How to ship a wedding dress?

Learning how to pack a wedding dress without fear of damage

How to ship a wedding dress

Shipping a wedding dress from one place to another can be nerve-wracking because of its sentimental value, as it’s hard to imagine parting with your dream dress once you have it in your hands. According to wedding experts, the most common reason for shipping a dress is that it was sold to someone out of town and you need it to arrive quickly and safely.

Another of the most common reasons for moving a wedding dress is because you are having a destination wedding and need to move the look to that location. But before taking a box and putting the dress inside it is important to keep in mind some points to avoid damage or wear and tear during the trip.

To carry a wedding dress, the first thing to do is to get a clean, sturdy box for shipping. A classic wedding dress will fit in a box 45.7 x 40.6 x 23.9 cm or 76.2 x 50.8 x 20.3 cm, but ideally choose one that is large enough to fit the dress and packing materials without difficulty.

While plastic is not recommended for long-term storage of wedding dresses, experts confirm that it is completely safe. In fact, anything from a clear recycling bag to a plastic garment bag can be used, often included with the purchase of the dress.

How much does it cost to ship a wedding dress?

The rates for shipping a bridal gown depend largely on the destination, the weight of the dress, the speed of shipping, among other factors. Although the process may seem expensive, it does not have to be, since there are ways to obtain the most affordable price within the desired budget. To do this, it is suggested to get quotes from several carriers to see which one is more cost effective.

When shipping a wedding dress, one aspect that cannot be ignored is insurance, since, if the dress is damaged or lost the carrier will be responsible for assuming the cost of the final price for the dress, including alterations. If insurance is not added, it is likely that you will only receive a portion in compensation which will not be enough to assume the total payment for the dress.

How to pack the wedding dress for shipping?

For the dress to arrive safely from shipment to destination, experts recommend following a step-by-step process. This way it will arrive without difficulties and without receiving any damage. The instructions are as follows:
The first thing is to wash your hands and remove any jewelry that could get caught on the dress and damage it.
Fasten and zipper the back zipper to prevent wrinkling, but without bulging the dress.
For simple, unadorned dresses, turn the dress inside out. In case it has lace, satin or similar embellishments, the ideal is to place the dress on a bed (clean and laid out) and fold each side inwards; the same with the train, skirt and sleeves. After this, acid-free tissue paper should be placed between the folds to prevent snagging and wrinkling, finally, fold the bodice over the skirt and add more tissue paper.
Place the dress in a plastic garment bag or bag if you do not have the one mentioned above.
Place a duplicate shipping label inside the box, without it coming in direct contact with the dress.
Use heavy-duty tape 2” or more wide to secure the box. Seal all edges, seams and fold openings.

For the shipment of a dress it is advisable to take several factors into account and follow the instructions step by step. It is also recommended that prior to packing the dress it is important to take pictures and document the dress to show the condition prior to shipment, this in case you have to make a claim or make a complaint if the dress does not arrive in the condition it was sent in.