Lyla Dejesus
A wedding dress is one of the most important pieces of clothing a person will ever wear, so it's essential to store it correctly. Whether you plan to sell, donate, repurpose, or pass it down to future generations, proper storage will keep your dress in pristine condition. Before storing your wedding dress, it is crucial to have it professionally cleaned by a trusted bridal dry cleaner to prevent discolouration and yellowing over time. Then, wrap your dress in white, acid-free tissue paper and store it in a breathable garment bag or box specifically designed for wedding dresses. It is best to store your wedding dress flat to avoid straining the fabric and hanger straps. Choose a cool, dark, and dry place within your primary living quarters, such as the top shelf of your everyday closet, and avoid attics and basements, which are prone to temperature fluctuations and water leaks. To maintain your wedding dress's integrity, regularly check on it every six months and inspect it for any signs of damage or pests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Get the dress professionally cleaned by a trusted bridal dry cleaner before storing it. |
| Storage container | Store the dress in a breathable garment bag or box designed for wedding dress storage. Avoid plastic dress covers, plastic boxes, and cardboard boxes. |
| Storage location | Choose a cool, dark place within your primary living quarters, such as the top shelf of a closet. Avoid the attic, basement, heat sources, and areas accessible to pets. |
| Storage position | Lay the dress flat, rather than hanging it, to avoid strain on the fabric. If hanging, use a large enough garment bag and the hanger straps inside the gown. |
| Storage companions | Store the veil, shoes, and crinolines separately from the dress to prevent damage. |
| Regular inspection | Check on the dress regularly (every six months to a year) to look for any signs of damage or pests and refold the dress if necessary. |
| Preservation | Consider professional preservation services that involve cleaning, treating, and packaging your dress using museum-quality techniques and materials. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Get it professionally cleaned
It is essential to get your wedding dress professionally cleaned before storing it. Even if it appears clean, there may be invisible dirt or bacteria that can cause discolouration or yellowing over time. A professional dry cleaner that specialises in bridal wear will use specialised techniques to remove any stains and ensure that your wedding gown is in pristine condition before being stored away.
When choosing a dry cleaner, it is important to vet their process. Ask questions about their training, the number and types of dresses they handle each year, and their overall experience. Inquire about whether they warranty their work or can provide references from designers or stores that can confirm their credentials. It is also crucial to understand their cleaning process and ensure they use a solvent that is gentle and pure enough for a wedding gown. Regular dry-cleaning solvents may contain impurities that can leave an unpleasant smell on your dress.
Once your gown is professionally cleaned, be careful when handling it. Ensure you have clean hands or wear white gloves to prevent any oils from transferring onto the fabric. Inspect the dress for any loose threads, missing buttons, or embellishments that need to be secured. Fixing these issues before storage will help prevent further damage.
When storing your wedding dress, avoid using plastic dress covers or regular cardboard boxes as they can trap moisture and cause discolouration. Instead, opt for a breathable garment bag or box specifically designed for wedding dress storage. Choose a cool, dark place within your primary living quarters, such as the top shelf of your everyday closet, to keep the dress safe from accidental damage.
Remember, professional preservation services offer the utmost assurance that your wedding dress will remain in pristine condition. These services include cleaning, treating, and packaging your dress using museum-quality techniques and materials.
Preserving Your Wedding Dress: Choosing the Right Shadow Box Size
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Store flat, not hung
Hanging a wedding dress may seem like the obvious choice, but it is actually better to store the dress flat if you have the space. Wedding dresses are significantly heavier than normal clothing, so hanging them can cause strain on the fabric and seams.
If you have the proper container and space, it is better for the dress to be stored flat. This takes the pressure off the fabric. Jeff Schwegmann, president and owner of Sunshine Cleaners Company and Happily Ever After Gown Preservation, explains that "wedding dresses can weigh more than the typical dress, so less strain on the fabric is best."
If you do choose to hang your dress, opt for a large enough breathable garment bag with enough space for your dress. When hanging the dress, use the hanger straps inside the gown instead of the garment straps or sleeves, which can stretch out over time. The hanger straps are specifically designed to bear the weight of your dress.
When storing your dress flat, be sure to avoid sharp folds, especially in areas where the fabric is more delicate or prone to wrinkles. Use acid-free tissue paper, which will prevent any beads, sequins, or embroidery from snagging or scratching the fabric. The tissue paper helps to cushion and protect the dress during storage. Be sure to fold loosely to avoid creasing or damaging delicate fabrics. Fold the top of the dress inside and keep the bottom half or train of the dress outside.
Crop Tops at Catholic Weddings: What's Appropriate?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Avoid plastic and cardboard
While it may seem convenient to store your wedding dress in plastic or cardboard, these materials can cause damage to the dress over time. Plastic bags and boxes trap moisture, leading to mildew and mould growth, and they can emit gases that can degrade the fabric, causing discolouration and deterioration. Plastic materials may also have a distinct odour that could be transferred to the dress, and this may be difficult to eliminate.
Cardboard boxes are more environmentally friendly and recyclable, but they are not ideal for long-term storage. Cardboard is not as durable as plastic, and it is susceptible to damage from insects, damp, and water. Cardboard also cannot protect the dress from mould or mildew, and it may not be pH neutral, meaning it could contain acid or alkali that could damage the dress.
To avoid these issues, opt for a breathable garment bag or box specifically designed for wedding dress storage. These can be made from materials such as heavy board with a fitted lid, providing protection from insects and dust while allowing air circulation to prevent fabric damage. You can also use acid-free tissue paper to wrap your dress and protect it from any beads or embellishments snagging or scratching the fabric.
It is also important to choose the right storage location. Avoid attics and basements, as these are more susceptible to pests, damp, and water damage. Instead, choose a cool, dry, and dark place within your primary living quarters, such as the top shelf of your everyday closet.
Wedding Attire: Semi-Formal Style Guide for Men
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Keep in a cool, dark place
Keeping your wedding dress in a cool, dark place is a crucial part of ensuring it stays in pristine condition. The ideal temperature is room temperature or below, as wedding dresses are highly receptive to changes in temperature and humidity. Humidity can cause mould, moisture stains, and fabric decay, so if you live in a humid area, consider investing in a dehumidifier.
The best place to store your dress is on the top shelf of your everyday closet. Basements and attics are not recommended as they do not provide the right conditions to protect the dress from damage. If you do store your dress in a closet, ensure it is not a regular closet, as these may not have the proper climate control.
Your wedding dress should be stored in a breathable fabric garment bag or box designed for wedding dress storage. The bag should be large enough to fit the whole dress. If the dress came in a box, you can keep it in that, but if it came in plastic, remove the plastic and place the dress in a breathable fabric bag or box. Plastic can trap moisture and cause stains and mould.
It is also important to note that you should not store your wedding dress in an airtight box. While some may recommend never breaking the seal of the box, this goes against expert advice. Instead, choose a box that can be opened and closed as needed.
Allure Romance Wedding Dresses: How Much Do They Cost?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Check on it regularly
Checking on your wedding dress regularly is an important step in maintaining its condition. While it may be tempting to leave your dress undisturbed for years, especially if it holds sentimental value, it is recommended that you inspect it at least once a year. Every six months is even better, as this will allow you to detect any issues early on and address them promptly.
During these regular check-ups, carefully remove your dress from its storage location and inspect it for any signs of damage or pests. Look for loose threads, missing buttons, or any other issues that may have arisen since the last time you checked. If you notice any problems, take the necessary steps to address them. For example, if there are loose threads, carefully trim them to prevent further unravelling. If there are missing buttons, sew them back on securely.
In addition to inspecting for damage, use these check-ins as an opportunity to refold your dress along different lines to prevent permanent creases. Wedding dresses are often made with delicate fabrics that can be prone to wrinkling, so it is important to handle the dress with care and avoid sharp folds. Consider using acid-free tissue paper to help cushion and protect the dress during storage, and always remember to have clean hands or wear white gloves to avoid transferring any oils onto the gown.
If you find that the storage location is no longer suitable, such as if the climate has changed or there are signs of pests, relocate your dress to a more suitable environment. The ideal storage location for a wedding dress is a cool, dark, and dry place within your primary living quarters, such as the top shelf of a spare closet. Avoid storing your dress in the attic or basement, as these areas can be prone to extreme temperatures, dampness, and insects.
By checking on your wedding dress regularly and following these simple steps, you can ensure that it remains in excellent condition for years to come. Remember, proper storage and preservation techniques are key to maintaining the integrity and lifespan of your cherished garment.
The Most Common Wedding Dress Size
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The first step is to get your dress professionally cleaned by a bridal dry cleaner. Then, store your dress flat, inside a breathable garment bag or wrapped in a cotton sheet, in a cool, dark place with moderate humidity. Avoid plastic dress covers, regular cardboard boxes, and attics.
Even if the dress appears clean, there may be dirt or bacteria that can cause yellowing or discolouration over time. A professional bridal dry cleaner will use specialised techniques to ensure that your wedding gown is in mint condition before being stored away.
Avoid hanging your dress for long periods as this can cause strain on the fabric and seams. Also, keep your dress away from cooking or smoking odours, heat sources, and pets.
![Zilink 72" Wedding Dress Garment Bag Dress Bags for Gowns Bridal Dress Travel Bag with 12”Gusseted and Accessory Pockets for Wedding Dress, Puffy Gowns [Upgraded Version]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51XK76FMZoL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
