George Boyle
When it comes to storing or shipping your wedding dress, it's important to choose the right-sized box. The box should be just big enough to fit the dress without damaging any details or crushing it. A typical wedding dress can fit in a box with dimensions ranging from 43 x 30 x 14 cm (18 x 16 x 9 in) to 27.5 x 14.9 x 6.6 in. It's also important to consider the style and volume of your dress when selecting a box. Slender dresses with no petticoat may only require a medium-sized box, while fuller dresses with multiple layers may need an extra-large box. Additionally, using acid-free tissue paper and a dust-free cloth to preserve your dress is recommended.
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What You'll Learn
Box sizes for different dress styles
The size of the box you will need for your wedding dress depends on the style and volume of the dress. A typical wedding dress would fit in a box that measures 430x300x140mm or 18x16x9 inches.
For dresses that are not too full, a medium-sized box might be suitable. This size is recommended for slender dresses with no net petticoat and can accommodate a small train. The dress will need to be folded twice to fit in this size of the box.
The Prom Dress Box is perfect for slim dresses with a flare at the bottom or a long train. It is larger than the medium box but smaller than the traditional standard size.
The Traditional Standard size is suitable for most wedding dress styles, including those with up to two layers of net petticoat and long trains.
For fuller dresses with many layers, an extra-large box is recommended. This size is ideal for dresses with multiple layers of petticoat and fabric.
For exceptionally large dresses with extreme volumes, there are the Hollywood Heights and Hollywood Extreme sizes. These boxes are designed for dresses with a high number of layers, such as 10 or more layers of tulle petticoat or a voluminous skirt.
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Where to buy boxes
The size of the box you will need for your wedding dress depends on the style and volume of your dress. For example, slender dresses with a small train can be stored in a medium-sized box, while fuller dresses with many layers may require an extra-large box.
Online retailers
There are several online retailers that offer wedding dress storage boxes. The Empty Box Company, for instance, offers a range of sizes, including medium, prom, traditional standard, and extra-large. They also have larger sizes available in their Hollywood Range for exceptionally voluminous dresses. The company receives positive reviews for its product quality and design.
Foster-Stephens
Foster-Stephens offers high-quality, acid-free bridal boxes in a standard size that fits most full-length dresses. They also provide custom-designed bags with a minimum order of 250.
Walmart
Walmart offers a range of wedding dress storage solutions, including garment bags and boxes. Their selection includes dustproof and moisture-proof boxes with zippers for under-bed storage, as well as preservation kits in various colours, such as gold and pink.
Cleanersupply
Cleanersupply offers bridal keepsake wedding gown boxes, museum-quality wedding gown boxes, and centsible wedding gown boxes. They also provide customer service through various channels, including phone and email.
When purchasing a wedding dress storage box, consider the size and style of your dress, as well as the features offered by the box, such as acid-free tissue paper, dustproof and moisture-proof protection, and customisation options.
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How to prepare the dress for the box
The size of the box you need for your wedding dress depends on the style of your dress. If your dress is not too full, a medium or standard-sized box should be suitable. If your dress has a fuller skirt with many layers, you may need an extra-large box. For exceptionally large dresses, you may need an even bigger box.
Cleaning
Even if your dress appears clean, there may be hidden dirt or bacteria that can cause discolouration over time. Before storing your dress, consider getting it professionally cleaned. A professional dry cleaner that specialises in bridal wear will be able to remove any stains and ensure your gown is in mint condition.
Reading the Care Label
Before cleaning or storing your dress, read the care instructions on the garment's care label. If the care label is missing or confusing, contact the manufacturer for guidance.
Handling the Dress
Always make sure your hands are clean before handling the dress. It is also recommended to wear white cotton gloves to prevent any stains, smudges, or oils from getting on the gown.
Folding the Dress
When folding the dress, do so carefully and loosely to avoid creasing. Pay attention to areas where the fabric is more delicate or prone to wrinkling, and avoid sharp folds in these areas. As you fold, layer the dress with acid-free tissue paper to prevent any beads or embellishments from snagging on the fabric. Wrap the sleeves under the bodice, and then fold the skirt up and over the bodice. Finally, wrap the folded dress in unbleached muslin before placing it in the box.
Choosing a Box
Select a heavy-duty cardboard box with a tight-fitting lid to protect the gown from dust, insects, and light. Ensure that the box is acid-free to prevent discolouration. If you choose a box with a window, opt for an acetate screen instead of plastic.
Filling the Box
After wrapping the dress in muslin, carefully place it in the box. Fill any empty spaces in the box with extra acid-free tissue paper to prevent the dress from moving around and to cushion it from creases and other damage.
Storing the Box
Store the box in a safe, clean, and dry place, away from temperature extremes, sunlight, and humidity. A spare room, a high shelf in your wardrobe, or a personal storage unit are suitable options. Avoid attics, cellars, or garages, as these places are prone to extreme temperatures and humidity, which can ruin the dress.
Checking the Dress
Even if you have stored your dress carefully, it is important to check on its condition from time to time. Look for any signs of discolouration, mould, or mildew, and address these issues as soon as possible. It is recommended to check the dress every six months and repackage it annually to prevent permanent creases.
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Box material
The material of the box is an important consideration when choosing a box to store your wedding dress. You want to ensure that the box will keep your dress safe and preserved for a long time.
Acid-free and high-quality materials are ideal for preserving your wedding gown. Foster-Stephens, for example, offers bridal boxes made from such materials, ensuring your dress stays in pristine condition. Acid-free storage is crucial in preventing discolouration and deterioration of the fabric over time.
Additionally, consider the thickness and sturdiness of the box material. You want a box that can withstand stacking and general storage conditions without crushing your dress. The Empty Box Company, for instance, offers "deep, sturdy" wedding dress boxes that can accommodate full skirts and multiple layers of fabric and petticoats.
For travel, consider a box with a more durable and robust material. A sturdy box will protect your dress from potential damage during transportation. You can also look for boxes made from recycled materials if sustainability is important to you.
The exterior design and finish of the box are also worth considering. You may prefer a simple, elegant design or opt for something more decorative, with patterns, calligraphy, or embroidery. Personalisation options, such as adding your name or the wedding date, can make the box even more special.
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Box weight and shipping costs
The weight of a wedding dress varies, but on average, it weighs about 3kg or 7lbs. To find out the weight of your dress, weigh yourself without it and then again while holding it. Subtract the former from the latter, and that is the weight of your dress. Round up to the nearest kilogram or pound, as this is how carriers usually charge.
The weight of the dress will determine the shipping costs. Parcels are charged by weight or cubic weight, whichever is greater. This means that even if the dress is light, it will be charged as if it weighs more if it is placed in a large box with lots of padding. The larger the box, the higher the shipping cost for the buyer.
If you are shipping a wedding dress internationally, it may attract import duty and taxes, which are the responsibility of the recipient. Buyers pay shipping costs, so be sure to include these in the final sale price.
Cardboard boxes of various sizes can be purchased from your nearest office supply store or post office for a few dollars. You can also reach out to your local bridal salons to see if they have excess boxes. The box should be just big enough to fit the dress without damaging any fine details. A typical wedding dress would fit in a 43 x 30 x 14 cm / 18 x 16 x 9 in box.
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Frequently asked questions
A standard-size box should fit most full-length dresses with short trains. The recommended box sizes for shipping are: Length: 18 x Width: 16 x Height: 9 inches or Length: 30 x Width: 20 x Height: 8 inches or Length: 24 x Width: 16 x Height: 6 inches.
A larger box may be required for a wedding dress with a long train. The Extra Large Wedding Dress Box is suitable for dresses with multiple layers and long trains.
A medium-sized box is suitable for a slender wedding dress with a small train. The Medium Wedding Dress Box will require the dress to be folded twice to fit.
For unusually voluminous dresses with many layers, you may need an exceptionally large box. The Hollywood Range offers two sizes suitable for dresses with extreme volumes.
