Wedding Dress Framing & Preservation

Your wedding dress deserves to be displayed as a piece of art, not folded into a box in the loft. At Harten we build bespoke shadow box frames designed specifically for each dress, using conservation-grade materials and construction methods that protect the fabric from yellowing, dust and UV damage. Every frame is made from scratch in our workshop — there is no standard size or template, because no two dresses are the same.

Full-Length vs Detail Display

A full-length wedding dress display requires a large shadow box frame, often exceeding two metres in height. Harten builds oversized frames up to 4.5 metres, so full-length display is well within our capability — this is a key reason clients come to us when other framers cannot accommodate the size. If wall space is limited or you prefer a more focused presentation, a bodice display shows the top half of the dress arranged on a shaped internal form, capturing the neckline, sleeves and detailing. A third option is a carefully folded and draped arrangement that presents the dress at a smaller scale while still showing its character. We discuss each option with you before starting so the display suits both the dress and the space it will occupy.

Dress Preparation

We strongly recommend having your dress professionally cleaned before framing. Stains that are invisible now — perspiration, champagne, food — will oxidise over time and become permanent under glass. A specialist wedding dress cleaner or textile restorer can treat these safely without damaging delicate fabrics or beading. We can recommend trusted specialists if needed. Ideally, framing should begin within twelve months of the wedding to minimise any oxidation that has already started. When the dress arrives at our workshop, we inspect it carefully for any damage, loose beading, or weakened seams that need attention before mounting.

Shadow Box Construction

Wedding dresses have volume — tulle, petticoats, structured bodices and layered skirts all need space inside the frame. We build deep box frames to whatever depth the dress requires, typically between 10cm and 25cm depending on the style. Internal structures — padded forms, fabric-covered supports, and concealed brackets — hold the dress in position without stitching through the fabric. The backing board is acid-free and the interior is lined with conservation-grade fabric in a colour you choose to complement the dress. Every element inside the frame is built specifically for your dress, not adapted from a stock product.