Ultimate Guide to Long-term Wedding Dress Care
Many brides dream of preserving their wedding dress as a beautiful reminder of a time when they felt their happiest, most radiant selves. But unless you take proactive steps, that dream could fade along with the hems, laces, and all the intricate details that make your dress so stunningly beautiful. Stains from makeup, wine, or even grass can settle in, and without proper care, the fabric can turn yellow or fade over time. That’s why (and you probably have heard this many times) long-term care for your wedding dress is so important.
In this Ultimate Guide to Long-term Wedding Dress Care, we cover everything from choosing a reputable wedding dress cleaner, to how to store your bridal dress safely at home, and more!
The First Step to Wedding Dress Preservation
Learning something for the first time is always a bit intimidating, and wedding dress preservation is no different. But for wedding dresses in particular, the first step is the most important because the earlier you begin preserving your gown, the better its chances of staying pristine.
Immediately Inspect Your Dress for Stains
Your dress will likely have absorbed makeup smudges, spilled drinks, or even dirt from the wedding reception. So as soon as the wedding festivities are over and before packing it away, thoroughly inspect your dress for any stains. Pay special attention to areas such as the hem, train, and underarms, where sweat and dirt may have accumulated without you noticing.
Make a note of any visible stains, and even if the dress looks spotless, remember invisible stains – like oil or sugar – can develop into yellowing over time. Identifying potential problem areas early on allows for better wedding dress cleaning results.
Choose a Reputable Wedding Dress Cleaner
Once you inspect your gown, the next step is to choose a reputable cleaner. Not all dry cleaners have experience with wedding dress cleaning, and this isn’t the time to cut corners. Look for a professional cleaner that specializes in bridal dress cleaning.
Ask questions such as:
- Do they use environmentally friendly cleaning solutions?
- Are they experienced with removing stains from lace, satin, or silk?
- Do they offer additional services such as preservation or restoration?
- How do they handle intricate details on veils or bridal gowns with heavy embellishments?
- A great wedding dress cleaner is transparent about their methods and helps guide you through the entire cleaning and preservation process.
A great wedding dress cleaner is transparent about their methods and helps guide you through the entire cleaning and preservation process.
Storing Your Bridal Gown Safely at Home
After the celebration ends, the responsibility of caring for your dress is entirely in your hands. While many brides opt for professional storage, some prefer to keep their gown at home as a cherished keepsake. But, simply hanging your gown in the closet isn’t enough.
Follow these tips and your wedding gown will remain in excellent condition for years to come:
1. Use an Acid-free Garment Bag
Your wedding dress should never be stored in a standard plastic bag. Plastic can trap moisture, leading to mildew or yellowing of the fabric over time. Instead, use an acid-free garment bag specifically designed for long-term storage. This helps protect the delicate fabric while allowing airflow, keeping your gown safe from humidity.
2. Avoid Direct Sunlight
Sunlight can cause your gown’s fabric to fade, especially in areas exposed over long periods of time. Store your dress in a dark, cool closet away from windows or other sources of light to prevent discoloration.
3. Lay the Gown Flat if Possible
If you have the space, it’s better to store your gown lying flat in an acid-free box rather than hanging it. Hanging can cause the fabric to stretch, particularly in heavier areas like the skirt or bodice. If you must hang your gown, use a padded hanger and be sure the weight is evenly distributed to avoid damaging the fabric.
4. Stuff the Dress with Acid-free Tissue Paper
To preserve the shape of your gown, stuff the bodice, sleeves, and any other areas with acid-free tissue paper. This prevents the fabric from sagging or losing its shape, especially for gowns with structured designs.
5. Store in a Climate Controlled Space
Your dress is sensitive to temperature fluctuations and high humidity, which can damage the fabric. Store it in a climate controlled space, such as a bedroom closet, where the temperature and humidity remain relatively stable throughout the year.
6. Refold the Gown Every Few Years
If your gown is stored in a box, it’s important to refold it every couple of years to prevent permanent creases from forming. Be sure to handle the dress with clean hands and avoid touching it with bare skin to keep oils from transferring to the fabric. During this process, check for any signs of discoloration, moisture, or damage that might need to be addressed.
7. Keep Accessories in Mind
If your wedding day look includes a veil, gloves, or other delicate accessories, be sure to store them properly as well. Keep them separate from the dress in their own acid-free boxes or bags to avoid tangling or damage. Accessories are just as much a part of your bridal look as the gown itself, and they deserve the same level of care.
When to DIY and When to Seek Professional Help
DIY efforts are never wrong, because after all, doing things on your own can be more affordable and sometimes feel more personal. However, there are times when taking the DIY route could potentially damage your dress in ways even professionals may struggle to fix. The key is knowing when a task is simple enough to handle at home and when it’s worth calling in the experts.
When DIY is a Good Option
- Storing Your Dress at Home: If you follow the proper steps – such as using an acid-free garment bag and storing your gown in a cool, dry place – it’s perfectly fine to take on long-term storage at home. Just make sure you’re diligent about keeping the dress away from sunlight, moisture, and potential contaminants.
- Spot Cleaning Minor Stains: If you notice small stains, such as a drop of champagne or a bit of makeup, you can gently clean them using mild, fabric-safe cleaners at home. Always test on an inconspicuous area first, and avoid rubbing too hard to prevent damaging delicate materials such as lace or satin.
- Preserving a Simple Dress: If your gown doesn’t have extensive beading, embroidery, or delicate fabric like silk, you might be able to follow a DIY preservation method. Kits with acid-free boxes and tissue paper are available for at-home preservation. Just be aware these don’t offer the same level of protection as professional preservation services.
When to Seek Professional Help
- Dealing with Delicate or Heavily Beaded Gowns: If your dress is made of delicate fabrics like silk, or if it has intricate beading, embroidery, or lace, it’s best to leave cleaning and preservation to the professionals. Specialized materials require expert care, and a DIY attempt could damage the gown beyond repair.
- Handling Major Stains: If your dress has significant staining – such as wine, grass, or sweat – it’s time to seek professional help. A professional wedding dress cleaner has access to the proper solvents and techniques to safely remove stains without compromising the fabric.
- Professional Preservation: For brides who want to ensure their gown stays pristine for years, professional wedding gown preservation is the safest option. Specialists use state-of-the-art methods, including acid-free storage and climate controlled environments, to guarantee long-term protection against yellowing, fabric degradation, and stains.
Don’t Let Time Ruin Your Gown – Trust Happily Ever After Preservation for Long-lasting Care!
There is no substitute for experience when it comes to wedding dress cleaning and preservation, and at Happily Ever After Preservation, we bring over 40 years of expertise to protect the memories wrapped in your gown. Textiles as delicate as those in your wedding dress require specialized attention, and ordinary clothing care just won’t do. We're honored to partner with Wedding Gown Preservation by The Knot, offering exclusive wedding dress cleaning and preservation services nationwide.
Have questions? Visit our FAQ page or reach out to us directly. We offer free evaluations – simply send pictures of your gown to our text line or email, and we’ll do our best to answer any concerns. Even if you choose not to use our services, we’re happy to help. We believe in professional, proper care for every wedding dress, and we’d rather see your gown handled correctly than risk it with inexperienced providers.
Visit us today or email us at info@happilyeverafterweddingdresscleaning.com.