Your wedding day in Denver is a moment to cherish forever, and one of the most important parts of that day is your wedding dress. Whether you had a mountain-top ceremony with stunning views or an urban celebration in the heart of the city, your gown is a piece of your history that you may want to hold onto for generations.
However, when it comes to Denver wedding dress preservation, many brides in the area make mistakes that can compromise the long-term beauty and condition of their dress. To help you avoid these pitfalls, here are some common preservation mistakes that Denver brides should be aware of and how to avoid them.
Some Common Wedding Dress Preservation Mistakes to Avoid
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1. Delaying Preservation Because of Post-Wedding Plans
One mistake many Denver brides make is delaying the preservation of their wedding dress because of post-wedding celebrations, like extended honeymoons or moving into a new home. While life can get hectic after the big day, postponing the preservation process can lead to lasting damage. Stains like dirt from an outdoor wedding in the Rockies, makeup smudges, or food and drink spills from the reception can become harder to remove the longer they sit. Ideally, your dress should be sent for preservation as soon as possible—preferably within a few weeks of your wedding.
2. Underestimating the Impact of Denver’s Climate
Denver’s dry climate can be a blessing for many things, but it can also pose unique challenges for wedding dress preservation. The dry air can cause fabrics to become brittle over time, especially delicate materials like silk or lace. Brides often assume that their dress is safe in the closet, but exposure to the dry environment, combined with fluctuations in temperature, can cause lasting damage. It’s crucial to store your preserved gown in a controlled environment, away from the high altitude’s potentially harsh effects.
3. Choosing a Standard Dry Cleaner Instead of a Specialist
A common error Denver brides make is taking their wedding dress to a regular dry cleaner instead of one that specializes in wedding dresses. While Denver has plenty of great dry cleaners, not all of them have the experience or expertise to handle wedding gowns. Wedding dresses are often made from fragile materials and feature intricate details like beadwork, embroidery, and lace that require special care. A specialized preservationist will know exactly how to handle these elements and ensure your dress stays in pristine condition.
4. Failing to Inspect the Dress for Outdoor Wedding Stains
Denver brides often love the outdoors, and many weddings in this area take place in beautiful natural settings, from garden venues to mountain peaks. While these backdrops are stunning, they can lead to hidden stains and damage on your dress. Grass stains, dirt, and even pine needles can easily get caught in the fabric of your gown during outdoor photos or the ceremony. It’s important to thoroughly inspect your dress for these types of stains and point them out to the preservationist, as they might be overlooked during standard cleaning.
5. Storing the Dress in Non-Optimal Conditions
Denver brides may be tempted to store their wedding dresses in attics, basements, or garages due to space constraints. However, these areas are some of the worst places to store a preserved gown. In Denver, where temperatures can fluctuate dramatically, and the air can get particularly dry, storing a dress in an uncontrolled environment can lead to yellowing, fabric brittleness, or mildew if moisture somehow gets in. Instead, find a cool, dry place in your home, such as a closet in the main part of your house, to ensure your gown remains in good condition.
Conclusion
For Denver brides, preserving your wedding dress is an important step in ensuring that one of the most significant pieces of your big day remains in beautiful condition for years to come. By avoiding these common mistakes—whether it’s delaying preservation, choosing the wrong storage method, or underestimating Denver’s unique climate—you can keep your dress in pristine shape. With proper care and attention, your wedding dress will continue to be a cherished memory of your special day.
