Gown Preservation

[ladedah]

I know there have been threads about this somewhere...but what was the consensus on gown preservation....has anyone done it? If not what did you do with your gown??

[TheaterDiva1]

I was wondering the same thing. I haven't gotten around to preserving my gown yet, but it's hanging in my closet in a zippered bag.

Does anyone know how long I can get away with that?

[justnmary]

I don't know but mine is also still hanging in the closet. I need it cleaned I haven't even done that yet.

[labeadel]

Mine's still hanging in my closet too, uncleaned and all.

[NovemberGal]

Mine's still in the closet too, covered with the cleaner's bag that I put over it after I took it off before leaving the reception (I was driving my car--the skirt wouldn't fit!) I know the plastic bag is probably a bad idea; I've been meaning to do something about preserving it for MONTHS now.

[Heather]

I did my dress a few months after the wedding. It cost me about $125 but what I didn't like is that they boxed it up so I can't see if they REALLY got the bottom of it cleaned.

Anyone remember how Mike wanted me to put it in a giant shadow box and hang it on our wall? Yes, he was serious. He now sees the light.

[VenusElaine]

Ladies -
If you truly want to preserve your gown, it should be cleaned and boxed as soon after the ceremony as possible! If you have other plans for it, the cleaning is still necessary to prevent any dirt or stains from becoming set in.
I have had many brides request different alternatives to preservation. Some brides resell, some donate to local charities, some have Christening gowns made for their anticipated family. Whatever your choice, get it clean, and if it is beaded, do not let it hang (the beading will stretch the fabric) and DO NOT store it in plastic . It must be able to "breathe" or the fabric (even polyester) will deteriorate. Fabric garment bags can be purchased or made for you if hanging is the way you wish to store it.

VenusElaine

[Marge129]

I let mine grow mold on it and ended up throwing it in the garbage!

[AngelRoseFyre]

Call me stupid, what exactly is "preserving a gown"?

[Kim&Bob2004]

A christening gown from mine was my idea, I guess, since it's been more then 2 yrs I should have it preserved? It is hanging in a spare closet in a fabric bag....... I had it out a couple months ago and noticed a snag in the fabric that happened, I am sure, when my gown ended up in the garbage after the reception.....

Girls, my MOH and one of my BM's took care of my dress (we have pictures of the BM in the background carrying it upstairs and placing in on the table), placed it in the stuff to be taken from the church and SOMEHOW the dress ended up back in the changing room, without the garment bag.... garment bag was GONE! never did find it! They put the gown in a garbage bag and then forgot about it being there..... Anyway, my brothers ex fiancé hated my guts and she didn't even meet me until our wedding, but I later found out she hated me, so the only person that was staying after that would have moved the gown was her lovely self, so I figure she took the dress and wadded it up the corner like it was found by my Cousin in-law, and thought it would never be missed.

How I got it back: The wonderful lady at the church went through the trash (don't ask me why!) and found my dress wadded in a garbage bag, called my mom, and told her she knew I would want my dress! So I got it back! Praise the Lord!

Anyway, I was upset with the snag and small spot of dirt around the snag, maybe they could fix it some??????? I may have to see about getting it preserved! And keep track of your gown!

[maroki13]

Mine hasn't been cleaned....it is hanging up in its fabric bag in a downstairs closet. I loved wearing it and it was important to me, but I'm a little lost as to what exactly I'm going to do with it in the future....it takes up a lot of space and I don't know that I'll save it forever.