Rhiannon Hendricks
The wedding dress is one of the most important and expensive items of clothing a person will ever own, and storing it properly is key to preserving it. While it may be tempting to hang your dress in a garment bag, this can cause strain on the straps. Instead, it is recommended to store your dress flat, inside a breathable cloth bag or wrapped in a cotton sheet, in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and pets. If you need to hang your dress, use a large bag with enough space and utilise the hanger straps inside the gown. Avoid plastic bags, as these can cause discolouration and fabric rot.
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What You'll Learn
Avoid plastic bags
It is best to avoid storing your wedding dress in a plastic bag. Plastic bags can trap moisture, leading to mould and fabric rot, and cause “phenolic yellowing" as gases are released by the plastic materials over time. Wedding dresses are typically made from natural fibres such as silk and cotton, which yellow over time without acid-free materials. Plastic bags can also emit colourless, odourless fumes as they break down, which can speed up fabric yellowing and discolouration.
If you need to store your wedding dress for longer than a few days, it is recommended to remove it from any plastic wrapping. Instead, use a cloth or fabric garment bag, or wrap your gown in a plain cotton sheet. You can also use a breathable garment bag in a climate-controlled environment, such as a spare closet or guest bedroom closet, to prevent spills and discolouration.
If you must hang your dress, use a large enough garment bag with enough space to avoid folds and creases. It is also important to use the hanger straps inside the gown, rather than the garment straps or sleeves, to avoid stretching the fabric. If you have the space, it is better to store your dress flat, which reduces pressure on the fabric.
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Lay flat vs. hang
Wedding dresses are often hung up, sometimes in garment bags, but this is not always the best option. Hanging a wedding dress can cause strain on the straps due to the weight of the dress. It can also cause the dress to stretch and distort in shape. If you do choose to hang your dress, it is important to use a hanger that can bear the weight of the dress. This could be a hanger with straps, or a seamstress can add straps to the hip inside the gown.
Laying a dress flat is a better option for storing a wedding dress, as it takes the pressure off the fabric. This is especially important for heavier dresses. If you do lay your dress flat, it is important to ensure that the hem does not touch the ground, as this is a common area for staining. You should also ensure that the dress is stored in a breathable fabric bag or box, as plastic storage bags can speed up fabric yellowing.
If you are storing your dress for the long term, it is best to opt for a box. Boxes are also a better option for dresses with heavy beadwork, lace, or sentimental value. For short-term storage, a fabric garment bag is a good option.
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Handle with care
Your wedding dress is one of the most important and expensive items of clothing you will ever own, so it is worth taking the time to store it properly. The key to keeping your dress in good condition is to handle it as little as possible.
Before Storing
Before storing your dress, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly and consider taking a shower to ensure you do not transfer any oils, lotions, perfumes, nail polish, or makeup onto the dress. You should also remove all jewellery to avoid fabric pulls or tears. Some sources recommend wearing white cotton gloves when handling your dress.
Storage Location
When storing your dress, choose a location that is not too hot or humid, and avoid attics, basements, and garages, as these can be damp and prone to temperature swings. Keep the dress away from heat sources and pets, and store it in a room or space that is not a "high-traffic area".
Storage Container
To store your wedding dress, it is best to use a cloth garment bag or a plain cotton sheet to wrap your gown. Avoid using plastic bags, as these can emit colourless, odourless fumes that can speed up fabric yellowing. If you must use a plastic bag, only do so for a short period. For long-term storage, it is recommended to use an acid-free bridal gown box.
Hanging vs. Laying Flat
There are differing opinions on whether it is better to hang or lay your wedding dress flat when storing it. Some sources recommend hanging the dress using the hanger straps inside the gown, while others advise against this, especially for heavy dresses, as it can cause strain on the fabric and distort the shape. If you choose to hang your dress, use a large enough garment bag with enough space to avoid stretching the fabric. If you decide to lay the dress flat, place it inside a breathable garment bag or wrap it in a cotton sheet.
After Storage
After storing your dress, carefully remove it from its storage location a few days before your wedding to allow any wrinkles or creases to drop out. If necessary, use a portable steamer to remove stubborn wrinkles, but never iron the dress, as this can damage the fabric.
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Proper storage location
If you are storing your dress for the short term, a spare bedroom closet is a good option, as it is less likely to be exposed to sunlight or high traffic. Keep the dress in its garment bag and ensure it is not hanging near any heat sources. If possible, lay the dress flat, as hanging heavy gowns can cause strain on the fabric and distort their shape. If you must hang the dress, use the hanger straps inside the gown, rather than the sleeves or garment straps, and ensure the bag has enough space for the dress.
For long-term storage, a durable cardboard box is a better option than a bag. Cardboard boxes provide an extra layer of protection, blocking out UV light that can damage delicate fibres. Acid-free boxes are preferable, as regular cardboard contains acids that can damage the fabric.
In both the short and long term, avoid storing your dress in plastic bags, as these can trap moisture, leading to mould and fabric rot. Plastic bags can also emit odourless fumes that speed up fabric yellowing.
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Before and after the wedding
Before the Wedding
Before your wedding, it is important to store your wedding dress properly to keep it in pristine condition. The first step is to remove the dress from any plastic packaging, as plastic can cause yellowing and staining over time. Instead, opt for a cloth garment bag or wrap your gown in a plain cotton sheet. If you must hang your dress, use a large garment bag with enough space for the gown and utilise the hanger straps inside the dress instead of the sleeves or garment straps. If you have the space, it is best to store your dress flat, as wedding dresses are heavier than normal clothing and hanging can cause strain on the straps. Choose a cool, dry, and dark place that is not a "high-traffic area", such as a spare closet or a guest bedroom. Avoid the basement, garage, or attic, as these areas can be damp or too hot, leading to mould or fabric rot.
After the Wedding
After your wedding, it is best to have your dress professionally cleaned and preserved to prevent stains from setting in. You can ask a bridesmaid or family member to drop off your dress at a local bridal boutique before you leave for your honeymoon. To store your dress for the long term, it is recommended to use an acid-free bridal gown box, especially if your dress has heavy beadwork, lace, or sentimental value. Boxes are less accessible but offer better protection from dust, light, and moisture, helping to maintain the gown's shape and structure. If you need to access your dress for anniversary photos or fittings, a breathable cloth garment bag is a suitable option for short-term storage.
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Frequently asked questions
Storing your wedding dress in a bag can keep it safe from damage, discolouration, and staining. It is also a good way to store your dress if you need to access it for fittings or anniversary photos.
You should avoid storing your wedding dress in a plastic bag, as plastic can trap moisture, leading to mould and fabric rot. Plastic can also cause phenolic yellowing due to the emission of colourless, odourless fumes. Instead, opt for a cloth or fabric bag, or a cotton sheet to wrap your gown.
Wash your hands thoroughly before handling your wedding dress and consider wearing white cotton gloves. Avoid touching the hem of your gown to the ground, as this is the most commonly stained area of wedding dresses.
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