Junior Rasmussen
A wedding dress is a significant investment, and brides want to ensure their dress is in perfect condition for their big day. There are several steps to follow to properly store and care for a wedding dress before and after the wedding. Before the wedding, it is important to consider the weight of the dress and its silhouette when deciding how to store it. Some dresses should be hung, while others should be stored flat. After the wedding, the dress should be professionally cleaned and preserved to remove stains and prevent discolouration. There are several options for what to do with a wedding dress after the wedding, including selling, donating, repurposing, or framing it.
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What You'll Learn
How to hang a wedding dress
The way you hang your wedding dress can affect its shape and cause damage if not done properly. Here are some tips to ensure your gown stays in good condition:
Use the Inner Straps
If your wedding dress has sleeves or straps, avoid hanging it by these parts as it can cause them to stretch out or become damaged. Instead, use the inner straps attached to the bodice area of your gown, typically found in the underarm area. These straps ensure that the weight of the dress is evenly distributed and prevent any alterations made to the sleeves or straps from being undone.
Choose an Appropriate Hanger
Select a hanger that can bear the weight of your dress. If using a garment bag, ensure it is large enough for your gown. Alternatively, you can pin two fitted sheets together to protect the dress.
Store in a Safe Location
Hang your wedding dress in a safe location away from heat sources and pets. Choose a dark, dry place that is not a "high-traffic area." Consider hanging it in a spare closet or on the top shelf of a spare closet to minimise the risk of damage.
Remove Wrinkles
If your wedding dress develops wrinkles, carefully remove it from storage a few days before the wedding and hang it somewhere high so the wrinkles can drop out. If necessary, hang the dress in the bathroom while running a hot shower, ensuring it stays away from the water. You can also use a portable steamer to remove wrinkles effectively.
Long-Term Storage
While hanging your wedding dress is a convenient short-term solution, consider storing it flat in a box for long-term preservation. This method protects the dress from sharp objects and spills, maintaining its condition for future generations.
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How to remove creases from a wedding dress
To remove creases from a wedding dress, it is important to first consider the type of fabric. Delicate fabrics such as chiffon, tulle, and lace are sensitive to heat and can melt under high temperatures. In such cases, it is recommended to use gentle methods like hanging the dress in a well-ventilated area and allowing gravity to naturally remove the creases over a few days. A similar approach can be taken for satin dresses, where hanging the dress in a steamy bathroom can help loosen wrinkles.
For more stubborn creases, additional tools can be used. A handheld fabric steamer can be passed over the fabric at a distance of 15-30 cm to gently remove creases. Alternatively, a water mister and a hairdryer can be used in conjunction to dampen and dry sections of the dress, sweeping about 12-18 inches away from the fabric.
For fabrics like chiffon, it is recommended to use a garment steamer to lightly add heat and moisture to remove creases. It is important to avoid wringing or smashing the fabric when drying, opting instead to hang the dress vertically on a fabric hanger in a clean, low-traffic area.
When storing a wedding dress, it is generally advised to keep it flat inside a breathable garment bag or wrapped in a cotton sheet in a cool, controlled climate, away from heat sources and pets.
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What to do with your wedding dress after the wedding
Wedding dresses are often expensive and hold a lot of sentimental value, so it's no surprise that many brides want to preserve their dresses after the wedding. If you're looking for ways to repurpose your wedding dress, here are some options to consider:
Get it Professionally Cleaned and Preserved
Before storing your wedding dress, it's important to get it professionally cleaned to remove any stains or smudges acquired during the wedding celebrations. This will ensure your dress stays in the best possible condition for years to come. After cleaning, you can choose to have your dress preserved through a special packaging process that uses highly specialised materials, such as acid-free boxes and tissue paper, to ensure the long-term stability of the fabric.
Donate it to Charity
If you're not too attached to your wedding dress and want to give it a new life, consider donating it to a charity or organisation that accepts wedding dress donations. For example, Brides Across America provides wedding dresses to military brides in need, and Every Girl's Dream in Michigan accepts donations for brides facing financial hardship. You could also look into organisations like Angel Gowns or Baby Gowns for Eternity, which turn wedding dresses into gowns for stillborn infants.
Sell it
If you're looking to recoup some of the costs of your wedding dress, consider selling it on pre-owned wedding dress websites such as Nearly Newlywed. You can also explore other resale or consignment services to give your dress a new life and help another bride find her dream dress at a more affordable price.
Repurpose the Fabric
Another option is to repurpose your wedding dress into something new. You can work with a tailor or seamstress to create a wearable garment, such as a charming mini dress, a two-piece set, or a robe that you can wear on special occasions or even your first anniversary. Alternatively, you can turn your dress into a keepsake, christening blanket, or gown for your children, allowing you to pass it down to future generations.
Display it as Art
If you want to admire your wedding dress every day, consider getting it framed and displayed as a stunning art piece in your home. Companies like The Beautiful Frame Company and Outrageous Framing specialise in restoring, cleaning, and framing wedding gowns, ensuring they are preserved forever.
These are just a few options to consider when deciding what to do with your wedding dress after the wedding. Whether you choose to preserve, donate, sell, or repurpose your dress, it's important to carefully consider your options and make a decision that aligns with your personal preferences and values.
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How to preserve a wedding dress
Wedding dresses are often made from delicate fabrics and adorned with intricate embellishments, so it's important to take extra care when preserving your dress. Here are some detailed steps to help you preserve your wedding dress:
Professional Cleaning:
It is highly recommended to get your wedding dress professionally cleaned as soon as possible after wearing it. Not all stains are visible, but they can turn brown or yellow over time and become difficult to remove. Choose a reputable dry cleaner who specialises in cleaning gowns and uses gentle and pure solvents. Before sending your dress, go over all the stains with the dry cleaner and request fresh or filtered solvents.
Box Selection:
Avoid using plastic dress covers or regular cardboard boxes for long-term storage as they can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to mould or mildew growth. Instead, opt for an acid-free ,
Folding and Packaging:
On a clean surface, carefully fold the dress, following specific instructions if your dress has a train. Line the bottom of the box with acid-free tissue paper, allowing it to hang over the edges slightly. Place the dress in the box, centred and facing down. Pad the inside of the skirt with tissue for support, and if there are tulle layers, place tissue between them. Ensure all jewellery is removed before handling the dress to avoid catching on the fabric.
Storage Location:
The storage location is crucial for preserving your wedding dress. Choose a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or guest room. Avoid attics, basements, or garages due to temperature fluctuations and the presence of critters. Keep the dress away from heat sources, excessive moisture, direct sunlight, and odours from cooking or smoking. Ensure the dress is stored in a place where it won't be disturbed frequently to reduce the risk of accidental damage.
Regular Inspections:
Even with proper preservation, it is essential to regularly inspect your wedding dress. Every six months, open the box and check for any signs of damage or pests. If necessary, refold the dress along different lines to prevent permanent creases. Regular check-ups will help detect any issues early on and ensure the dress stays in excellent condition.
Professional Preservation Services:
Consider using professional preservation services that offer museum-quality storage and techniques to safeguard your gown for generations. These services include cleaning, treating, and packaging your dress to protect it from ageing factors such as light, humidity, and insects. Some companies provide lifetime warranties and insurance during transit, giving you peace of mind that your dress is in expert hands.
Preserving your wedding dress will allow you to cherish the memories of your special day and even pass it down to future generations. With proper care and storage, your dress will remain a beautiful keepsake for years to come.
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How to use a wedding dress bustle
A wedding dress bustle is a way to secure the train of your dress so that you can move around freely. It is particularly useful for the wedding reception, allowing you to dance and move about without the train getting in the way.
There are several types of wedding dress bustles, and it is recommended that you work with an experienced seamstress to add one to your dress. The most common types of bustles are:
- American/Over Bustle: This style has several hooks scattered throughout the waistline of the dress, enabling the train to be lifted and hooked over the top of the gown. This can be done with one, three, or even five bustle pick-up points for a dramatic look.
- Ballroom/Under Bustle: This style has multiple bustle points sewn around the bodice, allowing the fabric to fold into itself delicately. It gives the illusion that the gown was always floor-length, with no train.
- French/Under Bustle: This style is suitable for mermaid and fit-and-flare silhouettes. The fabric is tied up or hooked underneath the skirt.
- Austrian Bustle: A less common but increasingly popular option, this style is an alternative to the traditional French and American bustles.
- Use safety pins to mark the placement of the buttons or hooks that will secure the train.
- Sew on the buttons or hooks at the marked placements. If using hooks, attach a small piece of interfacing underneath for reinforcement.
- Sew loops on the inside of the dress, corresponding to the placement of the buttons or hooks. Use strong thread and knot the ends together.
- Fasten the loops to the buttons or hooks, adjusting the folds of fabric to create a voluminous bustle.
- If desired, conceal the buttons or hooks with hand-sewn lace appliqués.
It is important to note that the above guide provides a basic overview, and the specific steps may vary depending on the style of your dress and the type of bustle you choose. It is always a good idea to consult with a professional seamstress who has experience with wedding dress alterations.
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Frequently asked questions
If your dress is made of a few light layers, you can hang it up somewhere safe. If it has heavy beading or multiple layers of fabric, it's best to store it flat inside a breathable garment bag or wrapped in a cotton sheet in a spare closet.
If your dress has sleeves or straps, make sure to hang it using the inner straps attached to the bodice area. This is to ensure that the sleeves or straps do not stretch out.
A few days before your wedding, carefully remove your dress from storage and hang it somewhere high so that all the wrinkles and creases can drop out. If there are still some wrinkles a day or two before the wedding, hang the dress in the bathroom while running a hot shower.
You can either have it professionally preserved, donate it, or repurpose it. If you choose to preserve it, it is best to get it cleaned and sent to a preservation specialist within a week of the wedding to prevent invisible stains from setting in.
You can turn your wedding dress into art by getting it framed and hanging it on your wall. You can also donate it to an organisation such as Brides Across America, which gives wedding dresses to military brides in need.
