Deborah Chan
A wedding dress is often a significant investment and an important keepsake, so it's important to know how to pack it away properly to preserve it for years to come. There are several steps you can take to ensure your dress stays in good condition, such as removing it from plastic packaging, finding an appropriate storage container, and choosing the right location to store it. Whether you're storing your dress before or after your wedding, taking these steps will help ensure your dress stays in pristine condition.
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What You'll Learn
Hanging vs. laying flat
When it comes to storing a wedding dress, there are two main options: hanging or laying it flat. Each option has its own advantages and considerations to keep in mind.
Hanging a wedding dress is a popular choice, as it seems like a logical way to keep the dress safe and out of the way. It is often recommended to hang the dress somewhere safe, such as in a spare closet, to prevent it from being exposed to heat sources or pets, which could cause damage. However, it is important to consider the weight of the dress. Heavy beading or multiple layers of fabric can put a strain on the fabric if hung for long periods, causing it to stretch or distort over time due to gravity. For this reason, many sources advise against long-term storage of a wedding dress on a hanger, especially for heavier dresses.
Laying a wedding dress flat is often recommended as the ideal storage method, especially for heavily embellished or beaded dresses that may be too heavy to hang. This method helps to distribute the weight of the dress evenly and prevents stretching or distortion. When laying the dress flat, it is important to place it inside a breathable garment bag or wrap it in a cotton sheet to protect it from dust and light. A spare room or the top shelf of a closet that is not frequently accessed is a good option for storage. If space is limited, some people choose to store their dress under their bed, either in a flat garment bag or a storage container. It is important to ensure that the storage container is made of acid-free materials to prevent degradation of the dress over time.
While hanging a wedding dress may seem convenient, it is important to consider the potential risks, especially for heavier dresses. Laying the dress flat in a protected area can help ensure that it remains intact for future use or generations to come. However, regardless of the storage method chosen, proper care should be taken to handle the dress minimally to reduce the chances of staining and oil marks. Additionally, a portable steamer can be used to remove any wrinkles or creases that may form over time.
In summary, when deciding between hanging and laying flat a wedding dress, it is important to consider the weight and embellishments of the dress, the available storage space, and the potential risks of stretching or distortion over time. Laying the dress flat in a protected and controlled environment is often recommended as the best way to preserve the dress for the long term.
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Removing plastic
Firstly, remove the dress from the plastic bag it came in. Wedding dresses should be stored in an acid-free environment, and plastic bags can contain acids and other chemicals that can degrade the dress over time. Instead, opt for an acid-free storage container or box.
If your dress is in a plastic bag because it has been professionally cleaned and preserved, it is important to check the terms of your preservationist before removing it from the plastic. Some wedding dress preservation companies choose not to seal their boxes to avoid trapping moisture and contaminants, so opening the box may nullify the preservation guarantee.
In general, it is best to avoid storing your wedding dress in plastic long-term. This includes not only plastic bags but also other plastic storage containers that may contain chemicals that can degrade the fabric over time.
Instead of plastic, wrap your dress in a cotton sheet or tissue paper and store it in a breathable garment bag or an acid-free box. This will allow the fabric to breathe and prevent staining and discolouration.
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Using acid-free storage
Acid-free boxes are a must for wedding dress storage. Regular cardboard boxes contain acid that passes into the dress fabric, causing discolouration and yellowing. Acid-free boxes, on the other hand, are made from acid-resistant materials or lignin-free materials, ensuring that your dress remains pristine.
When using an acid-free box, it is important to also utilise acid-free tissue paper. This tissue paper helps to cushion and protect the layers of the gown, maintaining its shape and preventing fibre breakage. Wrap the entire surface area of the gown in acid-free tissue, and stuff the arms and inside of the gown with tissue as well. This will ensure that no part of the dress is exposed to any potential damage.
In addition to the box and tissue paper, there are a few other considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, avoid hanging the dress long-term, as this can put stress on the seams and shape. Secondly, do not store the dress in an attic or loft, as these spaces can be damp or humid and are prone to insects. Instead, choose a warm, dry spare room with no history of insects. Lastly, check on the dress every six months or so to ensure that it remains in good condition.
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Avoiding attics, basements, and garages
When storing your wedding dress, it is best to avoid attics, basements, and garages. These areas are prone to temperature fluctuations, air and water leaks, and vermin damage. They are also often home to critters that could damage your dress.
Instead, store your wedding dress in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a spare closet or under your bed. A spare bedroom that doesn't get much use is also a good option. Keeping your dress in a cool, dark place will help prevent discolouration and yellowing of the fabric.
If you do store your dress in a closet, be mindful of the other items stored there. A crowded closet next to smelly sneakers is not ideal for preserving your wedding dress. It is also important to keep your dress away from pets and children, as they could accidentally damage it.
Basements and attics are often damp, which can cause mould and mildew to grow on your dress. Garages are not ideal because they are typically not climate-controlled and can be dusty and dirty.
Overall, it is best to choose a storage location for your wedding dress that is clean, dry, and has a stable temperature and humidity level. This will help ensure that your dress remains in good condition for years to come.
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Cleaning and preservation
It is important to have your wedding dress professionally cleaned and preserved soon after wearing it. Not all stains are visible, but they can turn brown or yellow over time. The longer a stain sits, the more difficult it is to remove. Ask a bridesmaid or family member to drop off your dress at your local bridal boutique to be cleaned and preserved before stains set in.
To find a dry cleaner, ask for recommendations from other brides and check reviews to ensure that a dry cleaner is reputable. The dry cleaner should be willing to walk you through the process of laundering your dress. Go over the dress with the dry cleaner so all stains are noted. Request fresh or filtered solvent.
Before purchasing a box, measure your dress. If your dress has already been cleaned, be sure to wash and dry your hands thoroughly and remove any rings, watches or bracelets. Line the bottom of the box with tissue paper. Unbuffered tissue is a good choice for any textile. Place the dress in the box and pad the inside of the dress to provide support. If the dress is puffed up higher than the box, gently press down on the dress to expel some of the trapped air. Place the lid on top, then clearly label the box.
Keep your preserved dress looking great by storing it in a cool, dark place away from humidity. Your closet or under your bed are good options. Keep your dress out of attics, basements or garages, as these areas are prone to temperature fluctuations, air and water leaks, and vermin damage.
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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 that isn't a "high-traffic area". If your wedding is weeks away, hanging the dress is also an option. However, if your wedding is months away, or your dress is heavy, it is best to store it flat to avoid discoloration and stretching.
It is recommended to have your wedding dress professionally cleaned and preserved before storing it. You should store your dress in an acid-free archive box in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or under your bed.
First, fold the dress in half at the waist with the bodice on top. If your dress has a train, fold it under the skirt. Line the bottom of the box with tissue paper and place the dress inside facing down with the skirt centred. Pad the inside of the skirt and sleeves with tissue paper to provide support and maintain its shape.
Wedding dress yellowing is often due to chemical breakdowns of fabric caused by light radiation, high humidity, excessive heat, and contact with pollutants in the air. To prevent this, store your dress in a cool, dry, and dark place, and avoid storing it in plastic as this can cause staining.
A few days before your wedding, carefully remove your dress from its storage location and hang it somewhere high so that the wrinkles can drop out. If there are still wrinkles a day or two before the wedding, hang the dress in the bathroom while running a hot shower, being careful not to let the dress get wet.
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