Bridal Gown Preservation

What is Wedding Gown Preservation?

Wedding Gown Preservation Box

Gown Preservation is a two-part process. The first is cleaning (described earlier) basically, spotting, cleaning, drying and pressing. The second is to preserve the gown in a special box designed to preserve the garments up to 200 years. Read the box manufacturer’s certificate. To preserve the gown (or the garment) we put few layers of white tissues (we only use white tissue), insert the bosom form, and then folding it nicely to place it in the Gold Preservation Box. The Clear view window upper cover is placed with care. A certificate and post cards etc are placed along side, and then the attached top lid is closed. It is then put in a plastic bag and then it is placed in the outside (main) box.

We also provide a muslin cloth outer bag with a handle at a nominal charge if you want it. Pictures of boxes, bags etc are provided here.

How we put the gown in Gown Preservation Box:

First white tissues are spread at bottom and around as needed.
Then the gown is carefully placed in the box in such way that it would not shift and would stay steady.
Then the top window see through cover is placed along with warranty card on the side.
After lowering the top cover lid, it is closed.
Then we put the box in a plastic bag.
Then we put the box (with plastic bag over it) in the outer box.
Then seal the box with a tape. Now it is ready to be picked up by the bride.
Then if the customer wants a Muslin Bag – we provide that at a nominal charge which comes with a handle so you can carry it like a suit case/bag.

Please store the box in a climate controlled area such as your bedroom or a closet. Please DO NOT store in the garage, attic, or the basement to avoid extreme temperature and humidity.

This is how carefully we preserve your valuable Wedding Gown in the Gown Preservation Box.

Member of Association of Bridal Consultants Bridal Gown Preservation-Member of Association of Bridal Consultation

In wedding gown preservation we use a completely archival box which is acid-free and sulfur-free. Multi-layered construction helps lock out moisture, mildew, moths, dirt and dust. Since the future storage conditions could cause volatile and migrating acids to form, calcium carbonate and alkaline buffers have been added to the paper board to alleviate this deterioration. In addition, lignin, a natural adhesive found in trees, has been removed because of its acidic properties.

The box is hand-assembled and it contains:

A bosom form, which is acid-free.
The tissue used is also acid-free.
A crystal clear viewing window.
An interior photo holder.
A beautiful and attractive metallized gold laminated exterior
A protective double-sided shipping case with shrink wrap

By using this type of storage material, museums are hoping to extend the life of a garment up to 200 years. You have chosen nothing less than the best for your beautiful gown.

This is how the corset is tied before putting it in the box.

The Preservation Certificate – Warranty
The warranty covers the original gown which was cleaned and processed by us. The warranty belongs to the original owner of the gown and/or her heirs or assignees for 30 years from the date of work completed. The warranty covers any damage, discoloration or damage to fabrics or trims resulting from our process provided the gown is not worn and the gown in the box is not kept in extreme temperatures or humidity such as an attic, garage or basement. However, you could open the box (unseal the box) to inspect the gown. Opening the box does not void the warranty.

In a study by museum conservators to find out what causes the fabric deterioration (yellowing, brown spots, staining, streaking, friability, etc.) it was discovered that the box had become highly acidic, causing the degradation of the paper and its consequent discoloration. The yellowing, browning, and streaking of the paper was staining the textiles when it came in contact with it, as well as acidifying the textiles themselves. Therefore, to overcome the problem, the box was made acid-free and buffered to keep it that way. The manufacturing process exceeds the standards set out by International Association of Precious Fabric Preservers.