Preserving Your Wedding Dress: Tips And Tricks

how to keep my wedding dress

A wedding dress is a symbol of a special day and holds sentimental value. Many brides want to preserve their wedding dress for future generations, while others want to sell or donate their dress. Proper storage is essential to keep the wedding dress in pristine condition. This includes removing stains, dirt, sweat, and oils, and storing the dress in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or a guest room. It is also important to consider the weight of the dress when deciding whether to hang or fold it. Additionally, it is recommended to check on the dress regularly for any signs of damage or pests.

shunbridal

Store in a cool, dry, dark place

The location of your wedding dress 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, to keep it safe. Avoid attics and basements due to temperature and moisture changes, which can promote mould, mildew, or dry rot.

When storing your dress, be cautious of heat sources and pets. Placing your dress near a heat source or in an area accessible to pets could lead to preventable damage. Control the climate by keeping your dress in a comfortable temperature and humidity environment. Wedding dresses are highly receptive to changes in temperature and humidity.

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. 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. While long-term storage is intended to preserve your wedding dress, it's essential to check on your dress regularly. Every six months, inspect the dress for any signs of damage or pests.

How to Clean Your Taffeta Wedding Dress

You may want to see also

shunbridal

Avoid plastic bags

Wedding dresses are delicate and require careful storage to maintain their integrity. While it may seem convenient to store your wedding dress in a plastic bag, it is important to avoid doing so for several reasons.

Firstly, plastic bags do not allow fabrics to breathe. They trap moisture and create a breeding ground for mould and bacteria, which can completely destroy your dress. The locked-in moisture can also lead to discolouration and yellow spots on your dress. Secondly, plastic bags can cause fabric and structural breakdown. The chemicals in plastic can break down over time, emitting gases that stain the fabric. Additionally, the compression created by plastic bags can cause severe damage to natural fibres such as silk and cashmere, as well as cracking damage to leather items.

Instead of plastic bags, opt for breathable garment bags made from natural materials like cotton. These bags allow for air circulation, reducing the possibility of damage. Cotton bags are also sustainable and can protect your dress from unwanted odours and pests.

When storing your wedding dress, choose a cool, dry, and dark location, such as a closet or guest room. Avoid heat sources, excessive moisture, and direct sunlight, as extreme temperatures can cause damage and discolouration. It is also important to keep your dress away from cooking or smoking odours, as these can permeate the fabric over time.

shunbridal

Consider weight when hanging

When it comes to storing your wedding dress, it's important to consider its weight, especially if you plan to hang it. Hanging a wedding dress can be a convenient option, but it's crucial to ensure that the hanger can properly support the weight of the dress without causing any damage. Heavy beading, multiple layers of fabric, or a long train can all contribute to the weight of a wedding dress. If your dress has any of these features, it's essential to take extra care when deciding how to store it.

If your wedding dress is on the heavier side, it's generally recommended to store it flat rather than hanging it. Hanging a heavy dress can put excessive strain on the fabric and cause it to stretch or tear over time. Instead, consider laying it flat inside a breathable garment bag or wrapping it in a cotton sheet. Choose a storage location that is cool, dry, and dark, such as a spare closet or a guest room, to protect your dress from extreme temperatures, moisture, and direct sunlight, which can cause damage and discolouration.

However, if you do choose to hang your heavy wedding dress, it's crucial to select an appropriate hanger that can bear the weight. Avoid using flimsy wire hangers, as they may not be strong enough to support the dress. Instead, opt for a sturdy wooden or padded hanger that can better distribute the weight. Additionally, consider using multiple hangers to support different sections of the dress, such as the train, to relieve some of the weight from a single hanger.

It's worth noting that hanging a wedding dress for a short period, such as a few months before the wedding, may not cause significant damage. Some brides have shared their experiences of hanging their heavy dresses for a few months without any issues. However, for long-term storage, it's generally advised to store the dress flat to prevent stretching and fabric distortion.

Lastly, consider seeking advice from your bridal shop or a specialist in wedding dress preservation. They can provide recommendations based on the specific features and weight of your dress. Proper storage and preservation techniques will ensure that your wedding dress remains in excellent condition, preserving its beauty and integrity for years to come.

shunbridal

Clean before storing

It is highly recommended to clean your wedding dress before storing it, as this will prevent stains, dirt, sweat, oils, and bacteria from setting in and causing damage. Wedding dresses are made of delicate fabric, so it is important to find a professional dry cleaner that specialises in bridal wear and wedding gown preservation.

Before choosing a dry cleaner, it is important to ask questions about their training, experience, and the cleaning process they use. Find out how many dresses they clean each year, what kinds of dresses they handle, and whether they can give you a reference from a designer or store. It is also important to find a dry cleaner that uses a solvent that is gentle and pure enough for a wedding gown. Regular dry cleaning solvents may contain impurities that can leave your dress with a strange smell.

Once your dress has been cleaned, be careful when handling it. Make sure your hands are clean or wear white cotton gloves to prevent oils from your hands getting on the gown. Check the gown for any loose threads, missing buttons, or embellishments, and fix these issues before storing the dress to prevent further damage.

If you are storing your dress in a box, use acid-free tissue paper to wrap the dress and cushion the folds. The tissue paper will protect the dress during storage and prevent any beads, sequins, or embroidery from snagging or scratching the fabric. Loosely fold the dress, avoiding sharp creases, especially in delicate areas.

Finding the Dream Wedding Dress: A Guide

You may want to see also

shunbridal

Check on the dress regularly

Checking on your wedding dress regularly is an important step in preserving the gown. It is recommended that you inspect the dress every six months for any signs of damage or pests. This will ensure that your dress is well maintained and help you identify any issues early on.

When checking on your dress, it is important to handle it with clean hands to avoid any oil stains from your skin discolouring the fabric. It is suggested that you wear white cotton gloves when assessing the dress to avoid any direct contact with the fabric. This is especially important if you are removing the dress from its storage bag or box, as each time the dress is handled, the chances of staining increase. Makeup and deodorant are some of the biggest culprits for staining, so be sure to avoid trying on the dress unless necessary.

If you are storing your dress hanging up, be sure to check that it is still secure on the hanger and that the hanger is still strong enough to bear the weight of the dress. Also, ensure that the dress is still hung away from the shower so that it doesn't get wet. If you have chosen to store your dress flat, perhaps in a box, it is still important to check on it regularly to ensure that it is not exposed to any pests or extreme temperatures.

Regularly checking on your wedding dress will allow you to identify any issues and address them promptly, helping to preserve the gown for future wearers or generations to come.

Frequently asked questions

Find a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or a guest room, to keep your dress safe. Avoid attics or basements, as they are prone to extreme temperatures and moisture.

Store your wedding dress flat, inside a breathable garment bag or wrapped in a cotton sheet. If you must hang it, use a sturdy hanger and keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Keep your wedding dress away from coloured garments, as humidity can cause colours to bleed through garment bags. Avoid trying on your dress or removing it from its bag unless necessary, as this increases the risk of staining and potential oil marks.

Yes, it is highly recommended to clean your wedding dress before storing it to remove any stains, dirt, sweat, and oils. Consider using a professional dry cleaner who specialises in cleaning wedding gowns.

It is recommended to inspect your wedding dress every six months for any signs of damage or pests. This will help ensure that your dress remains in good condition for future wearers or as a treasured keepsake.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment