Junior Rasmussen
Wedding dresses are often preserved as mementos and passed down as heirlooms, so it's important to store them correctly. The weight of the dress should be considered when deciding whether to hang or fold the dress. If the dress is heavy with multiple layers, it's best to store it flat, inside a breathable garment bag or wrapped in a cotton sheet. If the dress is light, with a few layers of satin or silk, it can be hung up. The dress should be stored in a room with consistent humidity and comfortable temperatures, away from direct sunlight, moisture, pests, and pipe leaks. Plastic bags should be avoided as they can trap moisture and cause mould and fabric rot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hanging vs. Flat Storage | Hanging is not recommended for long-term storage as it can lead to stretching and distortion over time. Flat storage is generally recommended, especially for heavy dresses. |
| Storage Location | Attics/lofts are not recommended due to extreme temperature fluctuations, pests, and moisture. Basements are also ill-advised due to high moisture levels and the risk of pipe leaks. Spare closets, or similar areas with consistent humidity and temperature, are preferable. |
| Storage Containers | Plastic bags and fabric/cardboard boxes are not suitable for long-term storage as they can trap moisture, release chemicals, and allow in light. Acid-free tissue paper and storage containers are recommended. |
| Frequency of Handling | Handling the dress increases the risk of stains, wrinkles, and structural stress. It is best to minimise handling and check on the dress every six months to a year. |
| Cleaning | The dress should be professionally cleaned before storage to remove stains and markings that may be difficult to spot. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Why storing your wedding dress in the loft is a bad idea
Wedding dresses are often preserved as mementos or heirlooms, so it's important to store them properly. Here are several reasons why storing your wedding dress in the loft is a bad idea:
Temperature Fluctuations
Lofts are prone to extreme temperature swings, which can be detrimental to the delicate fabrics of a wedding dress. The temperature fluctuations can cause the fabric to deteriorate and become brittle over time. These extreme temperatures can also promote the growth of mildew, which can stain and damage the dress.
Pest Infestations
Lofts are often havens for pests such as mice, rodents, and insects. Mice and rodents may chew through storage boxes to get to the contents inside, leaving your dress damaged and full of holes. Insects, such as moths, can also infest the loft and damage the fabric of your dress.
Humidity and Moisture
Attics typically have higher humidity levels, which can lead to moisture issues. Moisture can cause the fabric of your wedding dress to rot and become infested with mould. This can result in irreversible damage to the dress, leaving it stained and deteriorated.
Light Exposure
Lofts may also have windows or openings that allow sunlight to enter. Direct sunlight can cause the delicate fabrics of your wedding dress to fade and discolour over time, diminishing its beauty and integrity.
Inadequate Storage Conditions
Lofts are typically not designed for storage and may not provide a clean and secure environment for your wedding dress. The space may be dusty, and the dress could be susceptible to damage from leaks or shifts in humidity. Additionally, the loft may not offer sufficient protection from pests and insects.
To properly store your wedding dress, it is recommended to keep it in a sturdy, acid-free preservation box, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. A spare closet or a room with consistent humidity levels is a more suitable storage location. Additionally, it is crucial to have the dress professionally cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure its preservation.
How to Resize Your Wedding Dress for a Perfect Fit
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The best way to store your wedding dress
Wedding dresses are often preserved as mementos and passed down as heirlooms, so it's important to store them correctly. The best way to store your wedding dress is to keep it in a sturdy box that is protected from environmental factors such as dampness, direct sunlight, smoke, pests, and drastic temperature changes.
Firstly, it is recommended to have your dress professionally cleaned before storing it, as stains can set in over time and invisible stains from sweat, oil, and food can accumulate during the ceremony. It is also important to note that plastic coverings and bags are not suitable for long-term storage as they can trap moisture, cause phenolic yellowing, and allow in too much light. Instead, opt for a premium wedding dress box made from acid-free materials to prevent chemical degradation of the dress over time.
When storing your dress, it is best to keep it flat rather than hanging, as hanging can cause the fabric to stretch and distort over time. If your dress is heavy, with multiple layers or beading, hanging may not be an option anyway. In this case, carefully fold the dress with layers of acid-free tissue paper between the folds to prevent harsh creases and fabric stress.
Store your boxed dress in a secure location that is not a "high-traffic area", such as the top shelf of a spare closet. Basements and attics are not recommended due to their susceptibility to moisture, temperature changes, and pests. Check on your dress every few months to ensure nothing has happened to it and consider repacking it at least once a year to prevent wrinkles.
Long-Sleeve Wedding Dresses: Timeless Style or Fad?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to prevent damage to your wedding dress
Wedding dresses are often preserved as mementos and passed down as heirlooms. To keep your wedding dress in excellent condition, follow these steps to prevent damage:
Cleaning
Before storing your wedding dress, it is important to clean it to prevent stains from setting in and causing further damage. Have your dress professionally cleaned to ensure that the delicate materials and finishings remain in pristine condition.
Storage Container
Avoid storing your wedding dress in a plastic bag or a cardboard box. Plastic bags can trap moisture, causing mould and fabric rot, while cardboard boxes can contain acids that can damage the fabric over time. Instead, use acid-free tissue paper or a cloth garment bag, or invest in a premium wedding dress box specifically designed for preserving wedding dresses.
Storage Location
Do not store your wedding dress in the loft, attic, basement, or any area with drastic temperature or humidity swings. These areas are prone to temperature fluctuations, water leaks, and vermin damage. Instead, store your wedding dress box in a cool, dark place, such as a closet or under your bed.
Hanging
Avoid hanging your wedding dress for long-term storage, as this can lead to stretching or warping the fabric over time. If you need to hang the dress to remove wrinkles before your wedding, be sure to hang it somewhere high and away from any moisture or heat sources.
Regular Inspection
Inspect your wedding dress regularly, at least once a year, to ensure that it is still in good condition. Repack and refold the dress along different lines to prevent permanent creases and address any issues promptly.
Affordable Wedding Dresses: Where to Find Them
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The importance of cleaning your wedding dress before storage
Wedding dresses are often preserved as mementos or heirlooms, so it's important to clean and store them properly. The delicate fabrics commonly found in wedding dresses need to breathe as they age, so storing them in plastic bags is not recommended. Plastic emits harmful gases, especially when exposed to light, which can permanently discolour the fabric over time. Additionally, plastic can trap moisture, leading to mould and fabric rot.
Before storing your wedding dress, it's crucial to have it professionally cleaned. Wedding dresses are prone to stains from eating, drinking, dancing, and outdoor photo shoots. Makeup and deodorant are also common culprits for staining. Professional cleaners can remove these stains and treat delicate fabrics, trims, beads, and sequins. They will also know which solvents are gentle and pure enough for a gown, as regular dry-cleaning solvents may leave an unpleasant smell.
It is also important to inspect your wedding dress before packing it away. The hemline, trim, and train are particularly susceptible to dirt and stains. You can hand-wash your dress at home if it is not marked "Dry Clean Only". Use a stain remover, white vinegar mixed with water, a baking soda paste, or a mild dish detergent. Always test on a small area first and blot gently to avoid setting the stain. If the dress needs a more thorough cleaning, scrub gently with a toothbrush and detergent.
After cleaning, allow the dress to air dry completely before packing it away to prevent mildew growth. When storing, avoid attics or basements due to extreme temperature fluctuations, high humidity, and the potential for water damage. Instead, choose a cool, dark place with moderate temperature and humidity, such as the top shelf of a closet.
Badgley Mischka Wedding Dresses: How Much Do They Cost?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The worst places to store your wedding dress
Wedding dresses are costly investments, and proper preservation will ensure they look as good as new, even decades later. Here are some of the worst places to store your wedding dress:
The attic
Storing your wedding dress in the attic is a recipe for disaster. Attics experience the most extreme temperature swings, reaching more than 45°F higher than the conditioned rooms of your home in the summer months. These dramatic temperature changes are not ideal for the delicate fabrics of a wedding dress. Additionally, attics are often home to critters like mice and moths, which can easily chew through cardboard boxes and damage your dress.
The basement
The basement is a close second to the attic as the worst place to store your wedding dress. Basements are the most naturally moist areas of a home, making them prime spots for mould growth and irreversible fabric rot. 95% of water-stained wedding dresses were damaged from being stored in basements. Basements are also the most common areas for pipe leaks or bursts, which can go unnoticed for days and cause extensive damage to your dress.
The garage
The garage is another terrible location for wedding dress storage due to extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations. Even a conditioned garage can let in mice, moths, and other critters when the door is opened and closed. Exhaust fumes from vehicles and other gas-powered devices can also damage your dress over time.
Plastic bags
Storing your wedding dress in a plastic bag for an extended period can cause "phenolic yellowing". This chemical process is triggered by gases released by ageing plastic materials. Plastic coverings do not provide adequate ventilation and can trap moisture, leading to mould and fabric rot.
Regular closets
Regular closets may not provide the ideal climate control for your wedding dress. Wedding dresses are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, and a regular closet may not offer sufficient protection from these elements.
Etiquette Guide: Addressing Children on Wedding Invites
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, it is not recommended to store your wedding dress in the loft. The delicate fabrics commonly found in a wedding dress need to breathe as they age. Attics see the most dramatic swings in temperatures, which can put the fabric through difficult conditions that are less than ideal for long-term storage. In addition, attics can often be home to critters that may damage the dress.
The best way to store your wedding dress is in a sturdy dress box that is free from dampness, direct sunlight and smoke. It is best to store your dress flat, inside a breathable garment bag or wrapped in a cotton sheet, in a room or space that isn't a "high traffic area" in your house, such as on the top shelf of a spare closet.
It is recommended to inspect your wedding gown every 6 months or 1 year to prevent issues such as yellowing of fabrics, mould growth, or pest damage.
