How To Properly Ship Your Wedding Dress For Safe Preservation?

That epic gown you wore? 

Wasn’t it the heart of your wedding day, holding countless joyful memories?

Now that the celebrations are over, comes the often overlooked but super important “ after party” for your garment: cleaning and preservation. 

Think of it this way: you wouldn’t just leave your most prized possession lying around, right? So, whether you opt for cleaning or full-on preservation, shipping your wedding gown isn’t something to take lightly! 

Your dress is delicate – the lace work, beads, sequins, rhinestones, and embroidery need careful handling. Most importantly, the last thing you want is for it to get damaged or wrinkled in transit. 

In this guide, we will provide tips and tricks on how to ship a wedding dress so it stays pristine, even in transit!

Why Proper Shipping of Your Wedding Dress Matters?

We understand that sending your most treasured possession off can feel nerve-wracking, particularly when you have heard of all those horror stories of lost or damaged gowns. 

Your wedding dress is often crafted of incredibly fragile fabrics that can tear, discolor, or wrinkle when not handled properly. Also, the journey can be rough; even minor errors can mess with your gown’s condition badly. 

One wrong fold, insufficient padding, or poor taping can lead to irreversible damage. Hence, it is essential to get the shipping process right. 

What Comes in a Wedding Dress Preservation Shipping Kit

When you trust us with your precious wedding gown, we make sure it’s in the safest hands. After you’ve selected your kit, personalized it, and placed your order, here’s what’s coming your way:

A Receipt & Easy Tracking

You’ll receive a receipt emailed to you, along with an order number, so you can track your gown’s preservation progress using our GownTracker™ system. You’ll always know where your dress is!

Shipping Box & Materials

Your shipping kit arrives within 5-7 business days, containing everything you need to safely send your gown. Inside, you’ll find:

• A reinforced, crush-proof, and water-resistant corrugated shipping container to keep your gown safe during its journey.
• A waterproof poly shipping bag to protect against moisture.
• Commercial-grade packaging tape for secure sealing.
• A prepaid FedEx Label for hassle-free returns.
• An order form with all your order details, including any upgrades you want, personalization details, alternate delivery address, insurance information, etc., for peace of mind.

Extra Care Instructions

We know how important your dress is, so we’ve included fabric-safe stain stickers for any areas that need extra attention. You’ll also get easy-to-follow instructions on how to place them.

Sending your gown to us is easy, secure, simple, and stress-free. Let us handle the hard part so your dress can come back as beautiful as ever.

Tips for Prepping Your Wedding Dress Before Packing

1. Handle Gently with Clean Hands

Firstly, make sure to handle your wedding dress with clean hands! Consider wearing cotton gloves to avoid transferring lotions, oils, or food residue.

2. Inspect for Stains

Take a close look at your gown thoroughly from every corner. Under good lighting conditions, inspect for any stains, such as makeup or food marks. 

Remember those fabric-safe stain stickers from your kit? Now's the time to use them! Mark any areas that need extra attention, even if they look clear. 

Common culprits include:

• Hemline (from dragging on the ground)
• Underarms (sweat, deodorant marks)
• Bodice (makeup, perfume, food spills from hugging guests)
• Any place where champagne or cake might have splashed

3. Gather All the Accessories

Collect all the accessories that you wish to preserve for coming generations. This may include:

• Veil
• Detachable train
• Shawl/cape
• Sash 
• Hanger
• Jacket 
• Handkerchief 
• Tiara
• Garter
• Robe 
• Gloves
• Corset strap 
• Bows

4. Select Your Space

Make sure you decide on a clean, spacious area to work with. You’ll need room to lay out your dress and all the accessories.

5. Note Repairs

Look for any minor repairs that may be needed, such as loose buttons or threads. Take note of them so they can be addressed during preservation.

6. Take Before Pictures

Snap some pictures of your dress from different angles before packing it. This helps you keep track of its condition and is useful for insurance purposes.

Packing Your Wedding Dress (Step-by-Step)

Returning to the question of the hour, how do you ship a wedding dress? Okay, now that you have some invaluable pre-packing tips, you are all set to pack that iconic dress of yours! 

Here are a few simple, easy-to-follow steps to help you:

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

• Once you have picked a clean, flat surface, lay down a clean sheet or blanket.
• The space should be big enough with plenty of room to work.

Step 2: Place the Dress in the Protective Bag

• Slide your gown gently into the waterproof garment bag.
• If there are zippers or ties in the bag, secure them softly.
• Make sure to undo the bustle before packing the dress.

Step 3: Gently Fold the Gown

• Follow natural seams. Fold the train first, then the skirt.
• Once folded, carefully seal the waterproof poly bag. Make sure it's completely closed but not too tightly packed!

Step 4: Secure in the Shipping Box

• Place the bagged dress into the wedding gown shipping box.
• Add any accessories in separate tissue-wrapped bundles.
• Use included internal flaps or ties if provided.

Step 5: Seal the Box Tightly

• Use the provided commercial-grade tape on all seams.
• This will prevent any moisture from getting inside.

Step 6: Complete the Order Form

• Fill out the order form with all the necessary details.
• Double-check the details you mentioned to avoid any discrepancy. 
• Attach the form to the wedding dress box for easy tracking.

Step 7:  Label It

• Attach the prepaid FedEx label firmly to the designated spot on the outside of the box. 
• Make sure it’s completely visible.
• Apply "Fragile" and "Wedding Dress" stickers or markings if instructed.

Step 8: Ship It

• You are all set to ship the dress. 
• Drop your package at the designated carrier location or schedule a home pickup- whatever you prefer.
• Make sure everything is sealed and properly labeled for smooth shipping.

What Happens After Shipping Your Wedding Dress? The Preservation Process

Once you ship the gown, the preservation process begins as soon as it reaches the facility. There, your gown undergoes a simple process, the way it deserves – with utmost care and perfection! 

Let’s take a look! 

ARRIVAL:

After your gown arrives at the facility, it goes through a detailed reception process.

INSPECTION:

Experts check the wedding dress for visible and hidden stains.

CLEANING:

Fabric-safe, advanced, and gentle cleaning solutions are used.

PRESERVATION:

Dress is steamed, restored, and placed in a premium chest.

RETURN:

The gown is shipped back to you fully preserved—ready to treasure forever.

Final Bridal Checklist Before You Ship Your Wedding Dress

Okay, you have prepped and packed appropriately! 

Before that box leaves your hands, here’s one last, quick run-through to ensure everything is perfect.

Final Checklist Before You Ship

• Order your shipping kit (if you haven’t already)

• Your hands are clean

• Double-check your dress is dry

• Waterproof poly bag properly sealed

• Take “before” photos for peace of mind

• Mark any stains or damage with stickers

• Gently pack with included materials

• Box taped properly with commercial-grade tape

• Pre-paid shipping label clearly attached

• Drop it off or schedule pickup

• Breathe—your gown is in good hands