What is preservation and why is it important?

Typically, preservation is simply defined as preparing for long-term storage by making sure that the item is free of any stains, dirt, or other foreign materials that will discolor or otherwise damage the fabric over time. After that inspection, the item should be stored in a location that will minimize the chance of damage from sources like light, humidity changes, temperature, insects, mildew and mold. When it comes to storing and preserving your wedding gown, some people tend to think of a specific process or method that needs to be followed in order to properly do this, but this is not completely true. Here are a few of the things that you need to protect your dress from by preservation:

·        Stains- These will cause significant damage to the fabric of your gown over time, but they can also generally be removed if taken care of in a timely manner. Sugar stains from spilled champagne or cake icing, as well as, salt stains from perspiration may not be noticeable now, but will turn into brown spots over time if left untreated for a long period of time. This may not be removable. This is one reason it is important to have you dress stored properly as soon as possible after your wedding.

·        Fabric discoloration (yellowing)- There are particular dyes that are used in your wedding gown fabric that include certain types of acid. Over time, this acid will break down and be released as a result causing the fabric to yellow. Preservation of your wedding gown includes filling an acid free storage box with acid free tissue paper. These will help to absorb any of the acid that is released and save your dress from yellowing.

·        Bacteria and fungal growth- This can occur whenever you wedding gown is exposed to any moisture, from humidity in the air, as well as extreme climate conditions such as temperatures over 85 degrees. Be careful not to store you wedding gown in a cardboard box because cardboard tends to absorb moisture, which will encourage the growth of mold and mildew.

·        Rusting of metal components- Things such as your zipper or buttons after being exposed to oxygen and moisture over time will begin to rust. This can be protected against by storing in box that is sealed with a plastic wrap that prevents oxygen from passing through. They might also contain little packets of oxygen absorbing chemicals that help ensure the protection of your gown.