How to Avoid Bridal Gown Preservation Scams

Bridal gown preservation scams are so prevalent that most places offering to "preserve" your bridal gown actually have no inkling of whether or not they are doing it properly or whether it is actually an unnecessary service. Part of the ploy is the simple fact that even normally frugal people will spend extravagantly on a wedding. Here are some key tips to remember to preserve your wedding dress without being conned out of too much money in the process.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Avoid plastic bags. Plastic actually emits chemicals over time that will discolor fabrics. Many bridal shops will offer a "display package" in which your dress is sealed in plastic and then displayed in either a frame or a simple box. This is not safe for the dress.

2. Take the "vacuum packaging" myth with a grain of salt. Just because your dress has been vacuum packaged and then repackaged in an airtight container this does not mean that your dress is safe. Vacuum packaging is still done in plastic and the same chemicals that would discolor your bridal gown in a plastic garment bag will still discolor it. Don't pay $300 for a preservation job that involves vacuum packaging or plastic.

3. Opt for sturdy materials. Polyester is a common material for wedding gowns and luckily for brides, it is one of the sturdiest materials out there. It resists staining and discoloration much better than cotton, and is much easier to clean and store worry-free.

4. Stop worrying about "oxidation". Discoloration can occur for a variety of reasons. The most likely culprits are the acids and chemicals found in standard storage materials. Oxygen does not, nor has it ever, been a danger to garments. If the company you have gone to to have your gown preserved starts in on preventing oxidation, walk away.

5. Keep your dress out of the light. Display boxes are lovely, but they are suited for just that: displaying the dress. They are not sufficient to preserve the gown. Don't be duped into thinking that they are. Over time light particles can break down fabrics, causing these fabrics to change colors or even become thinner. Don't believe any company that tells you that your dress will last forever on display. It won't.

6. Ask about the company's policy for clasps and other metal attachments on the dress. Most genuine professionals who promote "museum quality preservation" will remove your clasps and package them separately.

7. Ask about the box. Acid-free boxes are all the rage right now with bridal gown preservation companies, but sadly many of these boxes will do just as much damage. In order to create an "acid-free" box the manufacturers will alter the alkalinity, creating a container that is more basic than acidic. Sadly, this does just as much damage. Ask for a ph neutral box. These are more expensive, but well worth it.

8. Get all guarantees in writing. You also may want to make sure that the company you are doing business with has been around for a long time. If your dress turns yellow in 20 years, you need to be able to march into that same store with your written guarantee to get your money back.

9. Stop worrying. It is very difficult to prevent most fabrics from slight discoloration over time. In the event that your wedding or bridal gown does fade and you'd like to let another family member use it one day, you can have it bleached. Bleaching is common and when done properly, perfectly safe.

[poshadornment]

on 8/13/2009 Good one. I agree with Virtuous1, well written and knowledgable.

[Virtuous1]

on 8/12/2009 5 stars!! Your articles are very informative and professional. You are a great writer.