Rhiannon Hendricks
A wedding dress is a cherished garment, holding precious memories of a special day. Proper storage is essential to keep the dress in pristine condition, preserving its beauty and integrity for future wearers or generations. The dress should be cleaned to remove any stains, dirt, sweat, and oils, then stored in a cool, dry, dark place, protected from humidity, temperature changes, and damaging light. While some opt to hang their dresses, laying the dress flat is often recommended to avoid straining the fabric and causing creases or damage. Acid-free archival boxes and tissue paper are also recommended to prevent discolouration.
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning before storage
Wedding dresses are delicate garments that are prone to yellowing, oxidation, and other forms of damage if not treated and stored properly. To ensure your wedding dress stays in pristine condition, it is important to clean it thoroughly before storing it away. Here are some detailed instructions for cleaning your wedding dress before storage:
Inspect the Dress
Before cleaning, carefully inspect your wedding dress for any stains, marks, or areas that need special attention. Check the dress's fabric, embellishments, and any intricate details such as embroideries or lace appliqués. Knowing the specifics of your dress will help you choose the best cleaning method.
Choose the Right Cleaning Method
The cleaning process will depend on the type of fabric, embellishments, and level of soiling. Some dresses may be suitable for hand washing or spot cleaning, while others should only be dry-cleaned by a professional. If you choose to clean the dress yourself, use a gentle detergent and avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or hot irons. For spot cleaning, gently pat the stained area instead of rubbing it to protect the fabric's fibres.
Act Quickly to Remove Stains
It is important to address stains as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of lasting stains. If you are dealing with a discoloured wedding dress, consider reaching out to a professional wedding dress preservationist with experience in treating yellowing.
Dry and Steam the Dress
After cleaning, gently squeeze out excess water and hang the dress to air dry. Once completely dry, carefully steam the dress with a steamer to remove any wrinkles. Ensure the dress is entirely steamed and dry before packing it away to prevent mildew growth.
Store in a Safe Space
Finally, choose a safe storage space for your wedding dress. Keep the dress in a cool, dry, and dark place away from direct sunlight, humidity, and extreme temperature fluctuations. Store the dress in an acid-free archival box or breathable fabric garment bag to prevent discolouration and fabric damage.
Remember, it is always recommended to consult a professional dry cleaner or wedding dress preservation specialist for guidance on cleaning and storing your wedding dress.
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Using acid-free materials
Wedding dresses are delicate and intricate garments, and over time they are prone to yellowing, oxidation, and other forms of damage, especially if not treated and stored properly. One way to ensure your wedding dress is stored properly is to use acid-free materials.
Textile conservators recommend storing your wedding dress in an acid-free box to protect it from dust, dirt, damp, and moths. These boxes are designed to last a lifetime and are museum and gallery conservation grade. They are made from 1300gsm grey unbuffered board with a white lignin-free bond interior for complete protection. Metal edges provide rust-proof, adhesive-free superior support and allow boxes to be safely stacked. You can also purchase acid-free paper to wrap your wedding dress in before sealing it in a box. It is important to replace the storage box and paper every three years or so.
Acid-free storage boxes are perfect for storing your wedding dress, veil, accessories, and jewellery. They will protect your items from light, dust, and dirt. You can also purchase acid-free tissue paper to wrap your items in.
If you are looking for a more affordable option, you can purchase an acid-free under-bed storage container. This is a great option if you are looking to store your wedding dress without breaking the bank.
It is important to note that some sources advise against storing your wedding dress in a box as creases and folds can be an issue. Instead, they recommend hanging your dress in a dark, dry closet using the ribbons on your garment.
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Avoiding plastic bags
Plastic bags are a big no-no when it comes to storing your wedding dress. They can trap moisture and cause mould or mildew to grow, especially in the case of long-term storage. This can lead to discolouration and staining of the dress, with the white fabric turning yellow. Plastic bags do not allow the fabric to breathe, and as the plastic breaks down, it releases colourless and odourless fumes that can further speed up fabric discolouration.
Plastic bags are also not sturdy enough to protect the dress from accidents, dust, light, or insects. They are only suitable for short-term storage, such as hanging the dress before the wedding.
Instead of plastic, opt for a cloth garment bag or a cotton sheet to wrap your gown. These breathable materials will help maintain the quality of your wedding dress by allowing it to breathe and preventing discolouration. If you must use a box, choose a sturdy one made of acid-free, lignin-free cardboard that will eliminate light, protect from dust and accidents, and provide a breathable environment.
When storing your wedding dress, avoid hanging it on a hanger for long periods, as this can stretch the fabric over time and cause stress on the seams and shape. Instead, store your dress flat, inside a breathable garment bag or wrapped in a cotton sheet, in a cool, dry, and dark place like a spare closet or guest room. Avoid attics, as they can be prone to leaks, damp, and insects.
Additionally, when storing your wedding dress, try to handle it as little as possible to reduce the chances of staining and oil marks. If you must take it out of storage, be sure to remove any makeup and deodorant, and avoid letting the hem of the dress touch the ground, as this is a common area for stains.
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Hanging vs laying flat
Hanging a wedding dress is a convenient way to store it, especially if you don't have much space. However, hanging a wedding dress for long periods can cause the fabric to stretch and distort over time due to gravity. This is especially true for heavier dresses with beading or multiple layers of fabric. If you do decide to hang your dress, avoid using a plastic hanger as this can leave permanent indentations in the fabric.
Laying a wedding dress flat is often recommended as the best way to store it, especially for heavier dresses that may be too heavy to hang. This method helps to prevent stretching and distortion. When laying your dress flat, choose a clean surface, such as a guest bed, and fold the ends of the dress over to keep it covered from dust and light. You can also place the dress in a breathable garment bag or wrap it in a cotton sheet to protect it further.
If you choose to hang your wedding dress, it is important to do so carefully. Use a sturdy hanger that can support the weight of the dress, and be sure to distribute the weight evenly to avoid indentations. Hanging your dress in a steam-filled bathroom can help to remove wrinkles, but be cautious to keep the dress away from the shower so it doesn't get wet.
When storing your wedding dress flat, it is important to consider the folding. Loosely fold the top of the dress in, and keep the bottom half or train of the dress outside to avoid sharp folds and creases. Be especially gentle in areas where the fabric is more delicate or prone to wrinkles.
Additionally, consider the storage container for your wedding dress. Avoid plastic bags and cedar chests, as they can trap moisture and produce acidic gases that can damage the dress. Instead, opt for an acid-free archival storage box or a breathable garment bag to protect your dress from discolouration and mould growth.
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Where to store at home
When storing a wedding dress at home, it is important to keep it in a cool, dry, and dark place. Spare rooms or bedrooms are ideal, as temperature and humidity will not fluctuate, and the dress can be kept out of direct sunlight. Basements and attics are not recommended, as the air may be damp, and insects may be an issue.
It is also important to keep the dress in a breathable garment bag or box designed for wedding dress storage. The bag or box should be acid-free to avoid discolouration and damage to the dress. If using a box, the dress should be folded loosely to avoid creasing or damaging delicate fabrics. The top of the dress should be folded inside, with the bottom half or train of the dress on the outside, avoiding sharp folds in delicate areas.
If using a bag, ensure it is a breathable garment bag, and avoid hanging the dress for long periods, as this can stretch the fabric over time and put stress on the seams and shape. It is also important to avoid plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and lead to mould growth, and may emit fumes that can stain the dress.
When handling the dress, ensure you have clean hands or wear white gloves to prevent oils from your hands from discolouring the fabric.
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Frequently asked questions
It's important to have a safe place to store your wedding dress after you pick it up from the boutique so that it remains clean and damage-free. A wedding dress garment bag is the most common place brides store their dresses before the wedding, as many bridal boutiques give you your dress in a garment bag. However, it is not advisable to leave the dress in the bag long-term as the bag material may contain acids and other substances that can degrade the dress over time.
The best way to store a wedding dress is to have it preserved by a wedding dress professional and kept in an acid-free box in a cool, dark place away from humidity. If you don't have access to a professional preservation service, you can also store your dress in a breathable garment bag or box that is designed for wedding dress storage. Do not use plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and lead to mould growth.
Wedding dresses are significantly heavier than normal clothing, so hanging them can cause strain on the straps. If you have the space, it is better to store your dress flat. When folding your dress, be sure to avoid sharp creases, especially in areas where the fabric is more delicate or prone to wrinkles.
Yes, it is highly necessary to clean a wedding dress before storing it to prevent stains from setting in and causing further damage. Find a professional dry cleaner to help clean your dress so it is in pristine condition for storage.
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