Lyla Dejesus
Your wedding dress is one of the most important items of clothing you'll ever wear, so it's crucial to keep it in pristine condition before the big day. Proper storage is key to preserving your dress, whether you have it in hand months, weeks, or days before your wedding. From avoiding plastic garment bags to finding a safe space, this guide will cover everything you need to know about storing your wedding dress before the ceremony.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage location | A spare closet or guest room |
| Storage container | A cloth garment bag, a breathable garment bag, a box designed for wedding dress storage, a Sterlite storage box, or wrapped in plain cotton sheets or acid-free tissue paper |
| Hanging vs. flat | Hanging is preferable only if the dress is light with a few layers of fabric; otherwise, it is better to store the dress flat |
| Plastic | Avoid plastic garment bags and plastic dress covers, as they can cause discolouration and emit fumes |
| Cardboard | Avoid regular cardboard boxes, as they can cause discolouration; opt for a box made with special pH-neutral board |
| Tissue paper | Ensure any tissue paper used is white and acid-free |
| Cleaning | Have the dress professionally cleaned before storing, and be careful when handling the dress afterward |
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What You'll Learn
Lay the dress flat, rather than hanging
While the obvious choice is to hang your wedding dress in a garment bag, it is better to lay the dress flat if you have the space. Wedding dresses are significantly heavier than normal clothing, so hanging them can cause strain on the straps and stretching of the fabric over time.
Jeff Schwegmann, president and owner of Sunshine Cleaners Company and Happily Ever After Gown Preservation, explains that "if you have the proper container and space, it is actually better for a dress to be stored flat. This takes the pressure off the fabric. Wedding dresses can weigh more than the typical dress, so less strain on the fabric is best."
If you do decide to lay your dress flat, it is important to keep it covered from dust and light. You can do this by wrapping your dress in a cotton sheet and placing it on a bed or a shelf in a room that is not a "high-traffic area" of your house, such as a guest bedroom. Lorenson Conant suggests laying the dress on a guest bed if you have one available.
If you do not have the space to lay your dress flat, you may need to hang it. If you must hang your dress, use the hanger straps inside the gown instead of the garment straps or sleeves, which can stretch out over time. The hanger straps are specifically designed to bear the weight of your dress. You should also opt for a large garment bag that has enough space for your dress.
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Avoid plastic garment bags
It is best to avoid plastic garment bags when storing your wedding dress. Plastic does not allow the fabric to breathe, and it can trap moisture, leading to mildew and yellowing of the dress. The chemicals in plastic can also break down and emit gases that can stain the dress.
Instead of plastic, it is recommended to use a cloth or fabric garment bag, which is breathable and allows air circulation, helping to prevent moisture build-up and fabric damage. Cotton or muslin are good options for wrapping the dress, and acid-free tissue paper can be used to stuff the sleeves and bodice to maintain the dress's shape and prevent creases. If a garment bag is not available, a clean, queen-sized flat bedsheet can be used as an alternative. Cut a hole in the centre of the sheet and feed the hanger through, creating a breathable storage covering.
It is worth noting that hanging a wedding dress for an extended period is not ideal, as it can cause strain on the straps due to the weight of the dress. If possible, it is better to lay the dress flat, inside the breathable garment bag or wrapped in a cotton sheet, in a cool, dry, and stable environment such as a spare closet.
Additionally, it is important to inspect the dress periodically for any signs of discoloration or fabric degradation. By following these storage guidelines, you can help ensure that your wedding dress remains in pristine condition.
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Store in a breathable bag or cotton sheets
A wedding dress is one of the most important items of clothing you will ever wear, so it is essential to store it properly before the big day. One option is to store your dress in a breathable bag or wrap it in cotton sheets.
If you do choose to hang your wedding dress, opt for a large garment bag with enough space for your dress. The bag should be made of breathable fabric, such as cloth, and not plastic, which can emit fumes and cause discolouration. If you don't have a bag, you can use two cotton or fitted sheets pinned together. When hanging the dress, use the hanger straps inside the gown instead of the garment straps or sleeves, which can stretch over time.
If you have the space, it is better to store your wedding dress flat, as this reduces the strain on the fabric. You can lay the dress on a guest bed or place it in a spare closet, preferably on a high shelf to avoid folds and creases. If you do store your dress in a closet, ensure it is not packed in with other clothes, as their dyes can affect the fabric.
Once your gown is stored away, try to resist the temptation to try it on, as this increases the chances of staining and oil marks. If you must try it on, be sure to remove your makeup and deodorant first, as these are the biggest culprits for staining.
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Store in a spare closet
If you have a spare closet, this is a great option for storing your wedding dress. It's important to keep your wedding dress stored correctly in the months, weeks, or days before your wedding to prevent any damage. Wedding dresses are often heavy, so hanging them can cause strain on the fabric and seams. Therefore, it is recommended to store your dress flat, inside a breathable garment bag or wrapped in a cotton sheet, on a shelf in your closet.
If your dress is delivered in a plastic garment bag, it's important to remove the plastic if you plan to store your dress for longer than a few days. Plastic does not allow fabrics to breathe and can cause discolouration and staining over time. It is better to use a cloth garment bag or plain cotton sheets to wrap your gown.
When storing your dress in a closet, choose a space that isn't a "high-traffic area" to reduce the chances of your dress being handled and, therefore, stained. It is also a good idea to keep the dress away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading.
Before storing your dress, it is recommended to have it professionally cleaned to remove any stains and bacteria that could cause discolouration over time. Be sure to fix any loose threads, embellishments, or buttons to prevent further damage. Acid-free tissue paper can be used to wrap your dress, providing cushioning and protection during storage.
If you do choose to hang your dress in the closet, use a hanger with straps designed to bear the weight of the dress, and ensure the garment bag is large enough to avoid any strain on the dress.
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Get professional cleaning
Wedding dresses are often made from delicate materials such as lace, tulle, and satin, which can be easily damaged or stained. To avoid any mishaps, it is recommended to get your wedding dress professionally cleaned, especially if it has intricate details such as embroidery or lace appliqués.
When choosing a dry cleaner, it is important to select one with experience in handling wedding gowns. You can research different dry cleaners and seek their opinions on the best methods for cleaning your dress. It is also advisable to consult a seamstress or the bridal boutique where you purchased your dress for advice on special care instructions and recommendations.
While some sources suggest that wedding dresses should only be cleaned after the wedding, others recommend a gentle spot cleaning or steaming of any stains before the big day. This decision depends on the condition of your dress and the comfort level of the cleaner. If your dress is in good condition and only requires minor touch-ups, a professional cleaner with wedding dress experience can advise on the best course of action.
If you decide to have your dress cleaned before the wedding, it is important to choose a reputable cleaner who understands the delicate nature of wedding gowns. They should be able to assess the specific needs of your dress and employ the appropriate cleaning techniques. This may include handwashing, gentle machine washing, or spot cleaning, followed by careful drying and steaming to remove any wrinkles.
By entrusting your wedding dress to a skilled professional, you can rest assured that your gown will be handled with the utmost care, ensuring that it looks pristine and remains damage-free for your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
The best place to store your wedding dress is in a spare closet, laid flat, and wrapped in acid-free tissue paper inside a cloth garment bag or plain cotton sheets. If you do hang your dress, use the hanger straps inside the gown, rather than the sleeves or garment straps, and make sure it is hung somewhere high so that any wrinkles can drop out.
You should avoid plastic dress covers and regular cardboard boxes, as these can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to mould or mildew growth. Plastic can also emit fumes, which can cause the fabric to turn yellow. Do not wrap your dress in coloured tissue paper, as the dye can affect the dress.
A few days before the wedding, carefully remove your dress from storage and hang it somewhere high so that any creases can drop out. If there are still wrinkles a day or two before the wedding, hang the dress in the bathroom while a hot shower is running. You can also use a portable steamer to remove creases, but be sure to place a cotton sock over it and only use distilled water.
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