Fashion trends come and go every year. They often come back every few decades, and wedding dresses are no exception. Iconic styles from the past usually inspire modern designers. 

For instance, Princess Diana’s ivory silk wedding dress, with its poufy shoulders and lace V-neck, was a trend in the 1980s. And nowadays, wedding dresses with puff sleeves are becoming popular again among modern brides.

That is why many brides store their wedding dresses, choosing to either preserve them as a keepsake or pass them on to future generations as family heirlooms. Wearing a vintage bridal gown not only adds sentimental value but also brings a fashionable retro aesthetic to the wedding. 

Are you at a point where you have to decide whether to buy a new wedding dress or wear a gown worn by your grandma or mom at their weddings a decade ago? Well, to keep the legacy alive, many brides, including Jordyn and Abigail, wear vintage wedding gowns.

Although a vintage wedding dress comes with several challenges—it might have unalterable elements, repairs, or imperfections due to aging—the benefits of old wedding dress restoration are limitless.

Why Maintain A Vintage Wedding Gown?

• Sentimental Value: A vintage wedding gown holds a significant sentimental value. It is not just a piece of clothing; it’s a living memory and a symbol of love passed down through generations. Wearing a vintage wedding gown that someone important to you once wore on their most precious day can make your special day even more valuable and meaningful.
• Unique Style: Vintage wedding dresses often have unique designs and intricate details that are hard to find in modern gowns. Not only can these gowns add a touch of timeless elegance to your wedding but also offer you a unique look, enabling you to set yourself apart from other brides.
• Create a Tradition: A wedding gown that belongs to your mother or grandmother can help you feel more connected to them. Moreover, you can create a tradition by wearing a family heirloom like this Pennsylvania family. This tradition can be passed down through generations, adding a unique and deeply personal aspect to each wedding. You can

How to Maintain a Vintage Wedding Gown?

Now that you know why you should maintain a vintage wedding gown, you probably have already decided to keep your grandma’s or mother’s special gown as a family heirloom; you need to know a few tips for maintaining a vintage wedding dress.

So, here are a few vintage wedding dress maintenance tips that will help you keep your gown looking like new.

Tip 1: Don’t Attempt To Clean Your Vintage Wedding Dress Yourself

Wedding dresses are made up of delicate fabrics and are prone to damage. You can’t clean a wedding dress like your regular outfit using over-the-counter soaps and detergents. 

Moreover, hanging your wedding dress to dry can cause irreparable damage to the fabric as harsh chemicals can set into it, making it hard to touch.

That is why experts recommend hiring a professional for vintage wedding dress restoration and cleaning. Never attempt to clean your wedding gown at home.

Tip 2: Store Your Vintage Wedding Dress Away From Sunlight and Bright Light

UV rays can damage the fabric of your wedding gown. However, what most people don’t understand is that not only UV light but any bright light that is detectable to the human eye can cause fabric degradation over time. 

That is why it is recommended that you store your vintage gown away from sunlight or bright light. You can store your gown in a room that doesn’t get direct sunlight or bright light. In addition, choose an area with regulated temperature and humidity.

Tip 3: Don’t Hang Your Vintage Wedding Dress In A Closet

Wedding dresses, especially those with multiple layers, heavy embellishments, or long veils, can become heavy and may stretch or deform if hung for an extended time. Prolonged hanging can also stress the seams, potentially leading to tears or loosening of stitches.

To preserve the integrity of your wedding dress, it is essential to store it flat rather than hanging it in a closet. This approach ensures an even distribution of weight and prevents distortion. For optimal preservation, consider using an acid-free preservation box to maintain the dress's pristine condition.

Tip 4: Smell Your Vintage Wedding Dress 

When you store your wedding gown, there is a high chance the fabric will develop a strange, musty odor over time. If you notice an odor, it is a sign of mold spores. Mold spores not only break down the delicate fabric of your gown but also cause skin irritation and itching. That is why it is crucial to hire a professional to get your dress thoroughly cleaned.

Tip 5: Don’t Keep Your Vintage Wedding Dress In The Loft Or Attic

Many brides choose to pack their wedding dress in a box, store it in an attic and forget about it. However, an attic is exposed to direct sunlight, which can lead to irregular temperature and high humidity levels. 

These environmental factors can lead to fabric discoloration, mold growth and fabric weakening. Moreover, an attic can have more pests that can permanently damage your dress by chewing the fabric or leaving feces stains. That is why it is important to store your wedding gown in a comfortable area of your home.

Tip 6: Store Your Vintage Wedding Dress In An Acid-Free Box

The most common mistake most brides make while storing their wedding gowns is the use of plastic bags or untreated cardboard boxes. Since wedding gown fabric needs to breathe and must be protected from dust. However, plastic bags and cardboard break down and emit harmful gases over time, especially during contact with light. This can lead to permanent discoloration of the fabric. So, never store your gown in a plastic bag or standard cardboard box.

Tip 7: Don’t Handle Your Vintage Wedding Dress Excessively

Delicate fabrics such as lace, silk, chiffon, and tulle are prone to snagging, stretching, and tearing when handling a wedding gown. Even the natural oils and residues from your hands can gradually damage the fabric, causing stains.

Moreover, the intricate embellishments on a wedding gown can become loose or detached with frequent handling. Regular movement can also put structural stress on the dress, impacting its fit and appearance. To ensure the gown remains in pristine condition, it is advisable to minimize handling.

Tip 8: Pay Attention to Accessories

The accessories associated with vintage wedding dresses, such as veil, gloves, train, hat, jacket, shawl, etc., also require care. These items should be stored in a similar manner to the gown, using acid-free materials and avoiding direct light.

If the gown includes detachable elements or accessories, ensure they are stored separately but in a coordinated way to prevent damage and loss.

Preserve Memories for Future Generations With Us

With the advancement in technology, vintage wedding gown restoration is easy regardless of its age. All you have to do is choose an ideal restoration kit from our website and place an order.

Once we confirm your order, you have to send your wedding gown to us, and we will restore its pristine beauty for you. So, what are you waiting for? Choose your kit and place your order now!