A wedding dress is one of the most expensive things that you can own. At an average cost of $1350 (depending on the country), your wedding dress might become one of the most precious things that are in your closet. That is why you need certain skills of storage to keep the dress clean, in order, and flat – before and after your wedding day.
Before the Wedding Day
So, you have finally found your perfect dress. What you need to do now is to keep it safe until the day of the wedding ceremony. Do you think it’s easy? Sometimes you can run into problems, but don’t worry. We will share some tips with you.
Safe Transport
Once the dress is ready for pick-up or shipment, safe transport is the next priority. Considering you picked up the gown, you should lay your gown in the back seat of your car. There should be enough place for both the gown and the train. If your dress has any kind of embellishments, wrap and secure them with plastic or tissue paper.
To be more protected, it would be best to buy a garment bag with it. This bag will prevent your bridal gown to be soiled or be in direct contact with dust, any form of dirt, or chemicals.
Clean the Gown
You may have ordered the dress online where there could be chances that it will arrive with a foul odor. Or, you are just not sure if you want to wear the dress without cleaning it. If you are having these predicaments, consider asking the seller what options can you do – maybe a dry-clean would be enough. Alternatively, you can check for local wedding dress cleaning specialists.
Hang the Dress
You should hang your wedding gown on some safe place in your home – the door frame would work just fine. Leave the gown in the bag, since that is the only way to prevent accidental stains and damages.
However, if your bag is made of plastic, switch for something that will allow your dress to breathe. If your dress has a long train at the back, open the bag and prevent the dress from wrinkling. If your dress is extremely heavy, maybe you should consider laying it down, instead of hanging.
Ironing – Yes or No?
Even if your skills of storage are now at the maximum level, there are still some things you should do before the wedding day. For instance, ironing your gown. If you are traveling out of town to get married, the fact is that you will undoubtedly need touch-ups.
Use a clean and flat sheet between the iron and the dress. That is how you will protect it from the direct heat. Use low heat for chiffon, crepe, and lace. The medium heat should be used for satin and stretchy materials, while you can use high temperatures only for cotton and linen, but with a flat sheet.
On the Day of Wedding Ceremony
You may be nervous and excited! Everything is ready for the big day. But, there could be some things that can go wrong, especially with how you put on your beautiful dress. Let’s see how to keep your gown clean and be protected from makeup, perfume, etc.
Be Careful When Dressing
You should be careful when stepping into your dress if you already have makeup on. Apply perfume or hair spray before putting your dress on, to avoid stains. However, if you did the other way around or if you are doing small touch-ups before the ceremony, do not forget to cover your gown with a clean towel.
Let Your Bridesmaids Help You
It is a part of your bridesmaid’s duties to assist you before, during, and even after the wedding. So, let your bridesmaids help you when you wear the dress and when you walk to the ceremony location. Unfortunately, the stains from asphalt can’t be removed!
After the Wedding Day
Now, when you made through the big day, you should apply all your skills of storage once again and protect your wedding gown. Preserve it to the point of having it be passed to your daughter in the future or maybe you can wear it again on your silver wedding celebration. Whatever the reason is (heirloom, donating, selling, or for future use), keeping the dress clean would be advantageous.
Hang the Dress (Again)
You should hang your dress again, but this time avoid keeping it in a plastic bag for too long. It can trap the moisture and yellow stains on the gown. It is also advisable to put it in a cool, dry place, and away from heat or light. High temperatures may cause the formation of moist which will then lead to molds that would be hard to remove. Moreover, it is believed that light causes yellowing.
Take the Gown to Professional Cleaning
Cleaning your wedding gown is a tricky process. Leave it to the professionals, and don’t worry about it. After the dress is cleaned, avoid storing it in the basement or attic if you don’t want the extreme temperatures to ruin it. You can also frame it along with your wedding photo and your wedding accessories. This will always remind both you and your husband of the day you exchanged vows.
Pack it in an Acid-Free Box
Instead of using a plastic garment bag to store your gown, placing it in an acid-free box is supposed to be far better. You should wrap the gown in tissue paper, putting the paper in any openings or gaps to prevent fabric-to-fabric friction. Also, put desiccant packets inside the box to control moisture. Once stored in the box, keep it in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Related Articles
- Mermaid And Trumpet Wedding Dresses 2020: Ariel Inspired Dresses
- Wedding Dresses 2020 – The Latest Trends to Watch For
- Princess Wedding Dresses – What Makes You an Ethereal Bride
- Mermaid Wedding Dresses – The Best Gowns for a Glamorous Look
- What to Consider When Buying Your Vintage Wedding Dress
