A christening dress is so much more than just a piece of fabric. It’s a keepsake woven with love and faith for family tradition.
Sometimes, it becomes a treasured heirloom, passed down through generations, from grandparents to parents and now to the little ones.
Because of this sentimental value, every parent wants to preserve the christening gown in perfect condition. But it isn’t as simple as folding it up and tucking it into a drawer. It requires a lot of care, the right storage methods, and many other things to make sure it stays beautiful for years to come.
And for that, we have brought a detailed guide on some of the most common mistakes that parents often make while preserving the christening dresses. Knowing these mistakes ahead of time will help you to not only avoid damaging the gown but also feel confident that you’re doing everything possible to protect such a meaningful keepsake.
- Delaying the cleaning process
One of the most common mistakes parents often make is to delay the cleaning process.
Even if the dress looks spotless after the ceremony, it may still have some hidden stains. And if you keep on delaying the cleaning process, all the visible and invisible stains become yellow, and after a few years, they may even turn into permanent brown stains.
So, it’s always recommended to get the preservation done as soon as possible.
- Using plastic bags for storage
Plastic bags may feel like an easy and best storage solution, but they’re actually one of the worst options.
They can easily trap the moisture, which creates a humid environment for the growth of mold and mildew. Over time, these plastics may even release chemicals that can actually cause the fabric to turn yellow or break down.
Instead, it’s best to wrap the dress in acid-free/neutral tissue paper and store it inside a breathable garment bag till the time you take it for preservation.
- Folding without padding
Folding may seem harmless, but sharp creases can stress delicate fibers. And with time, these folds may weaken the fabric to the point of splitting.
If folding is absolutely necessary, don’t do it without padding. Place the sheets of acid-free/neutral tissue paper between the folds to soften the creases. You can also roll the gown gently around a muslin-covered tube.
- Keeping the dress in humid or damp places
The attic, basements, or closets near a bathroom are some of the worst places to store christening gowns. These spaces are prone to humidity and temperature fluctuations, which result in the growth of mold, mildew, and musty odors.
The best place for storage? A cool, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight.
- Ignoring the accessories
The accessories like bonnets, booties, bibs, and even small lace gloves deserve the same attention as the dress. These items are just as delicate as the dress itself and need a proper care too.
Tossing them aside or storing them separately without any protection often means they get lost, stained, or damaged.
So, the best way is to wrap each accessory individually in acid-free tissue and store them in the same box as the gown. By this, you won’t forget to preserve the accessories as well.
Wrapping Up
Preserving a christening dress isn’t just about keeping it clean; it’s more about protecting the heritage of the family.
But without the right care, even the most beautiful gown can get damaged. That’s why it’s so important to be mindful of how you handle it now.
By avoiding the mistakes we discussed, like using plastic bags or keeping it in a humid environment, you’re perfectly saving it as a story of your family history.
