Your wedding dress is a special garment that carries a lot of memories and emotions. As such, you want to take the necessary care to preserve it for years to come. After the big day, you may be wondering how to properly store your wedding dress to ensure it remains in excellent condition. Here are some tips on how to put away a wedding dress.
Preparing the Dress for Storage
Before storing your wedding dress, it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure it is in good condition. Begin by having the dress professionally cleaned. Even if the gown appears clean, residual oils, dirt, or makeup can damage the fabric over time. A professional cleaner will remove any stains, sweat marks, or dirt from the clothing and make sure that it is spotless.
Make sure to inspect the dress before storing it. Check for any tears, rips, or loose fabric that needs repair. If you notice any damages, take the gown to a professional seamstress. A seamstress will secure and reinforce any loose areas, repair any rips, and stitch any embellishments that may have come undone.
Once the dress has been professionally cleaned and inspected, decide on the best storage method to preserve the gown.
Storage Methods for Wedding Dresses
There are two popular wedding dress storage methods: Box storage or hanging storage. The best storage method for your dress largely depends on the dress’s material and your personal preference.
Box Storage
Box storage is a common method for preserving wedding gowns. You can purchase acid-free boxes and tissue paper specifically designed for wedding dresses to keep your garment protected. The goal is to prevent the fabric from yellowing, developing creases, or attracting dust.
Here are the steps you should take for box storage:
- Place acid-free tissue paper around the bodice, sleeves, and waistline of the dress.
- Fold the train of the dress and place it at the bottom of the box.
- Cover the dress with acid-free tissue paper and seal the box with packing tape.
- Store the box in a dry, cool, and dark place, such as a closet or under the bed.
It is important to note that you should not store the dress in a basement or an attic. These environments have high humidity and extreme temperature changes that could damage the fabric.
Hanging Storage
If you have a particularly large or heavy gown, you may prefer to hang the dress for storage. However, not all wedding dresses are suitable for hanging storage as it can cause the fabric to stretch. Hanging the dress may also make it more prone to yellowing and dust.
If your dress is suitable for hanging storage, follow these steps:
- Make sure the hanger is strong enough to hold the weight of the dress.
- Use a padded hanger and wrap it with a white cotton sheet to prevent any unwanted color transfers.
- Place the dress inside a breathable cloth garment bag. Avoid plastic covers as they could trap moisture and lead to yellowing.
- Hang the dress in a dry and cool place and away from direct sunlight.
Additional Wedding Dress Storage Tips
To preserve your wedding dress even further, here are some additional tips:
- Avoid storing your dress near anything that emits fumes, such as cedar wood or mothballs.
- Store it in an area where pets and insects can’t reach it.
- Avoid touching the dress with bare hands as oil from your skin can transfer to the fabric and cause staining over time. If you need to touch the dress, use white cotton gloves.
- Check on the dress from time to time to ensure it is not developing any damage or is not in need of re-storing.
- Consider having the dress re-cleaned every few years to ensure it remains in pristine condition.
Conclusion
Your wedding dress is a precious garment that deserves to be preserved for years to come. By following these guidelines, you can properly store your dress and keep it looking beautiful for future generations to see. Storage method is a matter of personal preference, but whatever you choose, ensure that it is stored in a cool, dry, and dark place, where it will not be exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity.
FAQ
Can a wedding dress be stored in a plastic bin?
Storing a wedding dress after the big day is essential in keeping it in prime condition. Many brides wonder if a plastic bin is a suitable storage option for their wedding dress. However, plastic bins are not an ideal choice for storing delicate fabrics, such as wedding gowns.
Firstly, plastic containers or bags emit fumes that can yellow or discolor the fabric of the wedding dress. These fumes come from chemicals used in the manufacturing of the plastic, and even if the container is new and unused, the chemicals will still be present. These chemicals can react with the fabric of the wedding dress, leading to discoloration or yellowing.
Secondly, plastic containers can trap moisture, which leads to mildew or mold growth on your wedding dress. This can occur even if the plastic bin is airtight as moisture can find its way inside. Mildew or mold growth on the wedding dress can cause permanent damage and is nearly impossible to remove entirely.
Instead of storing your wedding dress in a plastic bin, consider purchasing or renting a preservation box or bag. These preservation boxes are made specifically for storing wedding dresses and are designed to protect the dress from light, dust, and moisture. The preservation box will help to keep the dress in its original condition for years to come.
If you cannot afford to purchase a preservation box or bag, consider storing the wedding dress in a closet with a clean, white sheet draped over the dress. Additionally, it is necessary to keep the wedding dress in a cool, dry place and away from any direct sunlight.
Storing a wedding dress in a plastic bin is not recommended. Plastic bins emit fumes that can yellow or discolor the fabric, and the container can trap moisture, leading to mildew or mold growth. To keep your wedding dress in pristine condition, consider purchasing or renting a preservation box or bag.
What is the best way to store a wedding dress for a year?
A wedding dress is a treasured memory of the most special day in a person’s life. Knowing how to properly store your wedding dress is crucial to preserve its beauty and maintain its quality for years to come. Whether you are passing it down to future generations or cherishing it as a memento, it is important to store your wedding dress correctly.
The first step in storing a wedding dress is to ensure that it is properly cleaned before being put away. It is recommended to take it to a professional cleaner who specializes in wedding dresses. This will ensure that all stains, dirt, and any hidden sugar will be removed before storage. Sugar that is left on a dress can turn yellow and brown over time, causing permanent damage. Therefore, it is vital to clean it immediately after the wedding.
Once the dress has been cleaned, it should be stored in a dry, cool place away from any harsh light or extreme temperatures. Direct sunlight can cause fading and damage to the fabric over time. An attic or basement that is prone to heat or dampness is also not a suitable option for storage. The best place to store the dress is inside an acid-free container or acid-free garment bag.
The acid-free container or garment bag is specifically designed to protect the dress by preventing any chemicals or materials from coming in contact with the fabric. It is important to make sure that any plastic containers or bags are specifically labeled as acid-free and do not contain PVC. PVC will break down the material of the dress over time.
If you choose to store your dress in a container, you can use silica desiccant packets to control humidity. The packets effectively absorb moisture, providing a dry storage environment that prevents mildew, mold, and other types of moisture-related damages. It is important to note that the silica gel packets need to be replaced periodically to ensure that they maintain their absorbency.
A garment bag is also a good storage option, as it allows you to easily hang the dress in a closet. However, it is important to use an acid-free garment bag and ensure that the dress is not squished together with other items in the closet. The bag should be hung in a cool, dry closet or an area without direct sunlight. Avoid putting anything on top of the bag, which could cause the dress to become creased or lose its shape.
Proper storage is essential for preserving the beauty and quality of your wedding dress. An acid-free container or bag, placed in a dry, cool, and dark storage area is the best option for long-term storage. As a final reminder, never store or pack your dress in a vacuum-sealed bag, as this can damage the fibers and cause permanent wrinkles.
How long before wedding dress turned yellow?
A wedding dress is often the centerpiece of a bride’s special day. It is carefully selected to complement the bride’s style and personality and to make her feel beautiful and confident as she walks down the aisle. However, once the wedding is over, the dress is typically stored away and forgotten, leaving many brides wondering how long it will take their cherished dress to turn yellow.
Wedding dresses are typically made of delicate fabrics like silk, lace, and tulle, which are prone to yellowing if not stored properly. Oxygen, light, and moisture are the three main factors that cause fabrics to yellow. When exposed to these elements, the fibers in the fabric break down, causing the fabric to lose its bright white color and turn yellow over time.
It is important to note that not all wedding dresses will yellow at the same rate. Factors such as the fabric of the dress, the environment in which it is stored, and the level of care it receives will all impact the length of time it takes for a wedding dress to yellow. However, on average, it typically takes around six to eight months for a brilliant white wedding dress to start yellowing.
To prevent yellowing, brides should store their dresses in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. They should also keep the dress in its original garment bag to prevent any exposure to oxygen or moisture. Additionally, brides should avoid storing their dresses in areas with high humidity, as moisture can accelerate the yellowing process.
How long it takes for a wedding dress to turn yellow depends on several factors, including the fabric of the dress, the storage conditions, and the level of care it receives. However, by taking the necessary precautions to store the dress properly, brides can keep their cherished wedding dresses looking beautiful and bright for years to come.