Wedding Dress Storage: Things to Avoid
Wedding Dress Storage: Things to Avoid
September 7, 2005Posted By weddings
More articles on the Wedding Dresses topic: General Info
In order to keep your wedding dress well preserved, you need to find a place to store it. When you are trying to come up with a location, remember that you will probably be using this location for years to come. If you make the wrong decision, your gown could be damaged beyond repair. we've come up with a list of things to avoid that might not be so obvious to you. Even light from light bulbs can cause damage over years of storage. Certain types of tissue paper are really bad to use. Thinking of storing your dress in a wooden chest? That can be dangerous too.
Attics and Basements
These storage locations, while typically out of the way and giving us more room, are often not heated or cooled. Your dress will be subject to extremes in temperature and humidity. "Living space" is the best place for it - not a closet which can get stuffy, under the bed is great.
Moisture
Moisture is a concern because it can attract inserts and breed molds. Fluctuations in relative humidity can also cause the expansion/contraction of elements like buttons, and can cause the corrosion of fasteners.
Light
Ultraviolet radiation from natural daylight and fluorescent light bulbs causes damage most quickly, but all light causes damage over a period of time.
Green and Blue Tissue
Green and blue tissue paper, despite what a preservation cleaner may tell you is NOT appropriate and can be very damaging. The color only makes the dress appear whiter; it's a visual trick using the sharp contrast, much like placing white near ivory provides a soft contrast. The tissue can get wet or bleed dyes on the dress fabric.
Hanging Hanging is bad for your dress. It distorts the shape and places too much stress on the fabric to be a part of the permanent storage solution. You can store the dress in an archival box. Periodically remove and refold to avoid damage which might lead to "permanent" creases.
Acid-Leech from Wood Products
Some wooden chests contain treatment products that can transfer over time to the fabric. Processed wood fibers can contain chemicals or acids which can speed the deterioration of the fabrics.
