Deborah Chan
Hanging a wedding dress correctly is important to avoid creases or damage, especially when transporting the dress for a destination wedding. Wedding dresses with straps and long trains can be hung using the inner straps, which are usually located at the waistline or under the armpits. For strapless dresses, clear nylon thread or fishing line can be used to hang the dress from a higher position, such as a doorway or window. To customise a hanger, you can bend wire into a desired shape, such as bride or Mrs, drill a hole in the hanger, and glue the wire into place.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hanger Type | Sturdy, wooden hangers are preferred. |
| Dress Type | Strapless dresses may require additional support, such as clear nylon thread or fishing line, to prevent the top from falling forward. |
| Dress Features | Illusion necklines or off-the-shoulder straps require careful hanging to avoid stretching or damaging delicate fabric. |
| Straps | Inner straps are typically located under the armpits or at the waistline. They are used for hanging the dress and can be tacked to the armpit area during alterations for added support. |
| Boning | Dresses with boning should be cautious when hanging to avoid damage. |
| Transporting | For destination weddings, take extra care when storing and transporting the dress to avoid wrinkles. |
| Drape | For dresses with long trains, use the loop at the bottom to drape the train over the hanger. |
| Aesthetics | Customized hangers with wire designs, paint, or ribbons can add a personal touch. |
| Photography | Hang the dress near windows for backlighting, or in aesthetically pleasing locations like in front of a mirror or on a chandelier. |
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What You'll Learn
Use a sturdy hanger, ideally wooden
When hanging a wedding dress, it is important to consider the type of hanger you will use. While plastic hangers are commonly available, they may not be the best option for hanging a wedding dress, especially if it is a heavy dress. A sturdy hanger, preferably wooden, is ideal for hanging a wedding dress.
Wooden hangers are stronger and more durable than plastic ones and can better withstand the weight of a wedding dress, especially if it has a long train. They are also less likely to snap or break, ensuring that your dress remains securely hung. Additionally, wooden hangers often have a wider shape that can accommodate the dress's straps or sleeves without causing any unwanted creases or stretching.
If your dress has off-the-shoulder straps or sleeves, it is crucial to avoid placing any weight on these delicate areas when hanging. By using a sturdy wooden hanger, you can confidently hang your dress from its inner straps, allowing the top portion to gracefully drape over without causing any strain or damage.
For a more personalized touch, you can even customize your wooden hanger. There are various DIY methods to decorate a wooden hanger, such as adding wire designs or ribbons in your wedding colors. Not only will a sturdy wooden hanger provide a secure foundation for your dress, but it can also enhance the overall presentation and become a memorable keepsake from your special day.
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Consider a DIY customised hanger
If you're looking for a way to customise your wedding dress hanger, you can consider a DIY approach. This option can be budget-friendly and allow you to add a personal touch to your special day. Here are some steps and ideas to create your own customised hanger:
- Choose a Suitable Hanger: Start by selecting a sturdy hanger that can bear the weight of your wedding dress. Wooden hangers are a popular choice as they are durable and look elegant. You can find them at craft stores or online.
- Gather Your Supplies: You will need some additional supplies to customise your hanger. This includes wire (floral wire or jewellery wire in a suitable gauge, such as 12 or 14), pliers (round nose, needle nose, and flat nose), a power drill with a suitable drill bit, and glue (such as wood glue or epoxy glue). You may also want to use paint or ribbons in your wedding colours to add extra flair.
- Plan Your Design: Decide on the design you want to create with the wire. Popular choices include words like "Bride," "Mrs," or "Mrs. Your-Name-Here." You can also get creative and do something more intricate, like your initials or a meaningful symbol. Remember to consider the shape of the hanger and how your design will fit within it.
- Create a Stencil: Use paper to create a stencil of your design. Draw a straight line on the paper to guide you in bending the wire. You can tape the wire to the paper to help shape the letters or design elements.
- Bend the Wire: Using your stencil as a guide, carefully bend the wire into the desired shape. Take your time with this step, especially when forming letters, as it may be tricky at first.
- Attach the Wire to the Hanger: Mark the spots on the hanger where you will attach the wire. Use the power drill to create small holes in the hanger. Apply glue to the holes and carefully insert the ends of the wire. Ensure the wire has some tension and doesn't cut through the hanger.
- Final Touches: Once the glue has dried, you can add any final touches, such as painting the hanger or adding ribbons. Allow everything to dry completely before using your customised hanger.
Remember to handle your wedding dress with care, especially if it has delicate fabrics, illusion necklines, or off-the-shoulder straps. Always be cautious when hanging the dress to avoid any damage or stretching. With your customised hanger, you can not only ensure your dress looks beautiful but also add a unique and personal element to your wedding day.
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Utilise the inner straps
Wedding dresses are heavy, bulky garments, and if hung incorrectly, they can get damaged. To avoid this, it is important to utilise the inner straps. Inner straps are usually located in the bodice area of the dress, somewhere in the underarm area or closer to the waistline.
If your wedding dress has sleeves or straps, it is crucial to hang it from the inner straps. Hanging the dress by the sleeves or straps can cause them to stretch out or become damaged. This is because the straps bear the weight of the entire gown, and the weight distribution will be uneven if hung by the sleeves or straps. Therefore, always use the inner straps to hang your wedding dress.
If your dress is strapless, it may have inner straps, or you may need to add them. You can ask your seamstress to add a small loop on the inside of the front of the dress and an additional hanger strap in the middle of the back, next to the zipper. Then, you can put the hanger strap through the loop to hold the front up and place the strap on the hanger. Alternatively, you can sew ribbon loops into the lining of the dress for hanging, but be cautious as this may not be secure enough and could distort the shape of the dress.
If your dress has boning, pay extra attention to how you hang it to maintain the integrity and shape of the boning. Some dresses have a small string connecting the boning to the inner strap to keep everything in place. You can also ask your seamstress to sew the boning to the inner strap to prevent it from moving and getting bent.
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Hang the dress in a photogenic location
Hanging a wedding dress in a photogenic location is a great way to capture beautiful photos of the gown. Here are some tips to achieve this:
Choose a suitable hanger: Opt for a sturdy, aesthetically pleasing hanger that complements the dress. A wooden hanger can be a good choice, providing both strength and visual appeal. Consider using a clear or discreet hanger strap to avoid it showing in the photos.
Find the right location: Look for unique spots that will enhance the beauty of the dress. Consider hanging the dress in front of a window, utilising the natural light and using the backlight to create a dreamy effect. Alternatively, hang it from a curtain rod or a doorway, creating a frame for the dress. Chandeliers or tree branches with low-hanging branches can also serve as photogenic hanging spots.
Enhance the dress's shape: To ensure the dress looks its best on the hanger, consider using clear nylon thread or fishing line to create "puppet strings" that hold the dress in position and prevent any unwanted sagging or creasing. A little tissue paper can be used to fill out the bust and create a 3D effect. If the dress has a delicate neckline or off-the-shoulder straps, be cautious to avoid putting weight on these areas, as they can be easily damaged.
Involve your photographer: Discuss your vision with your photographer, who will likely have experience finding the best spots for dress photos. They can offer suggestions and ensure the dress is captured beautifully, whether it's hanging in a corner, by a window, or even outside, depending on your preferences and the venue's offerings.
With a bit of creativity and careful consideration, you can capture stunning photos of your wedding dress hanging in a photogenic location.
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Avoid damaging delicate fabrics
The fabric and construction of your wedding dress will dictate whether it should be folded or hung for storage. If your dress is made of silk, lace, or other fragile fabrics, it should be folded to reduce the stress that might cause the seams and fibres. Use acid-free tissue paper to line the box and prevent creasing when folding. Do not fold along any sequins, beads, or other embellishments.
If hanging is the best option, use a padded or cushioned hanger to give the garment structure and stop it from stretching or getting damaged. For heavier dresses, use two tissue-lined, sturdy hangers to distribute the weight across two points. Hang the bodice on the first hanger, and attach the second hanger at the waistline or to the skirt.
If your dress has inner straps, hang the dress from there. If your dress is strapless or has off-the-shoulder straps, use the inner straps at the armpit area to hang the dress, letting the top portion hang down. If your dress has boning, ask your seamstress to tack the straps to the armpit area to prevent the boning from curving inwards.
To avoid damage to your dress, do not store it in plastic for longer than a few days as it does not allow fabrics to breathe and can cause staining. Instead, use a cloth garment bag or plain cotton sheets to wrap your gown. Store your dress flat inside a breathable garment bag or wrapped in a cotton sheet in a spare closet, away from heat sources and pets.
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding dresses with long trains usually have a loop at the bottom that can be used to hang the dress. Bring this loop up to the top of the hanger so that the train can be draped and not stuffed into a bag.
Wedding dresses with straps can be hung from the inner straps. Be cautious not to put weight on the fabric if it is delicate.
Use a spool of clear nylon thread or clear fishing line to hang the dress from above. You can also use tissue paper to fill out the bust.
You can buy a wooden hanger and use craft wire to shape words like "bride" or "Mrs". Drill a hole in the hanger, add glue, and stick the wire into the hole.
Wedding dresses often look better on a bride than on a hanger. However, you can try hanging the dress in front of a window or on a curtain bar to create a nice backdrop for photos.
