How to Store a Wedding Dress Before the Wedding?

In this era of wedding postponements, brides are increasingly curious about where and how to keep their wedding dresses until the big day.

You’ve just gotten your wedding dress (how exciting! ), but now you have to deal with a wedding postponement of three months to a year.

We’ll review everything a bride needs to know to keep her dress in pristine condition until the big day.

How to Store a Wedding Dress Before the Wedding

Your first order of business after purchasing your wedding gown is to ensure that it remains in pristine condition until the big day.

The process kicks off at the bridal shop when you select the perfect gown. To get started, inquire as to whether or not they plan to maintain the dress in stock.

Most places will offer to store it till closer to your wedding day, and you should always take them up on this offer.

They have experience storing bridal gowns and are your best choice for preserving the dress’s condition until the big day.

Remove the Plastic

If the dress is going to be stored for more than a few days, the first thing a conservator will tell you to do is take it out of the plastic.

Staining can occur as chemicals in the plastic break down, gasses are released, and plastic often does not enable fabrics to breathe. Consider using a fabric garment bag or flat cotton sheets to protect your dress.

To Hang or Not to Ride?

Women would be wise to store their wedding gowns securely on a hanger. Consider whether your dress has extensive beading, numerous layers of fabric, or simply a single layer of satin before grabbing the next coat hanger. 

Store your dress flat in the breathable garment bag or wrapped in a cotton sheet in a room or space that isn’t a “high traffic area” in your home, such as the top shelf of a spare closet, unless it is made of a few light layers (think satin or silk). 

Keep your clothing away from any heat sources or pets when keeping it. Putting your dress in the way of a heat source or where pets can get at it can cause harm you could have avoided.

Control the Climate

The best place to store your dress is somewhere that maintains a temperature and humidity level that you’re comfortable with (no, this doesn’t imply you should bring it to Las Vegas for your bachelorette party!). 

Moist and musty environments like basements and attics are not recommended when storing items. Keep the dress in a dark, cool, dry place, like a guest bedroom or closet.

It’s Out of Sight and Out of Mind

After you’ve put away your gown, fight the urge to wear it again or even take it out of its storage bag (unless you need alterations). 

The more times you handle your clothing, the more likely it is to get stained or oil marks. 

Stains from makeup and deodorant are especially problematic while trying on a dress. Remove your makeup and deodorant before trying on the dress for loved ones.

Get Rid of the Wrinkles

Make sure to carefully retrieve your bridal gown from its hiding place a few days before the big day. The best way to remove wrinkles from a dress is to hang it up high. 

You can hang the dress in the bathtub while a hot shower is running to remove any remaining creases in the last days before the big day. 

It would help if you took special care to hang the dress in a dry place, away from the shower, to avoid ruining it. If the wrinkles persist, you could consult a tailor or dry cleaning. 

It is recommended that distilled water be used and a cotton sock be placed over the steam nozzle of any steamer. 

When you’re already out of town for the wedding, many hotels and reception halls provide steamers for use right before the ceremony.

Get Your Outfit Cleaned Up After the Wedding

Before leaving on your honeymoon, have a bridesmaid or family member bring your wedding dress to a specialized bridal boutique for cleaning and preservation. 

Avoid hanging your clothes for extended periods, as this might cause the fabric to stretch. Remember that hanging the dress in a spare closet is the most secure storage method.

The Do & Don’t Keep Your Wedding Gown Before the Big Day

If you want your dress to look perfect on your wedding day, follow these simple dos and don’ts!

Do

• It is highly recommended that you use a garment bag that allows air circulation to protect your gown.
• If your gown includes hanging loops, BE SURE TO USE THEM! Ensure the hanger loops bear the dress’s weight, not the neckline or straps. Your bridal gown will stay in perfect shape and not stretch out of the body. (Now, if you are like me and these hanger loops drive you insane, you can cut these out on the wedding day. Just be careful not to cut too near the fabric, or you can end up with a hole in your dress.)
• It would help to keep your robe in a dry, dark place. A closet that isn’t being used would be ideal. Hang your dress in a dark, cool place where the humidity and temperature won’t change too much.

Don’t

• Put NO plastic over your garment. Fabrics stored in plastic containers don’t get air circulation and eventually become yellow due to chemical breakdown.
• A gown is NOT something you want to leave in the rain or sun. If you can help it, don’t put your dress in the basement or attic. Dumping dresses in damp, musty locations like cellars and attics are not recommended.
• If your dress is quite heavy, DO NOT hang it. It’s recommended to store your gown flat. However, this will depend on the fabric and weight of your garment. If your wedding is several months away, you may wish to store your dress flat and carefully fold it to prevent stretching.

Frequently Asked Question