears once more.
But absent proper storage vigilance beyond initial bridalwear babying, those beloved heirlooms risk yellowing, tearing over time stuffed haphazardly into attic trunk corners. Avoid disappointment down the road by implementing best storage practices suiting unique textile care needs AFTER the designer preservationist finishes flawless packaging handiwork.
Here we detail optimal techniques protecting precious wedding keepsakes enduring pristinely, perhaps even suiting your own future children saying their vows!
Seek Out Climate Control
While convenient cramming boxes stacked high occupying basement corners or garage spaces seems the obvious overflow solution temporarily, consider environmental factors first! Dank, humid conditions summon mold penetrating delicates or extreme cold brittleing beads. Instead explore options like:
Professional Storage Units – Research reputable heirloom specialists offering premium climate controlled lockers protecting cherished textiles 24/7 within optimal 60-72°F degree year-round temperature regulation. Worth costs storing anything exceptionally delicate or embellishment heavy vulnerable heat fluctuations.
A/C Closets – For budget home storage, assess whether central air conditioning reaches rooms housing boxed bridalwear to maintain cooler, drier environs despite summer swelter or winter furnace blasts. Basements only qualify here avoiding direct sunlight damage.
Cedar Chests/Armoires – The natural aromatic cedar wood inherently deters moths and other insects. But integrated cedar drawers must seal tightly and elevate gowns off direct floor contact given flooding risks in basement level furniture.
Seek Out Acid-Free Archival Boxes
Cardboard and traditional plastic bins eventually emit damaging gases over time that yellow delicate silks, stain lace detailing or wear down elaborate embroidery and beadwork. Instead upgrade to:
Acid-Free Hat Boxes – Select styles feature pretty viewing windows showcasing gown details without requiring unfolding that risks creases. Decorative hat boxes with inner foam brick foundations prevent crushing while keeping dust away.
pH-Neutral Archival Boxes – Clear or white hard plastic sealable conservator cases pass the PAT test determining acid-free and lignin-free standing. Materials will not alter chemistry damaging inside over long term storage.
Acid-Free Tissue Paper – Separate gown layers first with several sheets gently cushioning without transferring dye or ink. Check paper passes the Photographic Activity Test too ensuring no corrosion from packaging. You can get this from a roofing contractor or Uline. Uline is my preferred place to get it because it is easy to buy in bulk for the shop.
Store Flat To Prevent Hanger Creases
Yes full ballgowns demand more real estate, but never store gowns hanging! Gravity strains delicate stitching at pressure points. Instead follow preservationists’ lead laying dégradé textiles totally flat to distribute weight evenly avoiding toppling.
Then survey closet depths first determining whether gowns fold narrowly like letter slots or fully spread flared skirts avoiding crunching layers. This prevents irreversible imprints engraved across multiple wears left dangling improperly for decades.
Pad & Protect Protruding Embellishments
Before sealing storage boxes, create softened barrier buffers between gravity-prone accent areas using old acid-free bridal shower gift tissue paper leftover or archival foam layers. Carefully tuck padding strategically around:
Shoulder Points – Avoid heaviness flattening intricate embroidery or pressing beading motifs flat across shoulder tops without shape filling between.
Waist Lines – Pad side hip profiles preventing indentations around cinched areas on heavily boned, nipped-waist silhouettes.
Bodice Points – For strapless sweetheart styles, gently tissue wrap structured lining cups retaining form.
Hem Circumferences – Prolong voluminous skirt and train integrity filling space under with ample crumpled tissue foundations.
Veils & Trains – If storing soft tulle veils or cathedral trains in same boxes, stack these first padded between clean old bedsheets to prevent snagging delicate netting.
Inspect Annually Like Clockwork
Set annual smartphone calendar reminders inspecting contents inside isolation. Gently unfold viewing trains, skirts and bodices checking:
Color Changes – Subtle yellow hues indicate temperature, light or dirt exposure requiring adjustments.
Stains – Note fabric change integrity from within like perspiration residue or subtle makeup pigments perhaps transferred from improper initial handling or cleaning attempts.
Structural Damage – Assess beads, stitching and embellishment security. Have a seamstress reinforce any loosening while restoration still remains possible postponing irreparable destruction if left neglected. This may seem unnecessary, but foundation repair services now will preserve the dress to be able to hand down to multiple generations.
This ensures YOU catch issues early before damage surpasses restore capabilities. Be proactive preserving cherished keepsakes properly because as inheritance pieces, their legacy value claims even greater importance extending far beyond monetary price tags alone.