Deborah Chan
Your wedding dress is one of the most important pieces of clothing you will ever wear, so it's essential to keep it safe before and after your wedding day. Proper storage will keep your dress in pristine condition for years to come, whether you plan to sell it, pass it down to future generations, or simply want to preserve its beauty. Here are some tips on where to keep your wedding dress to ensure it remains in excellent condition.
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What You'll Learn
Lay flat, don't hang
If you want to keep your wedding dress in pristine condition, it is best to lay it flat instead of hanging it up. Wedding dresses are often heavy due to multiple layers of fabric, beading, or other decorations, and hanging them can cause strain on the straps and lead to stretching over time.
To lay your wedding dress flat, start by loosely folding it. Be careful to avoid sharp creases, especially in delicate areas prone to wrinkling. Then, place the dress inside a breathable cloth garment bag or wrap it in a cotton sheet. You can also use a plastic garment bag, such as the kind provided by dry cleaners, as an extra layer of protection from dust and moisture. However, do not use plastic as the primary storage material, as it can trap moisture and cause mould or stains.
When choosing a storage location, select a room or space that is not a "high-traffic area" in your house, such as the top shelf of a spare closet. Avoid areas with extreme temperatures, sunlight, or humidity fluctuations, such as basements, garages, or attics. Keep the dress away from heat sources and pets, and make sure it is in a comfortable environment.
If you intend to store your dress for a prolonged period, consider having it professionally cleaned and preserved to prevent stains and discolouration.
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Avoid attics and basements
Wedding dresses are often made from delicate fabrics such as silk, lace, and tulle. These materials need proper ventilation to ensure they do not deteriorate over time. Attics and basements are among the worst places to store your wedding dress due to extreme temperature fluctuations and humidity levels.
Attics can reach temperatures more than 45°F higher than the conditioned rooms of your home in the summer months. These extreme temperature swings put the delicate fabrics of a wedding dress through challenging conditions that are less than ideal for long-term storage. The heat in the attic can also contribute to moisture buildup and harmful mold growth, which can significantly damage the delicate fabric of your wedding dress over time. Additionally, attics can be home to critters such as mice and other rodents that may chew through your preservation chest and cause damage.
Basements are also not ideal for wedding dress storage as they are the most naturally moist areas of a home, making them prime areas for mold growth, which can quickly lead to irreversible fabric rot. Basements are also the most common areas of a home to experience pipe leaks or bursts, which may go unnoticed for some time. The high humidity levels in basements can cause the fibers in your dress to weaken, leading to potential deterioration and fabric distortion. Like attics, basements are also prone to infestations by mice and other critters that may damage your wedding dress.
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Use breathable bags or boxes
Wedding dresses are often one of the most important pieces of clothing a person will ever wear, and they can hold a lot of sentimental value. Proper storage is essential to maintaining the beauty and integrity of the gown, especially if you plan to sell it, pass it down to loved ones, or simply preserve its beauty.
One key consideration when storing your wedding dress is to use a breathable bag or box. Plastic bags or boxes should be avoided, as they can trap moisture, leading to mould growth and discolouration. Fabric bags made from muslin or cotton are a good choice, as they allow the dress to breathe and prevent it from becoming musty. These bags are particularly useful for short-term storage, as they are less protective from dust and pests. When using a fabric bag, it is recommended to lay the dress flat or loosely fold it, being careful to avoid sharp creases, especially in delicate areas.
For long-term preservation, an acid-free archival box is recommended. These boxes prevent discolouration and maintain the gown's shape and structure. It is important to select a box made from archival-quality, acid-free materials, as regular boxes can cause yellowing over time. To further protect your dress, you can use tissue paper to cushion folds and details, and add a silica gel packet to combat moisture.
In addition to choosing the right storage container, there are several other factors to consider when storing your wedding dress. It is important to keep the dress in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. A spare bedroom or closet is often a good choice, as these areas typically have more stable temperatures and humidity levels. It is also recommended to keep the dress away from heat sources, pets, and damp areas, as these can cause damage.
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Keep out of direct sunlight
Sunlight can be the "deadliest enemy" of your wedding dress, slowly destroying its delicate fabric and fine decorations. Therefore, it is important to keep your wedding dress out of direct sunlight.
Firstly, direct sunlight can cause the fabric of your wedding dress to fade and lose its suppleness, making it more prone to tearing. This is especially true for natural fibres such as silk and cotton, which are susceptible to oxidation when exposed to sunshine and air over extended periods of time. The fabric will develop a discolouration of yellow or brown, and this process is accelerated by sweat, fragrances, and body oils.
Secondly, sunlight can cause the colours of your wedding dress to change. The dyes in the fabric can gradually fade or alter when exposed to sunshine, especially ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Thirdly, sunlight can cause mildew to grow in damp environments. Therefore, it is important to keep your wedding dress in a cool, dry place, such as a closet, an unused bedroom, or a climate-controlled storage unit. You can also use a breathable garment bag or box designed for archival preservation, which will protect your dress from the sun's rays.
Lastly, if you are planning an outdoor wedding, it is important to consider the potential impact of sunlight on your dress. You can reduce the amount of time your dress is exposed to direct sunlight by choosing a venue and time of day that provide shade, or by using shade-providing accessories.
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Clean before storing
It is highly recommended to clean your wedding dress before storing it. This will prevent stains from setting in and causing further damage. Even if your dress appears clean, there may be dirt or bacteria that can cause yellowing or discolouration over time.
Firstly, find a professional dry cleaner that specialises in bridal wear. They will use specialised techniques to remove any stains and ensure your wedding gown is in mint condition before being stored away. Ask a lot of questions about their training, experience, and the number and types of dresses they handle each year. You should also ask if they can give you a reference to a designer or a store that can confirm their credentials.
Before dropping off your dress, be sure to point out any stains and loose trim, buttons, threads, or embellishments. If you can fix these issues before storing your dress, it will help prevent any further damage.
Once your dress has been cleaned, be careful when handling it. Always make sure you have clean hands or wear white cotton gloves to stop any oils from getting on the gown.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to store your wedding dress in a spare room or bedroom where the temperature and humidity will not fluctuate and the dress can remain out of direct sunlight. You should also avoid storing it in a basement, garage, or attic as these places can be damp or too hot.
It is best to avoid hanging your wedding dress as this can cause damage to the seams and cause the dress to lose its shape. Instead, lay the dress flat if you have the space. It should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place away from humidity, sunlight, heat, and moisture. A spare closet is a good option.
You could donate or sell your wedding dress, or repurpose it into lingerie, cocktail attire, a robe, or other household items and accessories.
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