Wedding dresses are one of the most coveted items for all brides. They carefully choose the perfect dress to make their big day extra special. However, after the wedding, the question arises: what is the best way to store a wedding dress? Wedding dresses are not your everyday attire and need special attention to ensure they remain pristine for decades to come.
In this article, we will discuss the best way to store a wedding dress after the wedding ceremony.
Why Is It Important to Store a Wedding Dress Properly?
A wedding dress is made of delicate materials, and proper storage is crucial to maintain its quality. Not only is it an expensive investment, but it is also a memory that you will cherish forever. Therefore, it is essential to take every precaution to ensure your wedding dress withstands the test of time.
If you neglect to store your wedding dress properly, it will start to deteriorate. The fabric may weaken over time, and the dress might become discolored or stained. In some cases, the dress can be damaged beyond repair, which means you will never be able to pass it down as a family heirloom.
Proper storage minimizes the need for costly repairs or even replacements. In this article, we will discuss the best way to store your wedding dress to ensure it remains in pristine condition.
Clean Your Wedding Dress Thoroughly
Before storing your wedding dress, ensure that it is cleaned thoroughly. The dress may have collected debris and dirt on the fabric during the wedding day. Ensure that you take your dress to a professional dry cleaner that specializes in preserving wedding dresses.
Professional dry cleaners use specialized techniques to remove stains and other debris from wedding dresses. They understand the different fabrics used to make wedding dresses and will ensure that they clean the dress without damaging the fabric.
Once your dress has been cleaned, keep it in a plastic bag that is breathable. Avoid storing the dress in a plastic bag that is airtight because this can cause the dress to discolor.
Store the Dress in a Cool, Dark Place
Once your wedding dress has been professionally cleaned, the next step is to store it properly. Select a cool, dark place in your home where the dress can be stored. Ensure that the area is clean and free from dust.
Many brides opt to store their wedding dress in the attic or the top of a cupboard. However, these areas are generally subject to heavy temperatures, which can cause the fabric to deteriorate rapidly. Changes in temperature and humidity levels can cause the dress to become discolored and weaken the fabric.
Thus, it is essential to select a place that is cool, dark, and free from fluctuating temperatures.
Use an Acid-Free Box
The next step is to select a box to store your wedding dress. Choose a sturdy acid-free box that is specifically designed for storing wedding dresses. Acid-free boxes are essential because they ensure that the fabric of the dress remains in pristine condition.
Regular boxes are often made from acidic materials that can cause the fabric to deteriorate. Acid-free boxes, on the other hand, are made from high-quality materials that are gentle on wedding dress fabrics.
Use Tissue Paper for Extra Padding
Once you have selected an acid-free box, the next step is to add tissue paper for extra padding. This is to ensure that the dress retains its shape and the fabric doesn’t rub against itself.
The tissue paper also helps to absorb any moisture that could be trapped in the box. It is crucial to avoid using newsprint or colored tissue paper because they can transfer ink and cause the dress to stain.
Store the Dress Laying Flat
When placing your wedding dress inside the box, ensure that it is laid flat. This reduces the stress of the fabric and ensures that no part of the dress is folded too tightly. It’s essential to avoid folding the dress because this can cause creases, which may become permanent.
Add Silica Gel Packets
Silica gel packets help to absorb any excess humidity in the box. Excess humidity can cause the dress to become moldy or discolored, which is why you need to add silica gel packets to the acid-free box.
You can purchase silica gel packets online or from local craft stores. Ensure that you place the packets around the dress, but avoid placing them directly on the fabric.
Conclusion
Storing your wedding dress is a delicate process that requires careful attention to detail. Following the steps mentioned in this article will ensure that your dress remains in pristine condition for many years to come.
Remember to clean your dress thoroughly, select a cool and dark place to store it, use an acid-free box, add tissue paper for padding, lay the dress flat, and add silica gel packets to absorb excess humidity.
Proper storage is essential if you want to pass your dress down as a family heirloom. By taking the time to store your dress properly, you will have a memento to cherish for many decades, and possibly even pass it down to future generations.
FAQ
Is it better to store a wedding dress in a bag or box?
Choosing how to store your wedding dress after the big day is an important decision that can make all the difference in keeping it in pristine condition for years to come. One of the main questions that brides-to-be ask themselves is whether it is better to store the dress in a box or a bag.
While it may seem like a box would offer better protection, the truth is that storing your wedding dress in a garment bag is generally the better option. The main reason for this is that wrapping your dress in plastic traps moisture, which means mould and mildew. Plastic also emits fumes that can yellow your gown because of the chemical reactions that take place as it ages. Hence, it is recommended to avoid plastic bags, plastic wrap or airtight containers for long-term storage. On the other hand, a breathable fabric garment bag will help to protect your wedding dress without trapping any moisture or chemicals.
It is also important to store your dress away from light to avoid any potential fading, especially if it is exposed to sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet radiation. Moreover, if you choose to use a box, it is advisable to use an acid-free one to prevent yellowing and damage to the fabric.
When hanging your wedding dress on the rack, make sure it is not pressed against other clothes, as this could cause indentations or other types of damage. It’s best to store it in a cool, dry place to avoid any potential heat and humidity that could harm the fabric.
Clothing experts recommend that storing your wedding dress in a garment bag would be the better option as compared to storing it in a box. By following a few simple guidelines like keeping the dress away from light, humidity, using a breathable fabric garment bag and storing it in a cool and dry place, your wedding dress can stay in great shape for years to come, so you can look back on your special day with fond memories of your beautiful gown.
Can a wedding dress be stored in a plastic bin?
Storing a wedding dress is a crucial step towards preserving the dress’s beauty and elegance for a long time. Many brides often wonder if they can store their wedding dresses in a plastic bin, as it seems like a convenient and practical option. However, experts advise against this method of storing a wedding dress.
Firstly, plastic containers or bags do not allow the dress to breathe or get enough air circulation, which can cause the gown to develop a musty odor over time. This is particularly true if the gown has not been properly cleaned prior to storage. A vacuum-sealed bag may seem like an excellent way to keep out air and moisture, but it can actually damage the dress’s fabric. Plastic bags or containers emit fumes that can yellow or discolor the fabric. Moreover, any moisture trapped within the container can lead to a buildup of mildew, bacteria, or mold, which can cause permanent damage to the dress.
A wedding dress is an investment that is worth preserving for years to come. Instead of a plastic bin or container, it is recommended that you store your wedding dress in a breathable cotton garment bag or box. Cotton or muslin bags are an excellent choice as they allow air circulation, so the wedding dress can breathe and stay fresh. These bags are also sturdy enough to protect the dress from dust and light. On the other hand, a box is another great option as it provides ample space for the gown to fit without getting scrunched up, thereby preserving its shape.
When it comes to storing a wedding dress, it’s essential to avoid using plastic bins or containers. Instead, invest in a high-quality cotton garment bag or box to help preserve your gown’s beauty and elegance for years to come. Proper storage is essential for maintaining your wedding dress’s quality, and taking these necessary precautions will undoubtedly help you achieve this goal.
Can I store my wedding dress in a garment bag?
When it comes to properly storing a wedding dress, it is important to take into consideration the type of material your dress is made of to determine the best storage method. While some wedding dresses with lighter materials like silk or satin can be hung in a garment bag, dresses made with heavier fabrics require special storage considerations.
For dresses made with heavier fabrics like taffeta, organza or lace, storing them in a garment bag can actually do more harm than good. These fabrics are more susceptible to creasing, which means that hanging them in a bag can cause permanent wrinkles to form, particularly along the folds and seams. Storing the dress flat is a better option for these types of fabrics to minimize creasing.
If you choose to store your dress in a garment bag, it is important to make sure that the bag is breathable. Allowing air to circulate inside the bag will help prevent mold and mildew from forming. You can ensure breathability by selecting a garment bag that features mesh paneling. Additionally, you will want to avoid storing your dress in plastic bags as they can trap in moisture and cause mold and discoloration.
Regardless of whether you choose to store your wedding dress in a garment bag or opt for a flat storage method, it is important to store it in a space that is free from excess moisture and heat. Ideally, the space should be a low-traffic area of your home and should be away from direct sunlight. It’s also important to avoid storing your dress in an attic or basement as these spaces are prone to fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
While some dresses may be able to be stored in a breathable garment bag, it is important to consider the type of material your dress is made of to determine the best storage method. Unless your dress is a few light layers (think satin or silk), it is best to store your dress flat, inside the breathable garment bag or wrapped in a cotton sheet, in a room or space that isn’t a “high traffic area” in your house such as on the top shelf of a spare closet.
