Deborah Chan
The wedding dress is one of the most important items of clothing a person will ever wear, and it's crucial to know how to store it before the big day. Ideally, you should start shopping for your dress between eight and ten months before your wedding, and you'll want to ensure you have a safe way to store it to keep it looking new. A wedding dress garment bag is a common storage option, as it protects the dress from damage that can be caused by light, water and air. However, not all garment bags are alike, and it's best to avoid plastic bags that can emit fumes and cause the fabric to turn yellow. Instead, opt for a breathable fabric bag and store your dress flat in a temperature-controlled space, such as a spare closet or guest room.
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What You'll Learn
Store in a breathable garment bag
A wedding dress is one of the most important items of clothing you will ever wear, so it is essential to keep it properly stored before the wedding to prevent any damage. A breathable garment bag is a great way to store your wedding dress before the big day. Here are some tips to make the most of this storage method:
Firstly, consider the weight of your dress. If it has heavy beading or multiple layers of fabric, it is best to store it flat inside the breathable garment bag. You can also wrap the dress in a cotton sheet or towel to protect it further. The bag should be large enough to accommodate the dress comfortably. Avoid hanging the dress for long periods, as this can cause the fabric to stretch over time.
Secondly, choose a suitable location for your garment bag. It is best to avoid "high-traffic areas" in your house, such as a spare bedroom closet or a guest room. Keep the dress away from heat sources and direct sunlight, as these can cause discolouration and damage. Additionally, ensure the dress is stored in a temperature-controlled environment, similar to the temperature you would find comfortable.
Lastly, resist the temptation to remove the dress from the bag unless necessary. Each time the dress is handled, the risk of staining increases. Makeup, deodorant, and oils from your skin can cause stains. If you must try on the dress, do so carefully and avoid eating or drinking while wearing it.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively utilise a breathable garment bag to store your wedding dress, ensuring it remains clean and damage-free before your special day.
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Keep in a temperature-controlled space
Keeping your wedding dress in a temperature-controlled space is essential for ensuring it remains in pristine condition before the big day. Fluctuating temperatures can cause damage to the fabric, so it's best to store your dress in a room with consistent temperatures. Ideally, the storage space should be air-conditioned, as this will help to maintain a stable climate.
Bedrooms tend to be air-conditioned and are often recommended as a suitable storage location, as they are typically low-traffic areas, meaning your dress is less likely to be disturbed or handled accidentally. The back of a walk-in closet or under the bed are good options, as these areas are usually out of direct sunlight, protecting your dress from potential discolouration and fading.
If you opt for closet storage, consider hanging your dress on a hanger inside the closet, provided your gown is not too heavy. Heavy dresses with multiple layers of fabric or heavy beading should be stored flat to avoid stretching the fabric over time. To protect your dress from dust and stains, keep it wrapped in a breathable garment bag or a cotton sheet.
To further protect your dress from light exposure, you can drape a towel over it or store it in a guest room closet with the door closed. This will ensure your dress remains in perfect condition in the lead-up to your wedding day.
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Avoid hanging heavy dresses
Wedding dresses are typically very heavy pieces of clothing. If your wedding dress has sleeves or straps, hanging it by these parts will cause them to stretch out. This will undo all the work done during alterations, and the sleeves or straps may not fit properly on the wedding day.
Additionally, hanging a heavy dress can cause it to stretch over time. It is therefore best to store heavy dresses flat, inside a breathable garment bag or wrapped in a cotton sheet. The bag should be large enough to fit the gown comfortably and should not be plastic, as plastic does not allow fabric to breathe and has the potential to stain the dress.
When storing your dress, choose a room or space that is not a "high-traffic area", such as the top shelf of a spare closet. Keep the dress away from heat sources and pets, which could cause damage. The ideal temperature is one that you yourself would find comfortable.
If your dress has wrinkles, you can hang it in the bathroom while a hot shower is running. Ensure that the dress is kept away from the shower so that it does not get wet.
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Avoid stains and marks
To avoid stains and marks, it is important to store your wedding dress in a cool, dry, and dark place. Humidity can cause mould, moisture stains, and fabric decay, so consider storing your dress in a climate-controlled area. Attics, basements, and garages are prone to airflow and ventilation problems and unexpected flooding, so they are not ideal locations for dress storage. Instead, choose a storage location that is comfortable and liveable but not frequently disturbed, such as a closet, under-bed space, or a spare room.
Another way to avoid stains is to remove your wedding dress from any plastic wrapping, as plastic does not allow fabrics to breathe and can cause staining over time. Instead, wrap your gown in a cloth garment bag or plain cotton sheets. You can also store your dress in an acid-free wedding dress storage box to protect it from dyes and acidic residues that can damage the fabric.
Resist the temptation to try on your dress or remove it from its storage bag, as the chances of staining and oil marks increase each time your dress is handled. Makeup, deodorant, and perfume are some of the biggest culprits for staining, so if you must try on your dress, be sure to do so without these products on your skin or clothes.
Finally, it is recommended to have your wedding dress professionally cleaned before your wedding day to remove any stains that may be hiding and to restore its original brilliance.
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Take casual photos before wearing
Capturing the perfect wedding photos is an important part of the big day. There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to taking casual photos before wearing your wedding dress.
First, consider the location of your photoshoot. If you're having a garden wedding, you may want to choose a different spot to avoid getting your dress dirty. A studio or indoor location can be a good option to keep your dress clean. Alternatively, if you want outdoor photos, consider a spot with beautiful natural light, such as near a big window or a scenic location.
Second, think about what you will wear in the photos. While some brides choose to wear a casual outfit for pre-wedding photos, others prefer to wear their wedding dress. If you decide to wear your wedding dress, take precautions to keep it clean, such as using a white sheet under the hem and carrying your dress to the photoshoot location instead of wearing it.
Third, plan your poses. You can play with your wedding gown's skirt, add a veil, or showcase your accessories. If you're wearing a floral-inspired dress, consider choosing a bouquet that complements your gown's blooms. Don't forget to capture the details, such as intricate lace, beadwork, or a long train.
Lastly, remember to allow enough time for your pre-wedding photoshoot. Rounding up family and friends, posing, and capturing all the desired shots can take longer than expected. Discuss with your photographer and create a schedule to ensure you have enough time for your casual photos before wearing your wedding dress.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to store your wedding dress flat, inside a breathable garment bag or wrapped in a cotton sheet in a room that is not a "high-traffic area" in your house, such as the top shelf of a spare closet. Keep the dress away from heat sources and pets, and avoid plastic garment bags that can emit fumes and discolour the dress.
Hanging your wedding dress is not recommended for long-term storage as it can stretch the fabric over time. However, a few days before the wedding, you can hang the dress somewhere high so that any wrinkles and creases can drop out.
Before putting on your wedding dress, it is advisable to eat your pre-wedding meals and snacks, brush your teeth, and go to the toilet. You should also ensure that your hair and makeup are ready, and do a spot check once your gown is on.
To remove wrinkles from your wedding dress, you can hang it in the bathroom while running a hot shower. You can also ask a local seamstress or dry cleaner for help, or use a steamer with a cotton sock and distilled water. Many hotels and wedding facilities also have steamers available.
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