Tips For Storing Your Wedding Dress: Before And After The Big Day

One of the most important clothing items you own will be your wedding clothing. A wedding dress is a fragile and delicate piece that needs proper protection before your big day, as well as after. If you want to keep your dress in good condition after the wedding day, there are storage tips you should follow to keep the dress from stains, damage, or discoloration. Here are our top storage tips for preserving your wedding dress for future generations. 

Store Flat If Possible

One of the best tips for keeping your heavy wedding dress protected is to lay it flat during storage. Whether you are storing it for a few days or for the long term, storing it flat is best. It is most obvious for people to leave the dress hanging in the garment bag, but laying it down will prevent strain on the straps or sleeves of the dress. Taking pressure off the fabric will keep the dress in the right shape and save it from ripping after hanging for too long. 

If you don’t have an extra room to lay the dress completely flat, this storage tip may seem impossible. A climate-controlled storage unit or on a guest bed will work to keep the dress in good condition before the big day. 

Use A Temperature-Controlled Space

While the box or bag you put the dress in will protect it from most debris and damage, the place you put the dress also matters. Especially after the wedding day, a climate-controlled room or storage unit will keep the dress safe from humidity, sunlight, and extreme temperatures. Climate-controlled storage units monitor the exterior temperature and will automatically adjust the unit to keep the humidity low and the temperature moderate. Excessive moisture or heat can cause a wedding dress to yellow or grow mold. 

When storing outside of a storage unit, a wedding dress should be kept away from direct sunlight, cooking odors, smoking areas, or places with extreme temperature fluctuations, like a shed or garage. Keeping the fabric from absorbing smells and moisture is key when storing a wedding dress at home.

Wedding Dress Boxes And Bags

Bridal boutiques or dress sellers will often provide either a garment bag or a large cardboard box to store the wedding dress. Not all boxes and bags are created equal, though, so it is best to choose a bag that is large enough to prevent creases in the dress and one that doesn’t emit fumes that the fabric will absorb. Boxes may also not protect from moisture or pests, as they are thin and degrade easily. 

The best garment bags or wraps are ones made of black polyester fabric or unbleached muslin. Boxes should be either specially treated plastic or acid-free cardboard. 

Before The Big Day, Protect From Dust And Sunlight

Properly storing your dress before your wedding day is crucial if you want to look your best on the big day. Most people order their dresses or pick them up months before the wedding day, so proper storage in the meantime can prevent unnecessary creases or discoloration. Before the big day, wedding dresses should be put in a garment bag or laid flat and wrapped with a clean sheet or tissue paper. 

Wedding dresses are susceptible to light and dust, so keeping the delicate fabric away from large windows and wrapping it in a protective coating will keep dust and debris from building up. This will ensure your fabric is pristine and soft for your wedding day.

After The Big Day, Clean Properly And Use The Right Storage Material

After the big day, protecting your dress for future generations or later use starts with preparing the dress to be stored. Cleaning and removing any stains that may have occurred during your wedding day will prevent further staining from taking over your dress. Dirt and debris can often be removed a few days after your wedding day, but when left for months or years, it can be almost impossible to remove. 

As previously mentioned, choosing the right box and bag will also keep the fabric from creases and odors. If you are unsure what to store your wedding dress in, the bridal boutique can provide a specialty box or professional storage option. Professional preservation techniques are also available from bridal shops if you are worried about aging factors. 

Units From 700 Block Storage

Our storage units in Salt Lake City are some of the top storage options in the state because of their quality and affordability. 700 Block Storage has a state-of-the-art facility with climate-controlled units and varying sizes. Using a storage unit for sentimental items may seem risky, but with high security and temperature control, our units are safe for all of your belongings. Keep your items looking their best and limit clutter in your home by renting a unit today!