Since your wedding day is one of the most important and special days of your life, your wedding dress is likely to be one of your most treasured things. Whether you intend to keep the dress as a remembrance or pass it down through the generations, it is important to store it correctly to ensure its continued beauty and purity. A box is one of the most common and convenient ways to keep a wedding dress, though there are other options.
This article will walk you through the steps of properly storing your wedding dress so that it can be enjoyed for years to come without any signs of wear and tear. Well then, let’s get this party started!
How Do You Put A Wedding Dress In A Box?
To pack a bridal dress away in a box, one must first make extensive preparations and pay close attention to detail. The steps that need to be followed are as follows:
Clean And Preserve The Dress
Cleaning and preserving your wedding dress is an essential step before packing it in a box. Here’s how to clean and preserve your dress:
- Choose a reputable cleaner: Look for a professional cleaner who specializes in wedding dresses. Make sure they have experience in cleaning the type of fabric your dress is made of.
- Check for stains: Before cleaning, check your dress for any stains or spots. Be sure to point out any stains to the cleaner, so they can use the appropriate cleaning method.
- Hand wash or dry clean: Depending on the fabric of your dress, the cleaner may recommend hand washing or dry cleaning. Hand washing is a more delicate process that involves soaking the dress in a mild detergent solution, while dry cleaning uses solvents to remove stains.
- Preserve the dress: Once the dress is cleaned, the cleaner may offer a preservation service. This typically involves placing the dress in an acid-free box with acid-free tissue paper to prevent yellowing and deterioration. Some preservation methods may also include adding a layer of protective netting over delicate embellishments or lace.
- Store the dress properly: Whether you choose to preserve your dress or not, it’s important to store it properly. Avoid hanging the dress for long periods as this can cause stress on the fabric and stretch out the seams. Instead, fold the dress and store it in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and humidity.
Choose The Right Box
Choosing the right box to pack your wedding dress is crucial to keep it safe and well-preserved. Here are some tips to help you choose the right box:
- Size matters: Make sure you choose a box that’s big enough to hold your wedding dress without squeezing or crumpling it. Your dress should be laid flat in the box, with some extra space on all sides. A good rule of thumb is to select a box that’s at least 2-3 inches larger than your dress.
- Look for a sturdy, acid-free box: An acid-free box will help prevent the yellowing, fading, or discolouration of your dress over time. It’s also important to choose a sturdy box that can support the weight of your dress and protect it from dust, dirt, and moisture.
- Consider the material: A cardboard box is a good choice for most wedding dresses. However, if your dress has delicate embellishments or is made of a fragile fabric, such as silk, you may want to choose a more rigid box, such as a plastic or wooden one, to provide extra protection.
- Buy a specialized wedding dress box: If you want extra peace of mind, consider buying a box specifically designed for wedding dresses. These boxes typically have acid-free tissue paper and cardboard inserts to help support and protect your dress.
Wrap The Dress In Acid-Free Tissue Paper
Wrapping your wedding dress in acid-free tissue paper is an essential step to protect it from damage and prevent any wrinkles or creases from forming. Here’s how to wrap your dress in acid-free tissue paper:
- Lay out a clean, flat surface: Start by laying out a clean, flat surface such as a table or countertop. Make sure the surface is free of dust, debris, or anything that could transfer onto your dress.
- Use acid-free tissue paper: Acid-free tissue paper is specially designed to protect delicate fabrics from yellowing or fading over time. You can find acid-free tissue paper at most craft or fabric stores.
- Start at the bottom: Begin by placing a sheet of acid-free tissue paper on the surface, then lay your dress on top of the tissue paper, with the bottom of the dress facing up.
- Add more tissue paper: Add additional sheets of tissue paper, layering them over the dress until it’s completely covered. Be sure to tuck the tissue paper around the sleeves, neckline, and any other delicate areas of the dress.
- Fold the dress: Once the dress is fully covered in tissue paper, carefully fold it along the natural seams, making sure not to create any sharp creases or wrinkles.
- Repeat the process: If your dress has multiple layers or a long train, repeat the process of adding tissue paper and folding the dress, making sure to keep each layer separate and protected.
Pack The Dress In The Box
Now that you have cleaned, preserved, and wrapped your wedding dress in acid-free tissue paper, it’s time to pack it in the box. Here’s how to pack your dress in the box:
- Open the box: Begin by opening the acid-free box that you have chosen for your dress.
- Line the box with tissue paper: To add an extra layer of protection, line the bottom of the box with additional sheets of acid-free tissue paper.
- Add your dress to the box: Carefully place your dress in the box, making sure it’s flat and not folded or bunched up.
- Fill any empty spaces: If there are any empty spaces around the dress, fill them with additional sheets of tissue paper to prevent the dress from moving around during transport.
- Add more tissue paper on top: Once your dress is securely in the box, add more sheets of tissue paper on top to ensure that it’s completely covered.
- Seal the box: Finally, seal the box securely using packing tape, making sure that it’s completely closed and there are no openings.
- Label the box: Be sure to label the box as “fragile” or “handle with care” and include your name and address, as well as the name and address of the recipient, if you’re shipping it to someone else.
Seal The Box
After packing your wedding dress in the box, it’s essential to seal it properly to ensure it’s safe during transport or storage. Here are some tips on how to seal the box:
- Use strong packing tape: The most important thing when sealing your wedding dress box is to use strong packing tape. Choose a tape that’s at least 2 inches wide and designed for sealing boxes.
- Apply tape to all edges: To ensure your wedding dress box is well-sealed, apply packing tape to all edges of the box. Run the tape along the seams of the box, making sure to cover any gaps or openings.
- Reinforce the corners: The corners of the box are particularly vulnerable to damage, so be sure to reinforce them with extra tape. Place a strip of tape along the corners to prevent the box from splitting open during transport.
- Label the box: Once you’ve sealed the box, label it clearly with your name, address, and the name and address of the recipient if you’re shipping it. You may also want to add labels such as “fragile” or “handle with care” to alert anyone handling the box that it contains a delicate item.
- Store the box properly: After sealing your wedding dress box, it’s essential to store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, moisture, or extreme temperatures. Avoid storing the box in an attic or basement, as these areas can be prone to dampness or pests.
Conclusion
Your wedding dress is an item that should be treated with the respect and care it deserves to ensure that it is preserved in its original condition for future generations. You may prevent damage to your dress and make certain that it will continue to be in pristine condition for many years to come if you follow the processes of washing, preserving, wrapping, packing, and sealing it in a wedding dress box acid free before storing it. Your wedding dress has the potential to become an exquisite keepsake that you may cherish for the rest of your life if you take the time and effort to properly care for it and maintain it.