Sleeping Beauty: How to Tuck Your Wedding Dress Safely Into Storage

Many people talk about how to get the perfect wedding dress. However, many brides are unsure of the best way to store their wedding dress before the big day or after all is said and done for long-term storage.

Proper preservation is key to maintaining the gown’s beauty before the wedding. It’s also essential after the special event. You can sell the dress for extra money, pass it down to a loved one or wear it again during your golden anniversary.

 

1. Get Professional Cleaning

Before you tuck your wedding dress away, ensure it is clean. You wouldn’t want to seal the fabric away with dust bunnies inside. If you store it away in good condition, you’ll be opening it in the future in good condition, too.

The ideal cleaning method can vary from fabric to fabric. Dry cleaning helps preserve the shape of lined clothing and formal wear. However, if you spill some wine or any other staining substance, you may need a more thorough washing.

Check for any rips or tears before and after the cleaning process. If you find any issues, you can hire a professional sewer to take on the job.

 

2. Consider Folding the Fabric

Some people like to hang their wedding dress when storing it away. However, heavier designs can weigh down and strain straps. It’s better to fold the fabric to keep everything under control and save space.

Be mindful of your technique. Folding creates creases and wrinkles depending on the material, so remember to fold gently and loosely. Fold the top of the dress inside, using the train as a protective barrier. Make sure that longer sleeves are tucked neatly.

Beads, sequins and other details may snag the fabric depending on how you fold it. You can use acid-free tissue paper to cover these portions and cushion the dress. It also stops acidic byproducts from forming and ruining the design.

 

3. Be Wary of Yellowing

Wedding dresses — especially white ones — are prone to yellowing and discoloration. Because these gowns cost around $2,000 on average and can go as high as $10,000, you should take the right steps to prevent yellowing.

Acid-free garment bags or boxes are ideal for keeping the dress as contaminant-free as possible. Some also like to vacuum-seal the bag to protect it from external factors. However, avoiding plastic is best as it offers zero breathability.

4. Find a Safe Space

Another way to keep yellowing at bay is to find the perfect space. A cool and dark place is ideal for reducing the effects of changing temperatures and humidity. That said, the attic and basement receive little to no maintenance, and you want your wedding dress to be in a safe, clean place you won’t forget about. Consider these spaces instead:
 

Garage

The garage is an area you will likely frequent and have enough space for the wedding dress. However, it’s important to regulate the interior temperature first. It can be helpful to know the R-value of your space, which signals how effectively your doors stop heat from entering. Insulate it to make it ready for storage purposes.
 

Freestanding Wardrobe

A wardrobe can be another ideal spot. Since it might be cramped next to the rest of your everyday clothes, you can place your dress on the top shelf and lay it as flat as possible. This has the added benefit of keeping it out of children’s reach.

Walk-In Closet

A walk-in closet provides enough space for your folded wedding dress. Most walk-in wardrobes are 45 to 90 square feet on average, but a smaller area can also work if you’re dealing with limited space.

Drawer

Give your wedding dress its own drawer in your bedroom or spare room. It’ll keep your gown out of direct sunlight and free from interference. You just need to be mindful of the temperature and humidity in the room, especially if the drawer is made from thinner materials.

 

5. Store Away Other Keepsakes

If you’re tucking your wedding dress away after the special day, you may want to keep it alongside other important mementos. Different parts of your attire — such as the veil and shoes — can be stored in the same space. To avoid snagging, make sure each item is in a separate bag.

Other memorabilia — like the invitation and wedding program — can be stored together as well. Photo collections should be in climate-controlled areas to keep them safe. Store these items in a box next to the dress.

 

6. Inspect Every Several Months

Inspect your storage space to ensure it’s still safe and optimal for the dress, especially if you’re practicing long-term storage. You can pull out the gown and check for any yellowing or damage.

If animals or insects tamper with the dress, consider calling pest control to safely remove them. You can close off entry points by caulking cracks and crevices to prevent future infestations.

 

Preserve Your Wedding Dress

Whether lace or silk, short or long, It’s important to store your wedding dress mindfully. Follow the tips above to tuck it away safely before or after the wedding. You can rest easy knowing it’ll be in good condition.

 

 

Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about a broad spectrum of topics. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates on his work.

 

 

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