What Is The Best Way To Store A Wedding Dress?

The wedding dress is a tangible reminder of the many hours spent dreaming, planning, and anticipating your big day. Even if you know you won't ever wear it again, putting it in the back of the wardrobe seems wasteful. Maybe your kid may want to wear it one day, or maybe you just want to keep it to remember that amazing day forever. Given the high cost of most wedding gowns, proper storage is essential to preventing the dreaded yellowing, creasing, and even mould growth that can occur over time. Cleaning and storing wedding gowns promptly after the big day can be a major hassle.

So before you go ahead and relax and bask in your wedded joy, have a look at this data and make a strategy for dealing with your wedding attire. (It's fine to pop the cork on a celebratory champagne bottle as you do it; we won't tell.)

In this era of coronavirus-related wedding postponements, brides are more curious about where and how to keep their wedding dresses until the big day. Take the hypothetical situation where you have just acquired your wedding dress (how thrilling!) but your wedding has been postponed anywhere between three months to a year. In this article, we will go over every step you need to do to maintain the pristine state of your wedding gown until the big day.

Girls of all ages often fantasise of meeting their future husband for the first time as they walk down the aisle wearing a fairytale wedding gown. You probably spent a lot of time and money searching for the perfect wedding dress, so it's crucial to take extra care of it before and after the big day. A bride may preserve the beauty of her wedding dress with these easy measures before, during, and after the big day.

When storing a wedding gown before the big day, it's essential to go by the guidelines given to you by the bridal shop or bridal salon. These experts will provide you with in-depth guidance on how to handle any event in your chosen gown. 

But there are a few rules of thumb to remember at all times. Gowns should be kept in a cool, dry place out of the light. Gowns shouldn't be kept in plastic bags but rather breathable cloth bags like the ones we have provide they take up the dress.

The hanger straps are the finest technique to preserve the shape of a wedding dress during storage. You definitely don't want your bodice to be stretched all over the place since you neglected to use hanger straps!

Finally, experts recommend storing the gown in a cotton or breathable fabric bag instead of a plastic bag. Avoid storing it in plastic, especially as the weather warms. Odors may develop if moisture inside the bag cannot evaporate. Rather than keeping clothing in plastic for an extended period of time, it is best to simply fold and store it in a closet.

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How Should A Wedding Dress Be Stored Before The Wedding?

The first order of business after buying a wedding gown is ensuring that it remains in pristine condition until the big day. This process kicks off at the bridal shop when you purchase your gown. Start by inquiring about the store's return policy for the dress. If the venue is willing to retain it for you until the big day, you should always take them up on the offer. They are experts at preserving wedding gowns and are your best choice for safekeeping it before the big day..

Humidity and bright sunshine can cause bleaching or fabric disintegration, so it's best to keep your clothing somewhere between room temperature and below. The ideal place to hide something is in the darkest corner of a closet.

Consider investing in a long, breathable fabric garment bag that will allow you to hang your gown in a high closet without it getting wrinkled. If you've had adjustments done to your gown, your seamstress or tailor has probably steamed it. Make sure it stays wrinkle-free until the big event by not hanging it up for too long. The dress will remain clean and protected from snagging on other garments in your wardrobe if you keep it in a garment bag.

Home Storage

If you can't have your wedding dress stored at the bridal shop, the next best thing is to protect it from getting dirty or damaged in any way (such a spill or a wrinkle). To begin, always keep it in the garment bag that the bridal shop gave you. You must not take the outfit off or switch out the bag.

If you wrap it in a cheap plastic garment bag, you'll only be encouraging the growth of mould and mildew. It may also release gases that gradually discolour your dress. Keep your dress protected from the sun by storing it in the high-quality garment bag it came in.

Step two involves flattening your dress (still within its bag). This is preferable than hanging because the fabric and seams won't stretch. Wrinkles and creases will be less likely to form as a result. Do not hang the dress by the sleeve or straps if you do not have room to lie it flat. If you are unsure of how to properly keep your wedding dress, it is best to consult with the bridal shop.

Don't ever put your dress in the basement or attic. The cloth might be damaged and discoloured by the fluctuating temperatures and variable humidity. Instead, make sure to keep it in a cold, dark place with humidity below 50%.

Avoid Handling Your Dress.

Avoid taking your dress out of its cloth garment bag or trying it on more than necessary to ensure it stays in great shape until the big day. Continuing to handle your dress increases the risk that you will soil, stain, or otherwise ruin it. Remove all jewellery (to prevent snagging), as well as any deodorant and makeup, before trying on the wedding dress. You should also wash your hands well to avoid putting any of your natural oils on the clothing. Oils are invisible at first, but they accumulate dirt that eventually becomes obvious.

Patiently Awaiting Your Wedding Day

You shouldn't try on or show off your wedding dress before the big day. You shouldn't put it on until the last possible moment. You risk oil and bacteria buildup on it from trying it on and showing it off too often. It is possible to ruin the dress when trying it on by spilling water, makeup, or perfume. All of these things can cause your wedding dress to lose its colour and seem less than flawless on your special day. It's tempting, but remember that the garment bag is where it belongs. Check out our list of Wedding Dress Shops in Melbourne to help you select your ultimate gown.

How To Store A Wedding Dress With Beads Or Heavy Lace Prior To The Wedding

Some salons will give you guidelines for even heavier fabric, like elaborate beading or structured lace, if your dress requires it. They would advise against hanging it if it has beads. Put a sheet on the bed and take the dressing robe down off the hook. If you want to store it flat, fold it in thirds.

Hanging heavier items, such as a gown that has been custom-tailored to match your body, might be a challenge. Beading causes the cloth to expand over time, which can throw off the proportions. The same holds true for dresses worn by the bridesmaids and the mother of the bride.

Hanging Or Not Hanging

For a few weeks, you may store most dresses by hanging them. Nonetheless, the amount of time and type of cloth will determine the most appropriate method of storage. It's best to store your wedding dress months before the big day somewhere flat and out of direct sunlight. Gowns that are either very open (think crochet, Battenburg, or guipure) or very beaded (cut on the bias) should be stored flat (lying down) to prevent straining. If you are unsure, consult your tailor.

How Should A Wedding Dress Be Kept After The Wedding?

The window of opportunity to prevent the stains in your dress from setting in and rendering it unwearable is closing quickly now that the wedding is over. Most brides wait a few weeks after the wedding before having their dress cleaned and maintained, but during that time it might pick up unseen stains. Taking your wedding dress off right after the reception and having it cleaned the day after the wedding is the best method to keep it in pristine condition. If you need to jet off on your honeymoon without giving it a second thought, have your mother or maid of honour pick it up.

The stains may not be noticeable at first. Many transparent stains, like those caused by white wine, will gradually appear on your dress even if you don't initially see them. Caramelization occurs when sugars in a food are heated. Those stains will start to turn yellow after only 6 months, and eventually brown. Even dry cleaning won't be able to remove these stains completely. Perspiration and scents are two examples of substances that may be undetectable at first but which eventually become obvious.

There are plenty of brides who forego having their wedding gowns preserved or cleaned by a professional. Others attempt self-cleaning, which can cause irreparable damage to the dress if not done properly. Most dresses come with care instructions, and experts have the tools and knowledge to clean them in accordance with those guidelines. Yellowing of the oxidation, fabric, mould, mildew and permanent creases in the fabric are all possible outcomes of not preserving your clothing. You may avoid this by taking the time before the big day to choose a reliable dry cleaning and preservation service for your wedding gown. Check out our post on What can I do with my old wedding dress?

Keep Your Dress Safe From Plastic

In the event that you intend to keep your wedding dress for longer than a couple of weeks, you should take it out of the plastic wrapping or white plastic garment bag in which it was originally sold. Then, place your dress inside a white or other light-colored cotton sheet or a fabric garment bag. Dresses stored in plastic often lose their lustre as their colour is dulled or yellowed by the off-gassing of chemicals.

When And How Should You Hang Your Dress?

You shouldn't rush into hanging up your wedding gown. First, think about how much your outfit weighs. Dresses that aren't flowy and that are adorned excessively with beads and that have many layers should be stored flat, protected with cotton sheets, and kept in a quiet, infrequently used room. Keep your outfit out of the reach of dust, animals, heat sources, moisture, and direct sunlight. You should also keep your garment in a room with temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (or 18 and 21 degrees Celsius) and low humidity. Dresses typically have little support straps (commonly referred to as spaghetti' straps) stitched onto the inside of the gown to alleviate strain on the sleeves. If your gown is strapless, make careful to use the thin spaghetti straps vs. utilising the clamp type hanger that can harm or mark up the fabric.

Removing Wrinkles

Carefully remove your bridal gown from storage a few days before the big day. Your wedding dress should be hung high on a silk or satin padded hanger to allow any creases or wrinkles to fall out. A couple of days before the wedding, if your dress still has wrinkles, you might hang it in the powder room while a hot shower is running to smooth out the creases.

Put your dressing robe somewhere that won't get wet while you're in the shower. It's a good idea to get your wedding dress steamed by a professional seamstress before the big day. If your wedding is in another location and you need to fly there with your dress, this is a great solution. Preventing last-minute mishaps that could harm your wedding dress, we advise against ironing your dress.

Packing Is Essential.

Thankfully, this is a job for your seamstress. Your tailor should press your dress, hang it up by the hang straps, pack it in a bust form or tissue paper, and place it in a plastic and fabric garment bag. Don't be shy about enquiring if you're missing anything.

Your Friends Are Hang Straps

The hang straps on your wedding dress may be driving you crazy, but they are absolutely necessary in the days building up to the big day. You may prevent your dress from straining or losing its shape by using hang straps instead of the neckline and straps. Brides who discover that their dresses are missing hang straps should have their seamstresses add them.

Location, Location, Location

Locate an area that meets these criteria (a closet or spare bedroom, for example) and is out of the reach of youngsters and pets. Be cautious to keep your clothing away from curious hands and paws, even though we like children and animals.

After Wedding Gown Preservation

Don't forget to have your wedding gown preserved by a professional when you return from your honeymoon. To preserve a wedding dress, the garment must be cleaned and preserved by a specialist after the bride has worn it for the ceremony and reception. This is a multi-step process that includes not only checking and cleaning your wedding dress of both visible and invisible stains, hand treating and cleaning highly soiled sections like the hem and neckline, but also a preservation process that safeguards your dress over the years from yellowing and stains that could otherwise arise. Before entrusting your wedding dress to any company, it's a good idea to read testimonials from actual brides. You can rest assured that you have produced a family heirloom by having your gown cleaned, maintained, and safeguarded in an acid-free preservation chest.

Care At Home

Dresses for weddings should be kept in a dry, cool, and dark place after the big day. You should stay away from places where the humidity is high or the temperature is constantly changing. It is common practice for brides to keep their wedding dresses in temperature- and humidity-controlled storage until their big day. These spaces maintain a constant temperature and humidity and are free of dust and vermin.

Every two to three years, you should bring out the outfit for a quick inspection and refold. This will allow you to spot any stains or damage that may have set in and assist prevent any permanent creases or wrinkles. In order to avoid transferring any oils or bacteria from your hands to your clothing, you should always wash your hands before touching it. Please refrain from using any scented products. Wear white cotton gloves to prevent smudges if you're worried about your hands.

Professionally Clean The Dress

The clothing should be cleaned even if there are no obvious stains or dirt. The fabric soaks up all of your sweat and oil. You might expect odours, discoloration, and the growth of mould or mildew on a stored dress if you don't clean it first. Select a cleaner who specialises in wedding dress preservation; a normal dry cleaning won't cut it. Additionally, you should read the care label to see if there are any specific cleaning agents or products that you should avoid using on your gown.

Knowing how to preserve your wedding dress until the time you take it out again is a crucial, yet frequently forgotten, component of wedding planning, regardless of whether you intend to keep, sell, or recycle it in the future. Just as important as how you store your garment is how you keep it clean. The easiest approach to guarantee that your wedding dress retains its lustre and beauty as long as possible is to follow the aforementioned guidelines and plan ahead.

Conclusion

When you look back on your wedding dress, you'll be reminded of all the time and effort you put into envisioning and preparing for your special day. The dreaded yellowing, creasing, and mould development that can occur over time can be avoided with proper storage. It's not always easy to quickly clean and put away wedding dresses after the big day. How should the bride keep the wedding gown till the big day? Instead of storing it in a plastic bag, experts advise using a cotton or permeable fabric bag.

Fabrics deteriorate in high humidity and direct sunlight, therefore it's better to store them at temperatures between room temperature and below. Don't risk damage to your wedding dress by leaving it in a closet until the big day. Putting it in a cheap plastic bag will just help the mould and mildew grow faster. The low temperatures and high humidity levels in the cellar or attic could ruin your dress. Wedding dresses should be stored months in advance in a flat, dark place away from sunshine.

Dresses with a lot of free space (think crochet, Battenburg, guipure) or a lot of beads (cut on the bias) should be folded flat (lying down). Because of the off-gassing of chemicals from plastic, dresses stored in it typically lose their lustre and turn a drab yellow. There are wedding dress preservation options available, such as dry cleaning. Your wedding dress should be professionally steamed before the big day. If your dress has a neckline and straps, you may keep it from stretching out of shape by replacing them with hang straps.

It is the responsibility of the bride to have hang straps added to her dress if she discovers they are absent. After a wedding, wedding dresses should be stored in a dry, cool, dark place. At least once every few years, you should take the ensemble out for a thorough inspection and refold. Keeping your clothing clean is just as vital as storing it properly.

Content Summary

1. It's not always easy to quickly clean and put away wedding dresses after the big day.
2. Because of the recent outbreak of the coronavirus, many brides are wondering how and where they should store their wedding dresses before the big day.
3. The date of your wedding has been pushed back, but not by less than three months and not by more than a year.
4. Here, you'll learn everything you need to know to keep your wedding dress in pristine condition until the big day.
5. Take special care of your wedding dress before and after the big day because you likely spent a lot of time and money finding it.
6. It is crucial to follow the recommendations of the bridal shop or salon where you purchased the dress when storing it before the big day.
7. However, there are certain general guidelines to keep in mind at all times.
8. Gowns need to be stored in a dark, dry, and cold environment.
9. Using the hanger straps is the most effective method for keeping a wedding dress in pristine condition for years to come.
10. Finally, experts advise avoiding plastic bags in favour of cotton or other permeable fabric bags when storing the gown.
11. When the temperature outside rises, it is especially unwise to keep it in plastic.
12. When storing clothes for an extended term, a closet and some folding space is preferable to plastic bags.
13. After purchasing a wedding dress, the first order of business is preserving its flawless condition until the big day.
14. Buying a wedding dress is the first step.
15. If you want to hang your gown in a high closet without worrying about wrinkles, consider purchasing a long garment bag made of breathable fabric.
16. Avoid hanging it up too long to ensure it remains wrinkle-free until the big event.
17. Keeping the dress in a garment bag will keep it clean and prevent it from getting caught on other items in your closet.
18. Space Organization for the Home The next best thing to having your wedding dress stored at a bridal shop is keeping it clean and out of the way of potential damage (such a spill or a wrinkle).
19. Use the high-quality garment bag it came with to keep your dress safe from the sun.
20. Dresses should never be stored in the cellar or attic.
21. Don't Touch That Dress!
22. Avoid taking your dress out of its fabric garment bag or trying it on more than necessary to ensure it stays in fantastic shape until the big day.
23. We're Just Patiently Waiting for Your Wedding Day to Come Around You shouldn't try on or show off your wedding dress before the big day.
24. Some salons will give you suggestions for even heavier fabric, like extensive beading or structured lace, if your dress warrants it.
25. If it has beads, they say not to hang it.
26. Fold it in thirds to lay it flat for storage.
27. However, the best technique of storage will depend on how long the cloth has been stored and what kind of material it is.
28. Wedding dresses should be stored months in advance in a flat, dark place away from sunshine.
29. Now that the wedding is done, time is of the essence if you want to save your dress from the stains that will make it unwearable.
30. The easiest way to ensure that your wedding dress remains in excellent condition is to take it off immediately following the reception and get it cleaned the day after the ceremony.
31. Choosing a trustworthy dry cleaning and preservation service for your wedding gown ahead of time can help you avoid this.
32. Don't let plastic wrap on your dress. If you plan on keeping your wedding dress for more than a few weeks, you should store it in something other than the plastic wrapping or white plastic garment bag in which it was sold.
33. Don't be in a hurry to hang up your wedding dress.
34. Getting Rid of Lines and Folds It's important to retrieve your wedding dress from storage with care a few days before the big day.
35. If you're worried about wrinkles in your wedding dress, you can get rid of them by hanging it in the bathroom while taking a hot shower a couple of days before the big day.
36. Store your robe in a dry area so it doesn't get ruined in the shower.
37. Your wedding dress should be professionally steamed before the big day.
38. We recommend against ironing your wedding dress to avoid any last-minute errors that could ruin it.
39. Your dress will be packaged by your tailor in a plastic and fabric garment bag after being pressed, hung up by the hang straps, packed in a bust form or tissue paper, and then pressed again.
40. Hanging Straps Are Your Buddies No matter how much the hang straps on your wedding dress are driving you crazy, they are an absolute need in the run-up to the big day.
41. Using hang straps in place of the neckline and straps can keep your dress from stretching out of shape.
42. Following the Storage of Wedding Gowns Remember to have your wedding dress preserved by a specialist when you get back from your trip.
43. After the big day, wedding dresses should be stored in a dry, cool, and dark area.
44. Before the big day, most brides store their wedding dresses in a climate- and humidity-controlled area.
45. One should always wash their hands before touching clothing so as not to spread any oils or bacteria from their hands.
46. Whether you plan to keep, sell, or recycle your wedding dress in the future, knowing how to maintain it until the time you take it out again is an important, yet often overlooked, part of wedding planning.
47. Keeping your clothing clean is just as vital as storing it properly.