Cherish It

Tips on Preserving and Storing Your Gown

By Dana Barfield

If the whirlwind surrounding your wedding has prevented you from making plans for your gown after the wedding, don’t worry. We’ve prepared a few quick tips to help you accomplish this pre-honeymoon task quickly and efficiently with beautiful results that will last years.

The first step - GET IT CLEANED

• Don’t wait until after the honeymoon. Stains set in fast!
• Find a reputable cleaner that specializes in wedding gowns. If you plan to professionally preserve your gown, they will usually offer cleaning as part of the service.
• Point out any stains and what made them. Keep in mind that invisible stains will cause damage over time, so try to remember the little spills that occur throughout the reception.
• Also note any decorations that have been glued in place or anything else that is unique in your gown’s construction. The more detail you can provide, the easier it will be to choose the best cleaning method for your dress.

The next step - GET IT OUT OF THE DRY CLEANING BAG

Whatever you do, don’t leave it hanging in the drycleaning bag. Plastic fumes will yellow your dress before you know it. The best preservation methods will protect your gown from discoloring, fading, dust, mildew, insects, permanent creasing, and allow for regular inspection. 

A CAUTION AGAINST SEALING YOUR DRESS

Sometimes a stain is missed in the first cleaning and can oxidize in time leading to a nasty brown spot. If caught early, these spots can be removed, but if the box is sealed this becomes a costly and inconvenient endeavor. For this reason alone, it’s advised that you not seal up your dress. Mildew can also develop in a sealed box if the preservation isn’t handled by a reputable shop.

CLIMATE CONTROL AND REGULAR INSPECTION

• A dress can be safely preserved in an acid-free box. Watch out for plastic coverings or brown boxes. Both can cause discoloration.
• Folds should be minimal and softened with acid-free tissue paper.
• If you’re worried about creases and have the space, you can hang your gown on a padded hanger in a closet with plenty of circulation. Make sure you sew in hanging straps to prevent the fabric from stretching and cover with a cotton sheet or bag.
• Carefully select where you store your gown. The extreme temperatures and bad air circulations of attics, basements, and storage rooms can harm your gown over time. Also be careful of bathroom closets with high humidity levels.
• Check your gown at least every two to three years and refold so creases don’t become permanent or weaken the fabric.
• Always wear white, cotton gloves when you handle your dress.

Each wedding anniversary is an ideal time to check on your dress. Not only will you be protecting your gown, you’ll be spending the time to cherish one of your most precious memories.