Let’s face it: wedding gowns are not cheap (and neither are the accessories). Therefore, finding ways to extend their life post-wedding and make them last as long as possible is a significant investment. Whether you’re planning on having your dress professionally cleaned or storing it at home, there are several factors to consider before making a decision. If you’re looking for ways to keep your wedding gown, we’ve covered you in this article! This ultimate guide will give you everything you need to know about how to store your wedding gown preservation and keep it in mint condition for years to come. Discover different storage options and learn about tricks that will help extend the lifespan of your dress.
Table of Contents
Why You Should Care About How to Store Your Wedding Gown
Many brides choose not to store their gowns, instead going to a professional dry cleaner. While this is an effective way of cleaning your dress, keeping it (whether in a box or hung up) is essential if you want it to last as long as possible. Because wedding gowns are made of delicate fabrics, they are highly susceptible to damage. Hanging or laying them out on a shelf will expose them to dust and other harmful particles that can cause early aging and even lead to mold growth. By controlling the light, temperature, and humidity your gown is exposed to, you can minimize the chance of any damage and extend its lifespan.
Pros And Cons of Professional Dry Cleaning
Pros Cons Although professional cleaning is the most effective way to clean your wedding gown; its lifespan will be significantly reduced. A well-kept wedding gown can be worn for several special occasions such as anniversary parties, remarriage ceremonies, or simply as a special outfit for taking pictures. It can even be passed down to a niece or nephew. Therefore, keeping your dress in excellent condition for as long as possible is essential.
Pros and Cons of Home Storage
Pros Cons If you choose to store your dress at home, you’ll be able to prolong its lifespan significantly. However, you’ll need to protect it from insects, dust, and other harmful substances. There are various ways to protect your gowns, such as storing them in a wooden box with cedar shavings or silica gel packets. Another method is to place it in a rolled-up bedsheet or duvet cover and tie the ends together, so it stays together while being stored.
DIY Dry Cleaning Trick
If you want to prolong the lifespan of your dress but don’t want to spend money on dry cleaning, you can do a DIY dry cleaning with fabric softener. Simply take your clothing and soak it in a bowl filled with warm water, fabric softener, and a gentle soap. Let it soak for about a day. You can then gently wring the dress out and let it dry. Note that this method is not as effective as professional cleaning and will leave your dress with a very slight smell of fabric softener. However, you can always let the dress air for a day or two before wearing it again.
Boxed Storage
If you have the space, storing your dress on a wooden hanger inside a wooden box will provide the best protection from harmful substances. You could, for example, buy a wooden box from IKEA and place your hanger inside. Place the dress inside the hanger with a bedsheet or duvet cover around it to protect it from the wood. If you don’t have enough space, you could also fold your dress and place it inside a duvet cover, with another one on top of it.
Wardrobe Storage
If you have a walk-in closet or a large enough wardrobe, you could fold your dress and store it with other similar-colored clothes to prevent staining. Make sure to wrap your dress in a duvet cover or bedsheet to protect it from staining. Like boxed storage, this method will prolong the lifespan of your clothing, but it won’t watch it from harmful substances.
Wrapping and Organizing Bedding, Shoes, Etc.
Bedding, shoes, and other accessories you’re storing post-wedding should be wrapped in duvet covers or bedsheets. These items are particularly susceptible to dust and other harmful substances, so wrapping them up in duvet covers will protect them. If you’re storing these items in cardboard boxes, place them in duvet covers first.
Conclusion
When it comes to your wedding dress preservation, it’s essential to select the best method for your dress and lifestyle. If you have the space, wooden boxed storage or a wooden wardrobe is the best option for protecting your gown from harmful substances. If you don’t have a lot of space, a bedsheet or duvet cover will be sufficient protection for your dress. You should also consider how you will access your clothing in the future. If you’re storing it in a wooden box, you will have to move the TV out of your way whenever you want to wear it. Depending on your situation, there are various ways to store your dress that will protect it from harmful substances and prolong its lifespan.