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Bouquet &
Gown Preservation
…Creating Heirlooms
Your wedding bouquet and gown were truly breathtaking. The beauty
of your gown and bouquet will fade over time, right? Well, not necessarialy.
Bouquet Preservation
The process of freeze drying flowers has been perfected so that
it is now easy and cost effective to preserve your wedding bouquet
for years. They retain even their delicate shape and vibrant colors!
For wedding bouquet preservation, the bouquet is photographed and
the flowers are re-hydrated and chemically pre-treated to open the
cell structure and retain natural color. Flowers are placed in a
freeze dryer, temperature is lowered and a low vacuum is applied.
This slowly extracts moisture, retaining cellular structure and
flower shape. Flowers are then wired, color enhanced if needed and
sealed to protect from dust, light and moisture.
Make a reservation well before the wedding. Flower age and condition
upon receipt impact the quality of the preservation. So for the
best results, have your bouquet kept in water in a refrigerator
until it is delivered to the preservationist (within four days of
the wedding). Most flowers preserve well; however, daisies, phalaenopsis
orchids, asiatic lilies and bouvardia do not. All Traditions and
Pismo Beach Florist currently provide this service.
Wedding Gown Preservation
You’ve had your fantasy wedding in your perfect dress. If not
properly cleaned and stored, discoloration and decomposition of
the fabric will occur…. particularly if stored in a plastic
garment bag, which gives off damaging fumes. Now, with bridal gown
preservation, you can preserve your wedding gown and it will retain
all of its beauty for years to come.
Cleaning. Your gown may be dry or wet
cleaned. Wet cleaning uses water, which is the best cleaner for
sugar, food stains and hem dirt. Dry cleaning uses solvents for
cleaning, which is OK for silk, rayon or acetate but solvents may
damage sequins, beads and any glues. Your dress label should specify
the best type of cleaning process. With the input of your cleaner,
determine which cleaning process would be best for your particular
gown.
Storage. Once cleaned, your professional
gown preservationist will either box or hang your gown. If boxing,
request an archival quality acid free box, not simply cardboard
with an acid free coating that can decompose over time. Acid free
tissue is used to pad all folds. Refold the gown into different
positions every two years to prevent permanent creases and to identify
any damage early. Your box can be stored in a closet or under a
bed. If hanging, the gown is hung on a padded cotton hanger, the
bodice is filled with acid free tissue and the gown is covered with
natural un-dyed cotton fabric. Hanging reduces the risk of creases
and allows for easy inspection.
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