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Storing Your Gown
Trends and tips for the big day and beyond
By Copley News Service
After all that planning and fretting, your wedding went off
without a hitch and you were a beautiful bride in your elegant,
lacy gown. Now what? No, we're not talking about the honeymoon.
Now what do you do with your gown?
Many women save theirs as a keepsake or to hand down to their
daughters, and if that's what you're planning make sure you
do it right.
The Whirlpool Institute of Fabric Science offers this advice
for brides to ensure that their gowns will remain as beautiful
as they were on the big day:
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Have your gown cleaned within a few weeks
of the ceremony. The longer stains and soil are left on
the gown, the more likely it is that they'll be permanent.
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Talk to a professional, a preservation
specialist who is trained in textile conservation or a
dry cleaner trained in cleaning and preparing gowns for
storage. They can identify stains, even ones you can't
see.
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Don't keep your gown in a plastic bag,
which will break down over time and release chemicals
and fumes that can discolor and ruin fabrics.
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If you're storing your gown in a box,
wrap it first in acid-free white tissue. Stuff the bodice
or other curved areas with tissue to prevent creasing.
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Use an acid-free box, too, but be prepared
to change it every three to five years. Even acid-free
can reacidfy over time.
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Store your gown in a cool, dry place
-- not a hot, humid attic that can cause mildew and yellowing.
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Keep your gown away from sunlight and
artificial light that cause degradation and fading.
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If you plan on hanging your gown, wrap
it in a white sheet or muslin first and hang with the
inside loops that are connected to the side seams. Never
hang it by the shoulder seams.
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Check your gown occasionally for damage.
Stains that aren't visible can appear later and should
be treated immediately.
Brookside Farm is operated by Family
Care Foundation.
All proceeds from weddings support the charity
work of Family Care Foundation, as do car donations. Click
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boat donation to Donate
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