Bridal gown storage - am I doing it right?

I had my gown dry-cleaned already. I also have a big wooden chest (like a hope chest) where I plan to store it in (as it is tradition where I am from). I purchased acid-free tissue/wrapping paper. I plan to gently wrap the gown with the tissue (no tape, no glue) and put it in the wooden chest, along with other bridal paraphernalia I used (pillows, veil, etc). However, I don't think my chest is made from the natural insect-repelling material. Should I put moth balls in the chest along with the gown? If yes, do I just toss the balls in there or put them in a cloth pouch? Will the moth balls stain the dress throughout the years? Will it make the gown unbearably stinky? Also, if anyone has some added suggestions on how I should do it better, let me know. My goal is to preserve the gown as much as I can so I can keep it as a treasured keepsake. Thanks!

Follow these easy instructions to pack and store your wedding gown in an acid-free box, just like museums store their priceless textiles and costumes!

Step 1

Purchase an acid-free box and acid-free tissue from an archival supply company. Consult a local museum for recommendations, or purchase something like the SafeKeep Quilt and Garment Kit from Light Impressions. A kit will usually come with enough tissue for packing the wedding gown. If not, purchase at least 20 sheets of acid-free tissue.

Step 2

Line the box with tissue. Depending on the length of the wedding gown, you may have to fold it several times. Calculate how many times you will have to fold it so that in the end, the front of the dress will be facing up.

Step 3

For a dress without a train, begin by placing the hemline of the dress face down at the far end of the box. Lay the skirt face down until you reach the other end of the box. You will only need to fold it once, approximately at the waist. A long train will require multiple folds for it to come out correctly. Place one sheet of tissue between each layer so that any decorations such as beading or sequins to not come into direct contact with another area of the wedding gown.

Step 4

Take one or two pieces of tissue and make a long, tubelike shape to soften and pad the area(s) where the dress will be folded. Repeat this step as you lay the dress into the box, being sure that no part of the dress will be sharply folded in a crease. Sharp folds can create weakened fibers over time, and can eventually result in a spot that will be more likely to rip or tear.

Step 5

Once the bodice is laid on top, use the acid-free tissue to pad out various areas of the wedding gown, including the chest, sleeves, and collar. Be generous with the amount of tissue!

Step 6

Place a layer of acid-free tissue over the top. Lay the veil on top of the tissue. Veils are fragile and should not be stored underneath the dress, to minimize stress on the tulle.

Step 7

Close the box. You may want to label the outside of the box with your name, and any details about your wedding, including the date, the location, etc.

Step 8

You may want to purchase additional acid-free boxes of various sizes to store your shoes, headpiece, floral arrangement, and other momentos. Polypropylene bags can also be purchased in a variety of sizes to safely store jewelry. These bags look like ziploc bags, but are made of inert materials that will not degrade over time.

Step 9

The general rule of thumb for storing textiles is to keep them where you are comfortable. You should avoid extreme heat or cold, as well as exposure to moisture. A good place is under the bed in a guest room.

Step 10

Keep the memory of your wedding alive by regularly viewing your dress! There is no need to keep it packed away forever in a box. Enjoy it! I try to put mine on at least once a year, around our anniversary.

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Tags: box, boxes, keepsake, wood, wooden, wooden keepsake box, wooden keepsake box plans, wooden keepsake boxes, wooden keepsake chest, wooden keepsake display stand, wooden keepsake urns, woodworking

Categories: Jewelry Boxes

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