Junior Rasmussen
So, your wedding day is approaching and you've already got your dream dress, but what happens to it after the big day? There are several options to consider, from repurposing to selling, donating, or framing it. If you're not quite sure what to do with it, you can always store it safely and decide later. This article will provide tips on how to keep your dress in pristine condition before the wedding and explore the various options for what to do with it afterward.
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What You'll Learn
Store it in a spare room or bedroom, avoiding direct sunlight
If you have a spare room or an extra bedroom, this is a great place to store your wedding dress before the big day. Keeping it in a room where the temperature and humidity will remain stable is ideal, and it's best to avoid direct sunlight, which could cause discolouration.
Before storing your dress, it's important to remove it from any plastic wrapping. Plastic can cause fabrics to sweat and discolour, and it may also trap chemicals that could stain your dress. Instead, wrap your dress in a cloth garment bag or plain cotton sheets.
When it comes to hanging your dress, consider its weight. If it has heavy beading or multiple layers of fabric, hanging may not be the best option as it could stretch or damage the dress. If you do hang your dress, be sure to hang it somewhere high so that any wrinkles or creases can drop out. If there are still some creases a day or two before the wedding, hang the dress in the bathroom while running a hot shower so that the steam can remove the creases. Just be careful not to let the dress get wet!
It's also important to resist the temptation to try on your dress before the wedding, as each time it is handled, the chances of staining increase. Makeup and deodorant are some of the biggest culprits for staining, so if you must try on your dress, be sure to remove these first.
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Hang it somewhere high to avoid wrinkles and creases
Hanging your wedding dress is a great way to avoid wrinkles and creases before the big day. It is important to consider the weight of your dress before hanging it up. If your dress has heavy beading or multiple layers of fabric, it might not be suitable for hanging. However, if your dress is suitable for hanging, it should be hung somewhere high so that any wrinkles or creases can drop out. A spare room or bedroom is ideal, as these areas typically have more consistent temperatures and humidity levels. Basements and attics are not recommended due to potential dampness and mustiness.
When hanging your dress, avoid using a plastic hanger as this can leave indentations in the fabric. Instead, use a sturdy, padded hanger that can properly support the weight of the dress. Make sure the hanger is wide enough so that it doesn't leave creases in the shoulders of the dress. If possible, hang the dress inside a cloth garment bag or plain cotton sheet to protect it from dust and light exposure.
If your dress still has wrinkles a few days before the wedding, you can try hanging it in the bathroom while running a hot shower. The steam from the shower can help relax the fabric and release any remaining wrinkles. Just be careful to keep the dress away from the shower to prevent it from getting wet.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your wedding dress looks smooth and wrinkle-free for your special day.
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Keep it out of plastic and wrap it in a cloth garment bag
If you want to keep your wedding dress in pristine condition before the big day, it's important to keep it out of plastic and wrap it in a cloth garment bag. Plastic can trap chemicals, which can lead to staining as they break down and emit gases. Cloth garment bags, on the other hand, allow your dress to breathe and won't cause discolouration.
When storing your dress, choose a location with a consistent temperature and humidity, away from direct sunlight. Spare rooms or bedrooms are ideal, while basements and attics should be avoided due to potential dampness and mustiness.
For added protection, hang your dress somewhere high to allow any wrinkles or creases to drop out. Be mindful of its weight and fabric layers, as this will impact your decision to hang it. If your dress still has wrinkles a day or two before the wedding, hang it in the bathroom while running a hot shower, being careful not to let it get wet. Alternatively, you can use a steamer with a cotton sock and distilled water or seek help from a local seamstress or dry cleaner.
Resist the temptation to try on your dress or remove it from the bag unless alterations are needed. Makeup and deodorant are common culprits for staining. If you do try on the dress, ensure your skin is free of these products.
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Get it cleaned and preserved before framing it
Wedding dresses are delicate and intricate garments that are prone to yellowing, oxidation, and other forms of damage over time, especially if not treated and stored properly right after the wedding. Wedding dress preservation is a special cleaning and treatment plan that ensures your gown looks as pristine as possible for years to come. It is a process that involves both cleaning and packaging to ensure the garment retains its quality.
Wedding dress preservation should only be undertaken by a professional, as they will be able to spot unseen issues and create a unique treatment plan according to your dress fabric, stitching, and details. The process typically takes between 2 to 10 weeks and costs anywhere from $250 to $800, depending on the material, embellishment, and soil level of the gown.
Before getting your dress preserved, it is important to get a clear picture of the cleaning process. Not all dry cleaners use solvents that are gentle and pure enough for a wedding gown, so be sure to find one that specializes in cleaning gowns. Avoid dry cleaners that use harsh detergents, bleach, or hot irons, as these can damage the dress.
After your dress has been professionally cleaned, it can be framed. Companies like The Beautiful Frame Company and Outrageous Framing will work with you to frame your wedding gown so that you can hang it on your wall as a stunning art piece and a sentimental reminder of your wedding day.
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Donate it to organisations like Cherished Gowns UK or sell it online
If you're looking to part ways with your wedding dress, consider donating it to organisations like Cherished Gowns UK. This wonderful organisation transforms donated wedding dresses into carefully crafted burial gowns for babies born prematurely, too late, or too unwell. These gowns are then donated to hospitals and parents across the UK, free of charge. Another organisation is Wish For a Wedding, which provides dream weddings for couples dealing with terminal illnesses. They accept wedding dress donations for terminally ill brides and offer support throughout the wedding planning process. Donating your wedding dress is a beautiful way to give back and help others create lasting memories.
Alternatively, selling your wedding dress online is another option to consider. Websites like Nearly Newlywed make it easy to sell pre-owned wedding dresses and even offer gown cleaning services as part of the selling process. Selling your dress can help you recoup some of the costs while also giving another person their dream dress at an affordable price. It's a win-win situation!
If you're unsure about selling or donating your dress, there are other creative ways to repurpose it. You can transform your wedding dress into a christening gown for your little one, creating a cherished family heirloom that can be passed down through generations. Companies like Unbox the Dress specialise in repurposing wedding dresses into bespoke keepsakes, ensuring your dress continues to hold a special place in your life even after your wedding day.
Before making a decision, it's important to consider your personal connection to the dress and whether you see yourself wearing it again. Some brides choose to preserve their dresses in a box or frame them as a stunning art piece, turning their wedding memories into lasting mementos. Whatever option you choose, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons and decide what feels right for you.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to store your wedding dress somewhere with a consistent temperature and humidity, such as a spare room or bedroom. Avoid basements and attics, as these areas can be damp and musty. Keep the dress out of direct sunlight and handle it as little as possible to avoid staining.
It is best to use a cloth garment bag or plain cotton sheets to wrap your gown. If you hang your dress, be mindful of its weight—heavy beading or multiple layers of fabric could stretch or damage the dress.
Hang the dress somewhere high so that wrinkles and creases can drop out. If there are still creases a day or two before the wedding, hang the dress in a steamy bathroom, being careful not to let it get wet. You can also ask a local seamstress or dry cleaner for help.
There are several options for what to do with your wedding dress after your wedding. You can preserve and frame the dress, repurpose it into another garment, sell it, or donate it to an organisation such as Cherished Gowns UK or Wish For a Wedding.
Wedding dress preservation involves specialised cleaning and treatment to ensure your gown stays in good condition for years to come. Professional wedding dress cleaning and preservation costs can range from USD 250 to USD 800, depending on the material, embellishment, and soil level of the gown.
