George Boyle
There are many options for storing your wedding dress, both before and after your wedding. Before your wedding, you could consider hanging your dress in a garment bag, but be sure to use the hanger straps inside the gown instead of the garment straps or sleeves, which can stretch over time. If you want to store your dress flat, a spare room or bedroom is a good option, as the temperature and humidity will not fluctuate, and the dress can remain out of direct sunlight. After your wedding, it is important to get your dress professionally cleaned to avoid discolouration. You could then store your dress in an acid-free box, wrapped in acid-free paper, in a cool, dry, dark place.
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What You'll Learn
Hanging vs. laying flat
Wedding dresses are often stored hanging in a garment bag. However, this is not always the best option. Wedding dresses are heavier than normal clothing, and hanging them can cause strain on the straps. If the dress is too heavy, it may stretch over time due to gravity pulling on it.
If you have the space, it is better to store your wedding dress flat. This takes the pressure off the fabric. To do this, lay the dress on a clean sheet on a bed and fold the ends of the sheet over the dress to keep it covered from dust and light. If you do not have a spare room, you could consider storing the dress flat in the guest room of a family member or friend.
If you decide to hang your dress, use a hanger with straps designed to bear the weight of the dress, rather than hanging it by the garment straps or sleeves. The garment bag should be large enough for the dress and made of breathable fabric to prevent mould and mildew growth. Avoid plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and emit fumes that cause discolouration.
If you choose to store your dress flat, you can use a storage box or container. These should be made of archival-quality materials that are acid-free and pH-neutral to prevent discolouration and deterioration. The dress should be carefully padded and wrapped in acid-free tissue paper to avoid creasing.
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Using a garment bag
Firstly, it is important to select a garment bag that is large enough for your dress. Garment bags are often too small, and this can cause issues. If your dress is too big for the bag, you can try pinning two fitted sheets together to protect your gown. It is also important to avoid plastic garment bags, as these can emit fumes that will discolour your dress. Instead, opt for a cloth bag made from high-quality fabric, such as cotton or muslin.
When hanging your dress in the bag, use the hanger straps inside the gown, rather than the garment straps or sleeves, as these can stretch over time. If you are storing your dress for the long term, it is better to lay the dress flat, as hanging can cause strain on the straps and fabric of the dress. If you do hang your dress, it is a good idea to use a padded hanger to prevent shoulder dents or stretching.
If you are using a garment bag for short-term storage, it is important to check on your dress regularly. Every six months, inspect the dress for any signs of damage or pests, and refold the dress along different lines to prevent permanent creases. Garment bags are also useful for transporting your dress, as they are lightweight and convenient.
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Avoiding plastic
When storing a wedding dress, it is important to avoid using plastic bags or containers. Plastic emits colorless, odorless fumes as it breaks down, which can cause yellowing and staining. Plastic also traps moisture and bacteria, leading to mold or mildew growth and potentially causing damage to the dress.
Instead of plastic, opt for a breathable fabric garment bag or a storage box made from acid-free, lignin-free cardboard. Acid-free tissue paper can also be used to wrap the dress and protect it from any beads, sequins, or embroidery that could snag or scratch the fabric. It is important to choose a storage option that allows the dress to breathe and maintains the correct temperature and humidity levels.
If you do not have access to a fabric garment bag, a simple alternative is to use a queen-sized flat bedsheet. Machine wash and dry the sheet without fabric softener, cut a hole in the center, and feed the head of the hanger through. This creates a breathable cotton storage covering for your gown, which is much safer than plastic.
When choosing a storage location, avoid attics, garages, basements, or storage units, as these areas are more prone to extreme temperatures, dampness, and insects, which can damage the dress. Instead, opt for a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a spare closet or guest room. Keeping the dress in a low-traffic area will also reduce the risk of accidental damage.
By following these guidelines and avoiding plastic, you can effectively preserve your wedding dress and maintain its quality for years to come.
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Professional cleaning
Wedding dresses are delicate and intricate garments, and they are prone to yellowing, oxidation, and other forms of damage, especially if not treated and stored properly right after the wedding. Professional cleaning is the first step in wedding dress preservation, and it is important to get the dress to a preservationist or dry cleaner as soon as possible. Wedding dress cleaning and preservation should only be done by specialists who can guarantee the best results.
There are companies that offer wedding dress preservation, cleaning, and restoration services, such as Wedding Gown Preservation Kit, which is a nationwide service that allows brides to restore and preserve their wedding dresses without leaving home. They offer a 100-year guarantee, ensuring that your wedding dress will not yellow or fade. Parkway Custom Dry Cleaning is another company that provides wedding dress cleaning and preservation services. They hand-clean, air-dry, and hand-finish bridal dresses and gowns, and have been in business since 1926.
When choosing a company to clean and preserve your wedding dress, it is important to ask about their cleaning process and what solvents they use. Some solvents used for regular dry cleaning may contain impurities that can leave a strange smell on your dress. It is also important to ask about their packaging and shipping processes, as well as their guarantees and warranties.
Some companies offer kits that include instructions and materials for sending the dress to them for service. These kits typically include shipping, handling, and insurance. It is important to carefully review the instructions and follow any specific guidelines provided by the company.
While some wedding dresses can be cleaned at home, it is always best to consult with a professional to ensure the best possible outcome.
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Storage location
The ideal storage location for a wedding dress is a cool, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight, humidity, and extreme temperatures. It should be stored in an area that is not frequently accessed, reducing the risk of accidental damage.
A spare closet or bedroom is a good option, as it allows for moderate temperature and humidity, and the dress can be kept out of direct sunlight. The top shelf of a closet is a great choice, as it provides easy access and reduces the risk of the dress being disturbed.
If closet space is limited, consider storing the dress under the bed in a breathable garment bag or box. This option keeps the dress protected from dust and light while utilising under-bed storage space efficiently.
Basements, attics, and garages are not recommended due to temperature fluctuations, moisture, and the potential for pests or water damage.
Additionally, it is advised to avoid hanging the wedding dress for long periods, as it can cause strain on the straps and lead to stretching or warping of the fabric over time. Instead, laying the dress flat inside a garment bag or wrapping it in acid-free tissue paper and storing it in a box designed for wedding dress preservation is preferable.
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Frequently asked questions
The most common place brides store their wedding dress is in a wedding dress garment bag. Many bridal boutiques give you your dress in a garment bag. However, not all garment bags are alike, and experts advise against plastic garment bags that can emit fumes and trap moisture, leading to discolouration. If you do choose to hang your wedding dress, opt for a large enough garment bag that has enough space for your dress.
After the wedding, it is best to have your dress professionally cleaned and preserved. Wedding dress preservation companies offer a lifetime guarantee of at least 75 or 100 years. At home, you can store your wedding dress in a cool, dark place away from humidity, such as a closet or under your bed. Avoid storing your dress in the basement, garage, or attic, as these areas are prone to temperature fluctuations, air and water leaks, and vermin damage.
While many people hang their wedding dress, it is better to store it flat if you have the means to do so. Wedding dresses are significantly heavier than normal clothing, so hanging them can cause strain on the straps and lead to stretching or warping over time. If you do hang your dress, use the hanger straps inside the gown instead of the garment straps or sleeves, which can stretch out over time.
