Rhiannon Hendricks
Transporting a wedding dress can be a stressful experience, but choosing the right garment bag can make all the difference. A good garment bag should be durable, lightweight, and easy to carry, protecting the dress from wrinkles, dirt, damage, and spills. It should also be made of a breathable fabric to prevent trapped moisture, and be large enough to fit the dress without squeezing or crushing it. When packing the dress, it is recommended to roll it loosely, rather than folding it, and to place it in a plastic bag to protect it from dirt and spills.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Archival-quality fabric, natural textiles (e.g. organic cotton), lightweight fabric (nylon, polyester), waterproof |
| Size | Large enough to accommodate the entire dress, including the train |
| Durability | Robust, reinforced seams, strong zippers |
| Portability | Lightweight, easy to carry, slim and flexible |
| Packing technique | Loosely roll or fold the dress, avoid pushing down, maintain air between layers, hang the dress in the bag |
| Additional tips | Label the bag with contact information, steam the dress upon arrival to remove wrinkles |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right garment bag
Size and Capacity
First, identify your intended use and how much you plan to pack inside. The size of your garment bag will determine how much you can pack, but also consider storage features like hidden compartments, external zippered slots, and shoe storage. Size is especially important if you're travelling to a destination wedding. Choose a bag that can comfortably fit your gown, avoiding unnecessary folds or creases. If you have a ball gown or an A-line dress, you'll need more space than slim styles like sheaths or mermaids. If your gown has a full skirt or a train, look for expandable bags with foldable extensions or extra compartments to accommodate the volume.
Material
Opt for a high-quality, acid-free, archival-quality fabric that allows the fabric to breathe while protecting your dress from dust, dirt, spills, and sharp edges. The material should be durable, robust, and lightweight. Fabric options include nylon or polyester, which are tough, weather-resistant, and flexible enough to fit in overhead compartments. For extra protection, choose a water-repellent bag.
Features
Look for helpful features like padding, lightweight construction, ergonomic handles, and compartments to keep accessories organised and secure. Some bags include built-in hooks or straps to secure your dress and prevent it from shifting during travel, which is ideal for intricate dress designs. Strong zippers and reinforced seams are also recommended for added security.
Preservation
If you plan to store your wedding dress after the big day, consider purchasing an acid-free box or garment bag to avoid damage. Store the dress away from harsh light and extreme temperatures, and consider using silica desiccant packets for humidity control. Alternatively, consult a wedding dress preservation specialist who can advise based on your dress's fabric, embellishments, and stitching.
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Preparing the dress
Preparing a wedding dress for a garment bag requires careful attention to detail to ensure the dress is not damaged or creased. Firstly, it is important to choose the right garment bag. Look for a bag that is durable, lightweight, and made from archival-quality fabric to protect the dress from wrinkles, dirt, damage, and moisture. The bag should be slightly longer than the dress to avoid crumpling and wide enough to accommodate the dress's fullest parts, such as the skirt or train.
Next, prepare a flat surface, such as a bed or a clean floor, to lay the dress on. If your dress has a long train, consider leaving it bustled to make it easier to roll up. If your dress has delicate details, like lace, tulle, or beading, take extra care when handling it. Place the dress on a hanger and insert the hanger through the slit in the top of the garment bag. Hang the gown up high against a wall, with the bag attached like a cape, ready for folding.
Now, you can begin folding the dress. Take the left and right sides of the dress and fold them towards each other, meeting in the centre. For slimmer dresses, you may not need to fold the sides in. Keep the sides folded and start rolling the dress from the bottom until it is short enough to fit in the bag. Try to keep as much air between the layers and folds as possible to prevent creasing. Once the dress is rolled, carefully place it in the garment bag.
Finally, carefully zip up the bag, placing your index finger behind the zipper to prevent snags and protect the dress fabric. Label the bag with your name, email, phone number, and addresses for both your home and destination. Now your dress is ready for travel!
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Placing the dress in the bag
When placing your wedding dress in a garment bag, it is important to take your time and be gentle to avoid any damage to the delicate fabric. It is also crucial to choose the right garment bag, ensuring it is made of lightweight, durable, and waterproof material to protect your dress from wrinkles, dirt, and damage.
Firstly, lay the garment bag on a flat surface. If your dress is still on a hanger, place the hanger hook through the top opening of the bag, allowing the train and skirt to remain outside. Hang the gown facing you, with the top half inside the bag. This step ensures the dress is secure and protected while you prepare to pack it.
Next, take the bottom left and right sides of the gown and fold them into the centre in a trifold. This step may be skipped for slimmer dresses. While keeping the two sides of the skirt folded, carefully roll the train from the bottom until it is short enough to place in the bottom of the bag. This technique helps to minimise wrinkles and prevents the train from getting tangled or crushed.
For fuller dresses with a voluminous skirt, you may need to adjust the folding technique. Instead of trifolding the sides, simply fold the two sides of the skirt in at the fullest part and loosely roll the dress from the bottom to the top. This method creates a compact roll that can be easily slid into the garment bag. Remember to keep the roll loose to prevent creasing and wrinkling.
Once you have the dress prepared, carefully place it into the garment bag. Ensure that the dress is lying flat and smooth inside the bag, avoiding any bunching or creasing. Gently zip up the bag, being careful not to catch any fabric in the zipper. Now your wedding dress is securely packed and ready for transport or storage.
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Transporting the dress
Transporting your wedding dress safely to your destination is crucial. The right garment bag can make all the difference in keeping your dress flawless. A well-chosen bag protects your gown from wrinkles, dirt, and damage during travel.
Firstly, it is important to note that you should never check your wedding dress. Always carry your dress onto the plane with you. Bags can get lost or damaged, and a folded-up dress is more likely to get wrinkled. It is also a good idea to carry the dress in an upright position and place it on top of other bags if possible.
When choosing a garment bag, opt for one made from archival-quality fabric to ensure your dress remains in pristine condition. The bag should be durable, easy to carry, and lightweight. Look for materials like nylon or polyester, which are tough enough to prevent tears but won't weigh you down. These fabrics are also weather-resistant, protecting your dress from spills or rain. Bags with reinforced seams and strong zippers offer added security.
The style of your dress will determine the type of bag you need. Ball gowns and A-line dresses require more space, while slim styles like sheaths or mermaids can fit into smaller bags. If your gown has a train, choose a bag with foldable extensions or extra compartments. Some bags come with built-in hooks or straps to secure the dress and prevent shifting during travel.
Before packing your dress, consider preparing it for travel. You can request that the salon, retailer, or designer provide padding in the bust area or prepare it on a cardboard dress form. If you're doing it yourself, lay the dress flat and use tissue paper to mould and fill the structured sections, such as the bust area. Wrap the dress with tissue paper for protection and cover it with plastic to safeguard against spills. Then, place it inside the garment bag.
Additionally, consider investing in a travel-friendly steam iron, a portable steamer, or wrinkle release spray to remove any wrinkles that may occur during transit. Don't forget to pack a sewing kit, safety pins, and a trusted stain remover for any last-minute mishaps.
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Storing the dress at your destination
Once you've reached your destination, carefully unpack your wedding dress and inspect it for any damage. If your dress has been vacuum-sealed, it's a good idea to take it out of the plastic and hang it up as soon as possible. The bathroom is a good option, as the steam from the shower can help to eliminate any wrinkles.
If your dress is already in a garment bag, make sure it's a breathable one to prevent moisture from becoming trapped and causing mildew or odours. If not, consider transferring it to a breathable garment bag to keep it pristine and protected until your wedding day.
If your dress has sustained any damage during transit, or if it's looking a little wrinkled, now is the time to get it steamed. Many hotels offer a room equipped with a steamer, or you may be able to borrow one from the hotel concierge. Alternatively, you can bring your own travel steamer or ask a seamstress near your destination to steam it for you.
If you're planning a destination wedding without a local attendant, it's a good idea to either bring your own steamer or confirm with the hotel that they have one available the day before your ceremony. Don't forget to double-check the voltage and plug type before you depart to avoid any last-minute panics.
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Frequently asked questions
Choose a bag made from archival-quality fabric to ensure long-term preservation. The bag should be both robust and waterproof to shield your dress from accidental spills and rain. It should also be lightweight and easy to carry.
First, lay the dress on a flat surface and place the top inside the bag, with the hook pulled through the top opening. Hang the gown with the garment bag attached like a cape. Then, fold the sides of the dress into the centre and roll the bottom until it's short enough to place in the bag. Zip the bag up carefully.
If your dress has a long train, you may need to purchase a bag with a wider gusset. When packing, fold the sides of the skirt in at the fullest part and roll the dress from the bottom to the top. Place the rolled dress in a large plastic bag to protect it from dirt and spills.
If your dress is too large for the bag, you may need to fold it more carefully or roll it more loosely. Ensure that you choose a bag that is slightly longer than your dress to avoid crumpling.
Contact your airline to understand their policies for flying with large and delicate items. Label your garment bag with your contact information, and set a reminder to retrieve your carry-on upon landing. Once you arrive, hang the dress in the bathroom and use the steam from the shower to remove any wrinkles. Alternatively, pack the dress in a suitcase or ship it to your destination in advance.
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