Deborah Chan
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 if your wedding is postponed. The first step is to get it professionally cleaned by a trusted bridal dry cleaner, as there may be invisible dirt or bacteria that can cause discolouration over time. Then, store your dress flat in a breathable garment bag or box, avoiding plastic which can trap moisture and cause discolouration. Keep it in a cool, dark place, away from sunlight, heat sources, and cooking or smoking odours. Check on your dress regularly, and if necessary, refold it to prevent permanent creases.
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What You'll Learn
Get it professionally cleaned
It is essential to get your wedding dress professionally cleaned before storing it away. Even if it appears clean, there may be dirt or bacteria that can cause discolouration 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 mint condition before being stored away.
When choosing a dry cleaner, make sure to vet their process first. Ask questions about their training, the number of dresses they handle each year, the types of dresses they handle, and their overall experience. Ask if they warranty their work or can provide a reference from a designer or store that can vouch for their credentials. It is also important to understand their cleaning process and the types of solvents they use. Ensure that the dry cleaner uses a solvent that is gentle and pure enough for a wedding gown. Regular dry cleaning solvents may contain impurities that can leave your dress with an odd smell.
Once your dress is professionally cleaned, carefully handle it to avoid any oils from getting on the gown. Check the wedding gown for any loose threads, embellishments, or missing buttons, and fix these issues before storing the dress to prevent further damage. Use acid-free tissue paper to cushion and protect the dress during storage, and fold it loosely to avoid creasing or damaging the fabric.
If you want the utmost assurance that your wedding dress will remain in pristine condition, consider professional preservation services. Professional preservation involves cleaning, treating, and packaging your dress using museum-quality techniques and materials.
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Store it flat
If you have the space, storing your wedding dress flat is the best way to take the pressure off the fabric and protect it from strain.
Jeff Schwegmann, president and owner of Sunshine Cleaners Company and Happily Ever After Gown Preservation, recommends using a proper container and storing the dress flat. He also suggests using a breathable garment bag or wrapping the dress in a cotton sheet.
Before storing your dress, it is essential to get it professionally cleaned by a trusted bridal dry cleaner. Even if the dress appears clean, there may be dirt or bacteria that can cause yellowing or discolouration over time.
When storing your dress, be cautious of heat sources and pets. Placing your dress near a heat source or in an area accessible to pets could lead to preventable damage.
Choose a cool, dark place within your primary living quarters, such as the top shelf of your everyday closet, to store your dress. This will help to maintain a moderate temperature and humidity.
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Avoid plastic
Plastic bags are a no-go when it comes to storing your wedding dress. Plastic typically does not allow fabrics to breathe and has the potential for staining, as chemicals break down and gases are emitted. It can also trap moisture, bugs, mildew, and cause oxidation long-term.
If your dress is stored in plastic for longer than a few days, it may be susceptible to discolouration. Plastic is also known to trap in bacteria, which can cause yellowing or discolouration over time.
Instead of plastic, opt for a breathable garment bag or box that is designed for wedding dress storage. If you're storing your dress flat, wrap it in acid-free tissue paper, which will prevent any beads, sequins, or embroidery from snagging or scratching the fabric.
If you do choose to hang your dress, make sure the weight of the dress is supported on the hanging ribbons and not on the shoulders or straps of the dress.
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Keep it in a cool, dark place
Keeping your wedding dress in a cool, dark place is essential for its preservation. Avoid storing your dress in the attic or cellar, as these areas are prone to temperature fluctuations, air and water leaks, and vermin damage. Instead, opt for a cool, dark place within your primary living quarters, such as the top shelf of your everyday closet. This will help maintain a moderate temperature and humidity level, which is ideal for preserving your dress.
It is also important to keep your wedding dress away from heat sources and direct sunlight, as this can cause discolouration and damage to the fabric. If you choose to hang your dress, use a large garment bag or pin two fitted sheets together to protect it. Make sure the weight of the dress is supported by the hanging ribbons and not the shoulders or straps of the dress.
If you decide to store your dress flat, which is recommended for heavier dresses, use a breathable garment bag or wrap it in a cotton sheet. Place it on a shelf in your closet, away from sunlight and any pests that could damage the fabric. You can also use acid-free tissue paper to cushion and protect your dress during storage, especially if it has delicate embellishments or beading.
Additionally, avoid storing your wedding dress in plastic bags or boxes, as they can trap moisture and cause mildew. Instead, choose a breathable storage container, such as a box made specifically for wedding dress storage or an archival storage box. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your wedding dress remains in excellent condition for years to come.
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Check on it regularly
Checking on your wedding dress regularly is an important step in the preservation process. Every six months, take the time to inspect the dress for any signs of damage or pests. If necessary, refold the dress along different lines to prevent permanent creases. Maintaining regular check-ins will allow you to detect any issues early on and address them promptly.
When checking on your dress, it is important to handle it with clean hands or wear white gloves to prevent any oils from transferring onto the gown. During each inspection, be sure to look over the wedding gown for any loose threads, embellishments, or missing buttons. By fixing these issues as they arise, you can help prevent further damage to the dress.
Additionally, it is recommended to store your wedding dress in a place that is easily accessible for regular check-ups. While it is important to choose a storage location that is away from cooking or smoking odours, heat sources, and high-traffic areas, you should also consider choosing a spot that is easily reachable. This will make it more convenient to perform your regular inspections and ensure the dress remains in excellent condition.
If you are unable to store your dress in a convenient location or prefer extra peace of mind, consider utilising professional preservation services. These services offer cleaning, treating, and packaging using specialised techniques and materials. By entrusting your dress to professionals, you can rest assured that it will be properly cared for and monitored, reducing the need for frequent personal inspections.
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Frequently asked questions
Before your wedding, it is important to store your dress in a safe place where it will remain clean and damage-free. Hang the dress somewhere high using the hanger straps inside the gown, rather than coat hangers, to avoid strain on the fabric. If you have the space, laying the dress flat inside a breathable garment bag is also a good option.
Before storing your wedding dress, it is important to get it professionally cleaned by a trusted bridal dry cleaner. You can then store the dress in a breathable garment bag or box that is designed for wedding dress storage. Avoid using plastic dress covers or cardboard boxes as these can trap moisture and bacteria. Store your dress in a cool, dark place within your primary living quarters, such as the top shelf of your everyday closet.
To prevent damage, avoid trying on your dress or removing it from the bag unless you need alterations. Makeup and deodorant are some of the biggest culprits for staining. Keep your dress away from cooking or smoking odours, heat sources, and pets. Regularly check on your dress to look for any signs of damage or pests and refold it along different lines to prevent permanent creases.
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