Restoring An Old Wedding Dress
Restoring an Old Wedding Dress
The Joys of Reviving a Vintage Gown
If you’ve got an old wedding dress that’s been collecting dust in the back of your closet for years, you may be wondering if it’s still wearable. Chances are, if the dress is in decent condition, it can be restored to its former glory with a few simple alterations. Not only can a vintage wedding dress be a unique and meaningful addition to your special day, but you can also save a lot of money by avoiding the cost of a new gown. Here are a few tips to help you breathe new life into an old wedding dress.
Start with a Professional Cleaning
The very first step in restoring an old wedding dress is to have it professionally cleaned. This can be done with a dry cleaner who specializes in dealing with delicate fabrics and intricate beading. You can also have the dress steamed to remove any wrinkles or creases that may have developed over time. If the dress is in need of more extensive cleaning, there are companies that specialize in wedding dress preservation and can be hired to handle the job.
Check for Repairs
If your vintage wedding dress is in need of any repairs, you’ll want to have them taken care of before the cleaning process. Check for any loose beading, tears, and discoloration. If the dress needs minor repairs, you may be able to do it yourself. For more complex repairs, like re-sewing a beaded trim, it’s best to take it to a seamstress who specializes in wedding gown alterations.
Make Any Necessary Alterations
Once the dress has been cleaned and repaired, you can begin making any necessary alterations. You may need to have the dress taken in or let out in certain places, depending on your body shape and size. If the dress is too long, you can have the hemline taken up or split into a high-low style. If you’re looking to modernize the look of your wedding dress, you can also have the neckline and sleeves altered to give it a more contemporary feel.
Accessorize for a Fresh Look
The final touch to restoring an old wedding dress is to accessorize it. You can add a modern veil, a statement necklace, or a colorful headpiece to give it a fresh look. You can also ask the seamstress to add lace or beading to the dress if it needs more of an embellishment. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Conclusion
Restoring an old wedding dress can be a time-consuming and expensive process, but it’s worth it in the end. It’s a great way to save money while still having a unique and meaningful dress for your wedding day. With a little bit of cleaning, repairs, and alterations, you can have an old dress looking like new in no time.
