Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding dresses are often preserved and stored for future use, whether that be for an upcoming wedding, to pass down to future generations, or to sell. There are several ways to store a wedding dress, including using a breathable garment bag, folding it flat, or placing it inside a preservation chest. It is important to clean the dress before storing it to prevent stains from setting in and causing damage. This can be done by sending it to a professional dry cleaner or preservationist, or by spot-cleaning it yourself with gentle products. After cleaning, the dress should be wrapped in acid-free tissue paper and placed in an acid-free box to prevent discolouration and maintain its quality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Use a professional dry cleaner, preferably one with experience cleaning wedding dresses. Avoid harsh detergents, bleach, or a hot iron. |
| Preservation | Wrap the dress in acid-free tissue paper and place it in an acid-free box designed for wedding dress preservation. Avoid plastic bags and airtight containers. |
| Storage Location | Store the box in a cool, dry, dark place, such as a closet or guest room. Avoid attics, cellars, and areas with temperature fluctuations or humidity. Keep the dress away from odours and sources of friction or staining. |
| Storage Duration | If storing for up to 1.5 years, use a breathable garment bag. For 1.5-2 years, store the dress flat and folded. For longer than 2 years, use a preservation chest or box. |
| Handling | Wash hands and wear white cotton gloves when handling the dress to avoid transferring oils and dirt. Avoid jewelry and sharp objects that could damage the fabric. |
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What You'll Learn
Dry cleaning vs. preservation
Dry cleaning and preservation are two different procedures. Dry cleaning is a process that involves the application of specific cleaning products to safely address dirt, grime, or stains present on your gown. It is a way of preparing your wedding gown for the preservation process.
Wedding dress preservation, on the other hand, is a special cleaning and packaging process that ensures the garment will retain its quality for years to come. Preservation involves using materials that ensure the long-term physical and chemical stability of the fabric, such as acid-free boxes and special lofting tissues to support all folds and portions of the dress.
While both processes are best performed by professionals, dry cleaning must happen first. It is important to get your wedding dress cleaned and sent to a preservationist as soon as possible to prevent stains from permanently setting into your gown. The entire process can take anywhere from 4 to 10 weeks and can cost anywhere from $250 to $1,000.
When choosing a dry cleaner, it is important to find one that uses a solvent that is gentle and pure enough for a gown. Some solvents used for regular dry cleaning may contain impurities that can re-deposit onto the clothing and leave a strange smell. It is also important to ask questions about their training, experience, and whether they warranty their work.
Once your dress has been properly cleaned and preserved, it should be stored in a cool, dark place away from humidity, such as a closet or under a bed. It should not be stored in an airtight box or a plastic bag, as this can lead to damage from moisture, bugs, and oxidation.
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How to handle your dress
If you want to store your wedding dress, it's important to act quickly. Even if your wedding gown seems to be in good condition, there may be invisible stains that will set in, oxidize, and darken in the months to come. The sooner you're able to get your wedding dress cleaned and sent to a preservationist, the better.
Before removing your dress from its garment bag, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly. Your skin naturally produces oils that can damage your dress. Consider taking a quick shower to ensure that any lotion, perfume, nail polish, or makeup doesn't damage the gown if you come into contact with it. It's also recommended that you wear white cotton gloves when handling your dress.
When it comes to storing wedding dresses, avoid using plastic dress covers or regular cardboard boxes, as they can trap moisture and bacteria in the dress and lead to mould or mildew growth. Instead, use acid-free tissue paper and store the dress in an acid-free box. Acid-free tissue paper will help protect the fabric of your wedding dress and prevent creases, while the acid-free box will provide a breathable environment that maintains the wedding dress's quality.
Store your wedding dress box in a cool, dark place away from humidity. Your closet or under your bed are good options. Keep your wedding dress out of contact with other clothing items to avoid acid transfer, friction, and staining. Avoid storing it near heat sources, excessive moisture, or direct sunlight, as extreme temperatures can cause damage and discolouration.
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Storage location
The storage location of your wedding dress plays a significant role in preserving it. It is best to store the wedding gown in a place where it won't be disturbed frequently, reducing the risk of accidental damage.
Look for a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or a guest room, to keep your dress safe. Humidity control is essential when storing your dress. Avoid storing it near heat sources, excessive moisture, or direct sunlight, as extreme temperatures can cause damage and discolouration, causing the gown to turn yellow. Try to also keep your wedding dress away from any cooking or smoking odours, as they can permeate the fabric over time.
If you intend to store your dress for up to a year and a half, a breathable garment bag is a good option. For storage of up to two years, it is best to store the dress flat and folded. If you plan to store your dress for three years or more, consider storing it inside a preservation chest.
If you decide to hang up your wedding dress, make sure the hanger is designed to hold wedding dresses, and ensure the hem avoids touching the ground to prevent staining.
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Long-term preservation
Firstly, it is important to get your wedding dress cleaned as soon as possible after your wedding day. Even if your wedding gown seems to be in good condition, there may be invisible stains that will set in, oxidise, and darken in the months to come. It is recommended to find a professional dry cleaner that uses a solvent that is gentle and pure enough for a gown. Other solvents used for regular dry cleaning might contain impurities that can re-deposit onto the clothing and leave your wedding dress with a strange smell.
Once your wedding dress has been professionally cleaned, it should be housed in an acid-free box and folded using special lofting tissues to support all folds and portions of the dress, like the skirt, sleeves, and bust. Acid-free tissue paper will help protect the fabric of your wedding dress and prevent creases, while the acid-free storage box will provide a breathable environment that maintains the wedding dress's quality.
The location of your stored wedding dress also plays a significant role in preserving it. It is best to store your wedding dress in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or a guest room. Humidity control is an essential part of storing your dress. Avoid storing it near heat sources, excessive moisture, or direct sunlight, as extreme temperatures can cause damage and discolouration, causing the gown to turn yellow. Try to also keep your wedding dress away from any cooking or smoking odours, as they can permeate the fabric over time. It is best to store the wedding gown in a place where it won't be disturbed frequently, reducing the risk of accidental damage.
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$86.95
DIY preservation
Wedding dress preservation is a special cleaning and packaging process that ensures the garment retains its quality for years to come. While it is recommended that you get your wedding dress professionally preserved, there are a few tips for how to preserve your wedding dress at home.
Firstly, get your dress cleaned at a professional dry cleaner as soon as possible. This is the most important step for any preservation efforts. Make sure you find a dry cleaner that uses a solvent that is gentle and pure enough for a gown. Other solvents used for regular dry cleaning might contain impurities that can re-deposit onto the clothing and leave your wedding dress with a strange smell. When cleaning your gown, make sure you do not use a scented fabric softener or an at-home cleaner. Never use a harsh detergent, bleach, or a hot iron on your wedding dress.
If you are spot-cleaning, follow the tips for cleaning different fabrications. Purchase some acid-free paper to wrap your wedding dress in. Acid-free tissue paper will help to protect the fabric of your wedding dress and prevent creases. It will also cushion and protect the dress during storage, preventing any beads, sequins, or embroidery from snagging or scratching the fabric.
Seal the gown in a bridal box in an archival storage box. The storage location of your wedding dress plays a significant role in preserving your wedding dress. Look for a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or a guest room, to keep your dress safe. Humidity control is an essential part of storing your dress. Avoid storing it near heat sources, excessive moisture, or direct sunlight, as extreme temperatures can cause damage and discolouration, causing the gown to turn yellow. Try to also keep your wedding dress away from any cooking or smoking odours, as they can permeate the fabric over time. It’s best to store the wedding gown in a place where it won’t be disturbed frequently, reducing the risk of accidental damage.
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Frequently asked questions
If you're storing your wedding dress in the short term, it's best to keep it in a cotton, breathable fabric bag. Plastic storage bags can speed up fabric yellowing. If you're storing your dress for up to a year and a half, a breathable garment bag is a good option.
Wedding dress preservation is best left to professionals. However, if you want to preserve your dress yourself, you should have it professionally cleaned as soon as possible after your wedding, then wrap it in acid-free paper and seal it in an archival storage box. Store the box in a cool, dark place away from humidity, like a closet or under a bed.
Wash your hands thoroughly before handling your wedding dress, as natural oils from your skin can damage the fabric. You might even want to wear white cotton gloves. Avoid wearing any jewellery that could pull the fabric, and be careful not to let the hem of the dress touch the ground, as this is the area that is most commonly stained.
