Phew…Finally, you have bought your dream wedding dress. Ofcourse, it’s not like picking up a regular dress. It’s a whole new adventure of finding a dress that’s a perfect mix of style, comfort, and that “wow” factor.
And, what if your wedding is 2 or more months away? How’ll you gonna preserve it for your big day? Confused?
Obviously, you don’t want to lose the magic and spark before you even say “Yes” to your partner. But do you know the ways to keep your wedding dress fresh and beautiful for the wedding day the way it is right now?
Shhh….Don’t worry! This detailed guide will tell you some amazing ways to take care of your wedding dress before your wedding day.
So, without wasting your time, scroll right now and unlock some amazing secrets!
How to Take Care of Your Wedding Dress Before Wedding?
If you’re confused about what to do with your wedding dress, the utmost thing you need to do is consider the time span of your wedding. Consider if your wedding is less than 6 months away or more. After that, take the measures accordingly.
If the wedding is less than 6 months away |
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If the wedding is 6 or more than 6 months away |
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If the Wedding is LESS Than 6 Months Away…
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Look for the instructions
Whether you have purchased the outfit from an online store or the bridal salon, consult with the sales representative, designer, or specialists to get personalized advice and instructions. These professionals know your gown inside and out and can provide specific care instructions based on your dress's style, fabric, and detailing. They can offer valuable tips on how to store your gown properly if your wedding is less than six months away.
These professionals might tell you about the best type of hanger to use, the ideal garment bag for protection, and any precautions to take depending on the material of your dress.
Also, you can check for detailed instructions written on the outfit's label for storing it before. This will also give you an idea about how to store a wedding dress after the wedding.
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Look for a cool and dry place for storage
In case you want to protect your dress from from the damaging effects of heat, moisture, and sunlight, ensuring it stays as beautiful as the day you first saw it the keep it in a cool, dry, and dark environment.
Aim for a storage area that is at or slightly below room temperature. Extreme heat can weaken fabrics and cause delicate materials like lace or silk to become brittle over time. By choosing a spot with stable, moderate temperatures, you’ll minimize the risk of your gown suffering any heat-related damage.
Store it in a good garment bag and keep it in the room without prolonged sunlight exposure. You can use the heavy curtain in the room to clock out the sunlight.
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Say NO to re-checking it again and again
We understand your temptation to take a peek at your stunning wedding gown. Ofcourse, why not? After all, it’s the showstopper of your big day.
But here’s a thing. Constantly touching or moving your gown can increase the risk of it getting damaged, stained, or developing unwanted creases. The more you leave it be, the more likely it will stay in its form.
If you want to give it a quick look, make sure your hands are freshly washed and free from oils, makeup, or lotions and are freshly washed.
If the Wedding is 6 or MORE Than 6 Months Away…
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Lay it flat
If your wedding dress is heavier or features intricate beading, laying it flat is a smart way to prevent potential damage. Hanging a heavy dress for an extended period can cause the fabric to stretch or lose its shape, especially around the shoulders and seams.
To lay it flat, find a large, clean surface under your bed, on a shelf, or even in a low-traffic closet area. Make sure that the dress is spread out evenly and is free from any sharp objects that are in danger of tearing your dress.
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Use acid-free tissue paper
To prevent creasing and yellowing of the fabric due to damage, use acid-free tissue paper between the dress folds. This will help maintain the fabric’s integrity over time.
Once the dress is laid out, cover it with a clean, white cotton sheet to protect it from dust and light exposure. This method ensures that your dress remains in perfect condition, preserving its shape and delicate details until your big day arrives.
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Boxing it up with utmost care
When it comes to long-term storage, boxing up your wedding dress is a solid move. But the box should not be any ordinary box; it should be an acid-free pH-neutral box to keep your dress looking fresh. These special boxes help prevent the fabric from yellowing over time, which is exactly what you need if your wedding is still months away.
How to box it up?
- Start by lining the inside of the box with acid-free tissue paper. This creates a nice, cushioned layer on which your dress can rest.
- Carefully fold the dress and lay it inside, ensuring it’s not crammed there.
- As you fold, place more acid-free tissue paper between the layers of the dress to protect delicate fabrics like lace or satin.
- Once your dress is folded, add another layer of tissue paper. This extra protection is like a cozy blanket, protecting your gown from dust and any unexpected mishaps.
- Don't seal it up too tight when you’re ready to close the box. Your dress needs a bit of airflow to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold or mildew. Just close it securely enough to keep everything in place while allowing the dress to breathe.
- Now, store it in a cool, dry, and dark spot.
Pro Tip: For storage, avoid basements, attics, or places with high humidity, which could lead to mold or mildew. If your house tends to be humid, a dehumidifier in the storage area can be a lifesaver. |
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Let it breathe!
It’s important to let your wedding dress breathe in some fresh air every few months. To do this, gently remove it from the storage box. Find a neat and clean place to hang it for a day. Make sure that you hang it in a well-ventilated closet or a room when you can keep your eye on the dress.
Once you have hung the dress, take a moment to check it out carefully. Look for any signs of yellowing or stains that might have developed. If you spot anything, it’s better to address it sooner rather than later.
Now, What if Your Wedding is Tomorrow?
After days, weeks, or even months of carefully storing your bridal dress, the big moment has finally arrived! As you prepare to bring your dress out of its safe haven in anticipation of your wedding day, it's crucial to continue handling it with the same care and attention to detail.
Follow these golden rules for the perfect handling!
- Hang your dress on a padded hanger by the loops sewn into the dress’s interior. This will prevent stretching.
- If the dress is long, consider laying it flat over a clean sheet to avoid putting too much weight on the shoulders.
- Use a handheld steamer to remove any wrinkles gently. Hold the steamer a few inches away from the fabric, especially if it’s delicate. Don’t have a steamer? Hang the dress in the bathroom and run a hot shower. Steam would be perfect for removing wrinkles.
- If you notice any tiny spots, dab them gently with a white cloth and a little water. For stubborn stains, use a mild detergent but be cautious.
- Do the final check in the morning to ensure that there are no wrinkles or spots.
Transporting Your Dress to the Venue
When transporting your wedding dress, lay it flat across the backseat to keep it wrinkle-free. If you need extra room, use the hanger hooks above the door, but drape the bottom of the dress across the backseat toward the car’s center to prevent the door from crushing it. Absolutely no items should be placed on top of the dress. Treat your dress like a VIP, and it’ll arrive at the venue in perfect condition.
Take EXTRA Care During and After the Wedding!
During the Wedding: Keep the Dress Flawless!
- Sipping champagne? Eating that delicious cake? Do it with care. Maybe even use a straw for drinks to avoid any spills.
- Accidents can happen anytime, so keep some chalk or baby powder in hand to cover up any little spots Your "bridal gown ideas" can include this hack as a lifesaver.
- If you plan to get down on the dance floor, consider a quick change into an "after-wedding dress" or, at the very least, bustling your gown to avoid stepping on it.
After the Wedding: Saving the Memories!
- As soon as you can, hang the dress up properly. After all the big celebrations, the dress often gets stains from sweat, champagne spills, and many more. For this, take it to a professional cleaner who specializes in preserving wedding gowns.
- Once it’s cleaned, store it in a breathable garment bag. Don’t go for plastic! Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity.
- If you want to keep the dress fresh and clean, consider professional preservation. They’ll box it up, acid-free, and ready to last a lifetime.
Enjoy Your Wedding Day!
In a nutshell, taking care of your wedding dress is all about attention to detail and a little creativity. Before the big day, storing your dress properly and practicing with it are simple yet effective wedding gown ideas to keep it flawless.
On the day itself, having someone on dress duty and being mindful during celebrations will ensure it stays picture-perfect. After the wedding, you can repurpose the wedding dress into something meaningful or have it professionally cleaned and preserved.
By following these tips, your dress will look stunning on your big day and carry beautiful memories into the future.