How to Store a Wedding Dress

The amount of money you spend on your wedding dress may make it the most expensive clothing purchase you'll ever make. So after the big day, you can't just toss it in the closet, you have to preserve it. Here are a few tips on how to store your wedding dress.

Instructions

1. Arrange for cleaning. If you wait until after your honeymoon it may be too late to remove stains that have set in, such as perspiration. Before your wedding day, make arrangements with a reputable cleaner to have your dress dropped off and cleaned. (If you're leaving right away for the honeymoon, have your maid of honor do this favor for you.)

2. Lay the dress flat. Due to gravity, hanging your dress can tear delicate fibers over time.

3. Wrap your dress in an acid-free tissue paper. This paper can be purchased from your local cleaners or fabric supply store.

4. Gently fold your dress. Try to make as few folds as possible. Over time creases made by folding can be permanent. Every three months, take your dress out and refold it in a slightly different manner to avoid permanent creases.

5. Store dress in an acid-free box. These can be purchased at fabric stores, or even local photo supply stores. The lid on the box should fit snugly, but not be airtight. The fibers of your dress need air to circulate among them.

6. Store in a cool dry place. Do not place your dress in extreme temperatures. Attics and basements are out. Also avoid places with too much humidity as mold can form and grow on your dress.

Tips & Warnings

• Never store your dress in plastic for long periods of time. It will not allow the fabric to breathe and eventually the fibers will begin to break down.