History of Gown Preservation

The Timeless Tradition of Wedding Gown Preservation
Wedding gown preservation began in the 1700s. A wedding dress has always been much more than just a clothing item. It symbolizes love, commitment, and the start of a new chapter in life.Â
Since wedding dresses hold significant sentimental value, it is not surprising that brides have been cleaning and preserving their gowns as family heirlooms since the late 18th century.
Wedding Dress Preservation – How It Started?
Today, the thought of re-wearing a wedding gown to another event feels unusual, but this was not always the case. Before the 20th century, brides re-wore their wedding dress throughout their lifetime. It was the most expensive dress in their wardrobe, and wearing it just for one day wouldn’t be worth it.
Beyond its monetary value, a wedding gown holds deep sentimental significance. So, it’s no wonder brides wore wedding dresses during parties, formal gatherings, and other brides’ weddings. These dresses were often redyed or altered to make them appropriate and versatile for other occasions.
Traditionally, wedding gowns were worn frequently until they were ruined. That is why vintage wedding dresses are rare or difficult to find nowadays. However, royal families used to preserve their wedding gowns. So, vintage wedding gowns available nowadays are from the royal families that have preserved their gowns or did not wear them regularly.
The Oldest Preserved Wedding Gown in History
The oldest wedding dress that survives from the Georgian period is the one Princess Charlotte wore on her wedding day with Prince Leopold in 1816. It is displayed in the halls of St. James Palace. Mrs Triaud of Bolton Street made the gown from silver cloth. It features a silk bobbinet embroidered with heavy silver lame and Brussels lace.Â
The gown has lasted for over 200 years due to endless efforts of palace staff to keep it dry and away from direct sunlight.
Why Should Brides Preserve Their Wedding Gowns?
Whether you have taken vows a few months ago or a decade ago, you can have your wedding gown preserved to restore its beauty and elegance to the day you wore it on your wedding day. Here are the reasons why wedding dress preservation is worth it:
- Wedding dresses are made from delicate materials that are prone to stains. These stains can set into the fabric, especially if left untreated. Wedding gown preservation ensures your dress remains stain-free for years.
- Wedding dresses hold significant sentimental value. When you choose to preserve your gown, you can pass it down as a family heirloom. Moreover, future generations can re-preserve it with us.
- Many brides store their gowns in plastic bags, leading to discoloration and yellowing over time. Our preservation kits are made with acid-free materials to protect your gown against moisture, sunlight, pests, etc.
- At Dress Preservation, we believe wedding dress preservation should be affordable for everyone. That is why our kits are reasonably priced.
Get Started
With Dress Preservation, wedding gown preservation is easy! All you need to do is choose the ideal kit as per your gown age and place an order from our website. We will process your order ASAP and you will receive your kit within 5-7 business days.