Typically passed down from one generation to the next, inherited wedding gowns are a tradition that many uphold in wearing a gown that their mother wore and her mother wore, etc. In order for inherited wedding gowns to be worn, they must be properly preserved through the years. This includes professional cleaning and storage after each wear and, because not every body type is the same, inherited wedding gowns often require some alterations.

Although it is wonderful to walk into a boutique and try on the latest trends in wedding fashion, there is nothing more special than wearing inherited wedding gowns. During the act of wearing a gown that was also worn by ancestors as they were married years ago, there is a feeling of closeness and a blessed feeling that no other could every possibly provide. Wearing inherited wedding gowns almost gives the bride a feeling that her family is there with her in spirit even if some of them cannot be there in the physical sense.

Prior to the ceremony, inherited wedding gowns should be removed from storage and professionally cleaned once more. If any alterations are to be made, they should be sought several months prior to the wedding in order to make sure any and all repairs or adjustments are completed in time for the ceremony.

For those who own inherited wedding gowns that simply do not fit, there is nothing wrong with going out and selecting a new dress for your ceremony. In this scenario, inherited wedding gowns can be kept nicely in storage until they are passed down to a woman in the family who can wear it with little or no alterations. Sometimes, a dress simply will not fit and this is the time that it should remain preserved until such time as there is a woman who can wear it comfortably without drastically disturbing the makeup of the gown.

Inherited wedding gowns, after they are worn, should be professionally cleaned and stored once again. They should not be left in the plastic garment bag that is provided after the cleaning, but rather a breathable garment bag or a box instead. Additionally, wedding gowns should never be hung but should be laid flat in order to prevent pulling of the fabric. Inherited wedding gowns, and all others, should never be stored in a location that is prone to dampness, extreme heat or cold. Any of these conditions can reek havoc on garments.