George Boyle
Wedding dresses are often made of delicate fabrics like silk, satin, lace, or tulle, and adorned with intricate details like beading or embroidery. These elements make them vulnerable to stains, yellowing, or irreparable damage. Proper care of your wedding dress begins the moment you choose it and continues long after your wedding celebration ends. Before your wedding, it is important to consider how to store your dress safely to prevent damage. This includes removing the dress from any plastic packaging, hanging it on a sturdy padded hanger in a cool, dry, and dark place, and keeping it out of reach of pets. You should also practice wearing your dress with your shoes and accessories to get comfortable moving in it and to spot any potential issues. On your wedding day, be mindful when applying makeup and perfume, and have a fabric care kit on hand to address any stains or wrinkles.
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What You'll Learn
- Avoid plastic garment bags, which can trap moisture, cause mildew and yellowing
- Store flat to prevent stretching, especially if your dress has a long train or heavy embellishments
- Keep your dress in a cool, dry, dark place, away from sunlight, heat and pets
- Handle with clean hands, free of lotions, oils and makeup
- Practise wearing your dress with your shoes, veil and accessories to get comfortable moving in it
Avoid plastic garment bags, which can trap moisture, cause mildew and yellowing
Avoid storing your wedding dress in a plastic garment bag. Plastic does not allow fabrics to breathe and can trap moisture, which can cause mildew and yellowing. It can also lead to staining as chemicals break down and gases are emitted.
Instead, opt for a breathable cotton garment bag and hang your dress in a cool, dry, dark place, such as a spare closet away from sunlight or heat. If your wedding dress has a long train or heavy embellishments, consider laying it flat to prevent stretching.
If you are dealing with a discoloured wedding dress, research wedding dress preservationists who have experience with yellowing. Look for companies that offer acid-free archive boxes and folding techniques to support all folds and portions of the dress.
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Store flat to prevent stretching, especially if your dress has a long train or heavy embellishments
If your wedding dress has a long train or heavy embellishments, it is best to store it flat to prevent stretching. Hanging a heavy dress can cause the fabric to stretch over time. Instead, lay the dress flat, inside a breathable garment bag or wrapped in a cotton sheet. You can also use a sturdy, padded hanger to support the weight of the dress, but be sure to avoid wire hangers as they can stretch or distort the fabric.
When storing your dress, choose a location that is cool, dry, and dark, such as a spare closet away from sunlight or heat. Avoid storing your dress in a plastic bag, as plastic does not allow fabrics to breathe and can trap moisture, causing mildew or yellowing. If you need to hang your dress, be sure to do so in a high place, away from pets who may damage the fabric.
To further protect your dress, consider having it professionally cleaned and pressed before the wedding to remove any stains or wrinkles. When trying on your dress, be mindful of makeup and lotions, as these can transfer onto the fabric and cause stains. It is also a good idea to practice wearing your dress with your shoes and accessories to get comfortable moving in it and spot any potential issues.
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Keep your dress in a cool, dry, dark place, away from sunlight, heat and pets
Keeping your wedding dress in a cool, dry, and dark place is essential for preserving it before the big day. The spare closet is a great option, as it is usually located away from sunlight and heat sources. If you opt to hang your dress, use a sturdy, padded hanger that can support its weight, especially if it has heavy beading or multiple layers of fabric. Avoid wire hangers, as they can stretch and distort the fabric over time.
Another option is to store your dress flat, inside a breathable garment bag or wrapped in a cotton sheet. This is particularly recommended for heavier gowns to prevent stretching. Place the dress on a high shelf in your closet, ensuring it is out of the reach of pets. Cats, for instance, may be attracted to the fabric's texture and could cause damage.
Additionally, consider the climate of the storage location. The ideal temperature should be comfortable for you, not too hot or cold. Avoid areas with high humidity, as this can lead to moisture buildup and potential mildew issues. Keep the dress in a closed room to minimise the risk of dirt, mud, or other elements that may cause soiling.
Remember, once your dress is properly stored, try to resist the temptation to try it on frequently, as each handling increases the chances of staining and potential marks.
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Handle with clean hands, free of lotions, oils and makeup
Wedding dresses are often made of delicate fabrics like silk, satin, lace, or tulle, and adorned with intricate details like beading or embroidery. These elements make them stunning but also vulnerable to damage. To keep your wedding dress in pristine condition, it's important to handle it with clean hands that are free of lotions, oils, and makeup.
Oils and residue from your hands can easily transfer onto the fabric, leaving stains or marks that are difficult to remove. Before trying on your wedding dress or handling it in any way, be sure to remove any lotions, creams, or oils from your hands. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to ensure they are clean and free of any substances that could stain the dress.
Makeup and deodorant are also common culprits for staining wedding dresses. If you must try on your dress before the wedding, it is recommended to remove your makeup and deodorant first. You should also be mindful when applying makeup and perfume on your wedding day. Let your makeup dry completely before putting on your dress to avoid smudging or staining. Spray perfume on your body rather than directly on the dress, as some perfumes may contain oils or alcohol that can damage the fabric.
In addition to handling the dress with clean, lotion- and makeup-free hands, it is also important to keep your hands away from the fabric as much as possible. Assign a trusted person to help you get into the dress and manoeuvre it throughout the day, reducing the risk of accidental stains or damage. This person can also oversee the care of the dress during the reception, ensuring it stays clean and protected.
By following these precautions and handling your wedding dress with clean hands, free of lotions, oils, and makeup, you can help ensure that your dress remains stain-free and in pristine condition for your special day.
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Practise wearing your dress with your shoes, veil and accessories to get comfortable moving in it
Practising wearing your wedding dress is a great way to get comfortable and confident before the big day. It is recommended to practice walking in your dress, as well as sitting and moving around. Each wedding dress will move differently depending on the style and fabric, so it's important to get a feel for how your dress moves with your body. If you have a long train or veil, practice keeping them straight and wrinkle-free as you move around. Basic tasks like getting in and out of a car can be more challenging in a wedding dress, so it's worth rehearsing these movements too.
When practising, wear your wedding shoes to get a true sense of how you'll move on the day. The type of shoe you choose may depend on the setting of your wedding—for example, if you're getting married on the beach or grass, a block heel or heel guards are a good idea. Practising in your wedding shoes will also help you get used to the height and ensure you don't trip or sink into the ground during the ceremony or photos.
It's also a good idea to wear your veil and accessories when practising. A veil can dramatically change your look, so you'll want to feel confident with it on. If you're wearing a heavily beaded or embellished dress, consider a classic, raw-edge cathedral veil with scattered crystals or a veil with minimal matching beadwork. For a simpler dress, an angel-cut veil trimmed with satin, horsehair, or organza can add drama. If you plan to wear hair accessories, let your bridal stylist know so they can help you choose a complementary veil style.
If you're unsure about how to move in your dress, your bridal stylist can advise you on how to sit and move around comfortably. You can also wear clothing or shapewear similar in style to your wedding dress to get a sense of how it will feel. For a ball gown, a petticoat is a good option for practice, while a fitted skirt or shapewear can help you get used to the restricted leg movement of a fitted gown. If your dress has boning, try practising with a corset.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to store your wedding 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. The dress should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place to prevent discolouration or damage from sunlight.
It is a good idea to assign a trusted person to oversee the care of the dress during the reception, ensuring it stays clean and protected. You should also be mindful when applying makeup and perfume before putting on your wedding dress. Spray perfume on your body rather than directly on the dress, as some perfumes may contain oils or alcohol that can damage the fabric.
Have a fabric care kit handy, including essential items such as stain remover, fabric freshener, and a lint roller. Keep this kit nearby on your wedding day so that you can quickly address any stains, wrinkles, or minor mishaps. It is also recommended to get your wedding dress professionally cleaned and preserved as soon as possible after the wedding.
