Lyla Dejesus
Your wedding dress is one of the most important items of clothing you will ever wear, so it is essential to know how to store it before your wedding day. There are several factors to consider when storing your wedding dress, such as the weight of the dress, the material of the hanger, and the storage location. It is recommended to store your dress flat, inside a breathable garment bag or wrapped in a cotton sheet in a cool, dry, and dark place. You should also avoid trying on the dress or removing it from the bag to prevent staining and potential oil marks. Additionally, it is important to have your dress professionally cleaned before storing it to ensure it stays in pristine condition. Regular inspections of the dress are also necessary to detect any issues early on.
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What You'll Learn
Store flat, not hung
Storing your wedding dress flat, rather than hanging, is a good option if you have the space. Wedding dresses are often heavier than normal clothing, so hanging them can cause strain on the fabric and seams. If you have a large enough container and the space to store it flat, this can be a better option.
Jeff Schwegmann, president and owner of Sunshine Cleaners Company and Happily Ever After Gown Preservation, recommends storing your dress flat if possible, to "take the pressure off the fabric". If your dress has to be hung, use the hanger straps inside the gown, rather than the sleeves or garment straps, which can stretch over time.
If you are storing your dress flat, wrap it in a cotton or acid-free tissue paper first, then lay it inside a breathable garment bag. You can also use a premium wedding dress box, which will protect your dress from light and moisture. Avoid plastic coverings, fabric or cardboard boxes, as these can trap moisture and contain acids that damage the fabric.
Store your dress in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight, and away from cooking odours, which can permeate the fabric. Keep the dress in a spare closet, or on a guest bed, and avoid high-traffic areas where it could be damaged. It is also important to keep the dress away from heat sources and pets.
Check on your dress regularly, to make sure it hasn't been damaged by pests or humidity. If necessary, refold the dress to prevent permanent creases.
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Use a breathable garment bag
Using a breathable garment bag is a great way to store your wedding dress, especially if you have limited space. It is important to note that wedding dresses are significantly heavier than normal clothing, so hanging them can cause strain on the straps. If you do choose to hang your dress, opt for a large garment bag with enough space. Garment bags are often a bit small for gowns, so consider pinning two fitted sheets together to protect the 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. If your dress has to be stored flat, a breathable garment bag is still a great option. Place the dress inside the bag and lay it flat in a spare closet or on a shelf. Avoid high-traffic areas and keep it away from pets and heat sources to prevent damage.
No matter how carefully you store your wedding dress, there may be some creases over time. To remove these, use a portable steamer. Do not iron your wedding dress as this can damage the fabric. It is recommended to check on your dress regularly, at least every six months, to inspect for any signs of damage or pests. If necessary, refold the dress along different lines to prevent permanent creases.
If you are storing your dress for a longer period, consider using acid-free tissue paper to prevent any beads, sequins, or embroidery from snagging or scratching the fabric. The tissue paper adds a layer of protection and helps cushion the dress during storage. Be sure to fold the dress loosely and avoid sharp creases, especially in delicate areas. You can also use a combination of a breathable garment bag and acid-free tissue paper for added protection.
Overall, using a breathable garment bag is a convenient and effective way to store your wedding dress. Just remember to consider the weight of your dress, handle it with care, and inspect it regularly to ensure it stays in excellent condition.
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Avoid plastic coverings
Plastic coverings are not ideal for storing your wedding dress, especially for long periods. While they can protect your dress from spills and dirt, plastic bags emit fumes that can cause your dress to turn yellow over time. This discolouration is caused by the acid in the plastic, which can also lead to fabric deterioration.
Plastic coverings do not allow for changes in humidity, which can cause condensation and mould. PVC coverings will disintegrate over time, with particles dropping onto the fabric of the dress. Plastic wrappings also trap moisture, which can cause mildew to form on your dress.
If you are planning to pass down your wedding dress to future generations, it is highly recommended that you store it in a quality wedding dress box, rather than a plastic cover. Plastic dress covers also do not protect your dress from light, which can cause fading.
When storing your wedding dress, it is best to use a breathable garment bag or wrap it in a cotton sheet. You can also lay the dress flat, which takes the pressure off the fabric.
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Keep in a cool, dry, dark place
Keeping your wedding dress in a cool, dry, dark place is a key factor in ensuring its preservation. It is best to avoid storing your wedding dress in a place that experiences drastic temperature changes or high humidity. Both can lead to severe problems for your dress, such as mildew growth.
It is also important to keep your wedding dress away from any cooking or smoking odours, as they can permeate the fabric over time. Additionally, avoid storing your dress in a dry place, as this can lead to issues such as moisture, leaks, insects, pests, or shifts in humidity.
When choosing a storage location, opt for a spare closet or a room that isn't a "high-traffic area" in your house, such as the top shelf of a spare closet. This will help prevent accidental damage to your dress and reduce the risk of it being disturbed frequently.
If you live in a particularly humid place, consider using a second plastic garment bag to provide extra protection against humidity.
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Regularly check for damage
Regular check-ups are essential to ensure your wedding dress stays in excellent condition. 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-ups will allow you to detect any issues early on and address them promptly.
It is also important to choose the right storage method to minimise the need for extensive damage control. Avoid storing your dress in a dry place or an area with drastic temperature changes. Both can lead to severe problems for your dress, such as mildew growth. Keep your dress in a secure location, away from rooms or areas that experience humidity swings.
Additionally, consider the weight of your dress before deciding on a storage method. Heavy dresses with multiple layers, heavy beading, or certain fabrics may be better off laid flat to reduce strain on the seams and beading. If you choose to hang your dress, use the hanger straps inside the gown instead of the garment straps or sleeves, which can stretch over time.
To further preserve the integrity of your dress, it is recommended to get it professionally cleaned before storage. A professional dry cleaner that specialises in bridal wear will be able to remove any stains and ensure your gown is in pristine condition. After cleaning, be cautious when handling the dress to avoid any oil stains. Use acid-free tissue paper to cushion and protect the dress during storage, and fold loosely to avoid creasing or damaging delicate fabrics.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to store your wedding dress flat, wrapped in a cotton sheet or acid-free tissue paper, and placed in a breathable garment bag or box designed for wedding dress storage. Avoid hanging your dress for long periods, as this can cause strain on the fabric and seams. Keep the dress in a cool, dry, dark place away from sunlight, heat sources, cooking or smoking odours, and pets.
Yes, it is highly recommended to get your wedding dress professionally cleaned before storing it, even if it appears clean. A professional bridal dry cleaner will be able to remove any stains and bacteria that can cause discolouration over time.
It is recommended to check on your stored wedding dress every six months to a year to inspect for any signs of damage, pests, or mildew growth and to refold the dress to prevent permanent creases.
No, plastic dress covers are not recommended for long-term storage as they can trap moisture and let in too much light. Instead, invest in a premium wedding dress box made from acid-free materials to protect your gown.
You can store your wedding dress in a spare closet or a guest bedroom, preferably in a breathable garment bag or box. Keep the dress away from direct sunlight and heat sources, and avoid hanging it near other garments to prevent colour bleeding.
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