George Boyle
A wedding dress is often preserved as a memento of a couple's special day. It is one of the most important pieces of clothing a person will ever wear and is often passed down to future generations. To ensure a wedding dress lasts a lifetime, it is important to know how best to store it.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Avoid plastic bags and plastic storage
Plastic bags and containers are not ideal for storing wedding dresses because they trap moisture, leading to mould and mildew growth. This can cause dry rot, which is a type of mould damage. The moisture can also attract bugs, which can cause further damage to the dress.
Additionally, as plastic bags and containers age, they can emit fumes that can yellow or discolour the fabric. The process of vacuum sealing can also create extremely sharp creases as air is removed from the bag, and these creases can damage delicate fabrics.
Plastic bags and containers also do not allow fabrics to breathe, which can lead to staining as chemicals break down and gases are emitted. Therefore, it is recommended to use a cloth garment bag or plain cotton sheets to wrap your gown instead.
If you are storing your wedding dress in a box, it is important to ensure that the box is entirely acid-free. This is because the acidic content can also yellow your wedding gown. You should also avoid storing the box in extreme heat or humidity, as this can damage the dress.
Ivory Chiffon A-Line Skirt Wedding Dresses: Dreamy and Romantic
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Store in a cool, dry, dark place
To store your wedding dress in a cool, dry, dark place, you should first wrap your dress in acid-free paper. This will help to preserve your dress for more than 10 years. You can then seal the dress in a bridal box and store it in a cool, dry, dark place. The ideal location is somewhere that doesn't experience drastic temperature or humidity swings, such as a closet or under your bed.
It's important to avoid storing your wedding dress in a plastic bag or a cedar chest, as these can trap moisture and lead to mould growth. You should also avoid hanging your wedding dress, as this can cause it to stretch or warp over time. Instead, you can lay it flat or fold it loosely, being careful to avoid sharp folds, especially in delicate areas.
To further protect your dress, you can purchase a premium wedding dress box made of pH-neutral fabric. This will help to keep your dress breathable and prevent it from becoming mouldy. You can also use cotton or white gloves when handling the dress to avoid any oils or lotions from your hands transferring onto the dress.
Finally, it's recommended that you regularly inspect your dress. Every six months to three years, take the time to check for any signs of damage or pests and refold the dress along different lines to prevent permanent creases.
Adding Delicate Details: Lace Sleeves for Your Wedding Gown
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Wrap in acid-free paper
Wrapping your wedding dress in acid-free paper is an essential step in storing your gown. Acid-free tissue paper is pH neutral, ensuring that dyes in the fabric do not react with the paper and cause discolouration. Regular tissue paper is made from wood pulp, which is naturally high in acid. As these materials age, they can become even more acidic, leading to brittleness and yellowing.
Acid-free paper is specially processed to remove contaminants and protect your wedding dress from long-term damage. When wrapping your dress, carefully smooth out the acid-free tissue paper and place one sheet between the folds of the dress to avoid colour transfer from other garments. Then, seal the gown in a bridal box, replacing the storage box and paper every three years or so.
Acid-free tissue paper is widely available for purchase online. It is important to note that tissue paper can become acidic if placed in a non-acid-free box. Therefore, always store your wedding dress in a pH-neutral bag or box. Additionally, avoid wrapping your wedding dress in coloured or dyed tissue paper, as all coloured tissue paper contains dye that can affect the dress.
By following these steps and using acid-free paper, you can effectively preserve your wedding dress, ensuring that your whites stay white and your colours remain vibrant.
Best Places to Sell Your Wedding Dress Quickly
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Regularly check for damage
Regular inspections of your wedding dress are essential to ensure it stays in excellent condition. Every six months, take the time to carefully inspect the dress for any signs of damage or pests. If you notice any issues, such as loose threads, missing buttons, or stains, address them promptly to prevent further problems. This might involve refolding the dress along different lines to prevent permanent creases or seeking professional advice for more complex repairs.
When inspecting your dress, be cautious of potential oil marks and stains. Makeup, deodorant, and natural oils from your skin can all cause discolouration and damage to the fabric. Always ensure you have clean hands or wear white gloves when handling the dress to minimise the risk of oil transfer. Additionally, be mindful of the storage environment. Wedding dresses are highly sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, so choose a cool, dark, and dry location, such as the top shelf of your closet or under your bed. Avoid attics, basements, and garages, as these areas can be prone to temperature fluctuations, dampness, and pests.
It is also important to consider the storage container. Do not use plastic bags or boxes, as they can trap moisture, leading to mould or mildew growth. Instead, opt for a breathable garment bag or an acid-free archival storage box designed for wedding dresses. These boxes are constructed from acid-free materials that resist dust, dirt, and light infiltration, providing optimal protection for your dress. If you choose to hang your dress, select a sturdy hanger suitable for the weight of the dress and ensure it is hung in a safe location away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
While regular inspections and proper storage are crucial, they may not be enough to guarantee the long-term preservation of your wedding dress. Consider seeking professional preservation services, which involve cleaning, treating, and packaging your dress using specialised techniques and materials. These services can provide peace of mind and ensure your dress remains in mint condition for decades, with some companies offering lifetime or 100-year guarantees.
Chiffon Beach Wedding Dresses: Strapless, Beaded, and A-Line
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Use cotton gloves when handling
Cotton gloves are a must when handling a wedding dress to ensure it stays in pristine condition. The gloves prevent the natural oils, lotions, perfumes, and nail polish on your hands from transferring onto the dress, which can discolour the fabric over time.
It is recommended to purchase a pair of clean, white cotton gloves, which can be found at most wedding dress preservation stores. These gloves are designed to ensure your dress retains its original brilliant white colour. If you are celebrating with loved ones, it is a good idea to encourage them to wear gloves as well, especially if they will be handling the dress or will be in close contact with it.
Cotton gloves are especially important if your dress is white, as any discolouration will be more noticeable. However, even if your dress is not white, the gloves will still help to protect it from any potential stains or discolouration. In addition, it is always a good idea to wash your hands before touching the dress, even if you are wearing gloves.
Some preservation boxes come with gloves included, so be sure to look out for this when purchasing your storage materials. This can save you the extra cost of buying gloves separately and ensure you have all the necessary equipment to safely store your dress.
Finding Your Dream Wedding Dress Style
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You should store your wedding dress in a cool, dry, dark place, protected in an acid-free garment bag or box. Do not use plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and lead to mould growth. Avoid hanging your dress, as this can lead to stretching or warping.
Before storing your wedding dress, ensure it is professionally cleaned and treated. You should also remove any metal decorative accessories and store them independently in a dust-free bag. When handling the dress, wear white cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils, lotions or perfumes onto the dress.
You should inspect your wedding dress every six months to a year for any signs of damage or pests. If necessary, refold the dress along different lines to prevent permanent creases.
Do not store your wedding dress in an attic, basement or garage, as these areas are prone to temperature fluctuations, air and water leaks, and vermin damage. Avoid cedar chests and plastic bags, as they can produce damaging acidic gases and trap moisture, respectively.
![Zilink 72" Wedding Dress Garment Bag Dress Bags for Gowns Bridal Dress Travel Bag with 12”Gusseted and Accessory Pockets for Wedding Dress, Puffy Gowns [Upgraded Version]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51XK76FMZoL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
