A few days ago, my husband spoke the words that I thought he'd never have the courage to say to me: "I think it's time that you box up your wedding gown." We were rattling off things on our to-do list and he casually slipped this one in there. My first reaction was to gasp... loudly. My eyes grew wide and I stared at him with my mouth open for what seemed like forever. And then these words stumbled out in an incredibly dramatic way, "Are. you. being. serious?" He knew that he struck a bad chord with me and he knew what to do next: walk away.
I nearly cried when we returned from our honeymoon because I stared at my dress and couldn't work up the courage to inquire about preserving it. My poor husband was the one who had to listen to me cry about this the most. He knew I was upset, so he didn't say anything. Ever. Even those times when I'd be cleaning our apartment and say, "I know I should look into preserving this, but I'm just not ready yet." Still, he would nod (in agreement?!) and walk away.
And then there was a few days ago, where I'm assuming, the words just slipped out of his mouth without even realizing it. He can be a clean freak...or better yet, a clutter freak and it's probably been eating him alive inside. But like a good husband, he's kept his mouth shut... Until now.
My wedding gown has been hanging in our guest room since we returned from our fairytale wedding weekend. At first, it hung right on the guest room door, visible from our living room. We engaged in many, many staring contests. When the holidays rolled around, I moved it further inside the room, because our tree and other decorations were in the way.
I just love having it on display. Not because I want everyone to see it, but because I want to see it and stare at it, as often as I'd like.
Reasons why I'm insane about keeping my dress in sight:
1. I went over a year without being able to see my gown. The day you "say yes to the dress!" is one of the best days of your life and then you dream about it day after day until it arrives for you to be fitted. You finally see it again and can't wear it until the big day. Then the waiting game begins all over again.
2. I wore my dress for maybe 10 hours. It was surreal. I couldn't believe that I was wearing it then, and as I stare at it today, it still doesn't feel like I wore it. 10 hours just wasn't enough. I joke with my husband that he'll come home to me prancing around in my gown. It hasn't happened...yet.
3. I love staring at the "happy stains" all over it. The bottom is gray and black from it dragging, and there are some little stains here and there, but it reminds me of the incredible, unforgettable moments that we shared that day.
4. I dreamt about this dress for so long, and I don't want to have to continue dreaming about it and only see it in pictures. There's nothing like seeing it in person!
5. Of course my veil is hanging with it, too. I definitely didn't wear my veil enough that day and I love staring at that, as well. I stuck it in my hair the other day and my husband caught me. Maybe that's what encouraged him to speak those words?!
So by now, I know you think I'm clearly insane. I also know that you're probably screaming at me for every comment I've made so far.
-"It's going to turn yellow, Dawn!"
I know, and I really don't care. If I have a daughter, I don't think she'd ever want to wear it, anyway.
-"Those stains will never come out, it's been sitting for too long."
It's ok! They're happy stains!
I've heard of many brides holding onto their dresses. As a matter of fact Molly Mesnick, from the Bachelor, tweeted a few months ago that she keeps her gown in her guest room, too. She even has it on a mannequin and displays it as a piece of art. Hmmm, now that's a great idea!
You can call me crazy, but please try to cut me some slack, my wedding was only 5 months ago. I'm sure you can tell that I've been in mourning about our big day being over. I'm holding onto whatever I can!
I will try to keep you updated on what happens. Please feel free to leave me a comment about your dress obsession. I know I'm not alone! :)
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