How to Preserve Your Wedding Dress

Your wedding may only last one day, but the memories will last a lifetime. Not only will you have the photographs to remember your special day, if you preserve it properly, you can also have your wedding dress. Also, it will be a treasured family heirloom for generations to come. Here’s how to preserve your wedding dress.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Acid-free tissue paper
• Dry cleaner
• Wedding dress
• Acid-free box

1. Be sure to save the bag that your wedding dress came in. Bring the bag (or another one) with you to the wedding so you can safely store the dress immediately after taking it off.
2. Find a dry cleaner. Search your area for a professional dry cleaner that specializes in formal gowns. Ask friends who have recently gotten married for recommendations.
3. Take the dress to the cleaners. Either immediately after the wedding or as soon after as you can, take the dress to the dry cleaners. If you are going on a honeymoon, leave the dress with a friend or family member to take in for you.
4. Point out the stains. If you happen to get any stains on your dress, be sure to let the dry cleaner know of them. Similarly, if there is anything else wrong with the dress, make them aware of the fact. This will ensure they give your dress the best possible care.
5. Get a box. Have the cleaner put the cleaned dress into an acid-free box. They will carefully pack it with acid-free tissue paper so the elements don’t harm the dress while it is stored.
6. Store the dress. Once cleaned and boxed up, store your dress in a temperate, dry place. Keep the dress out of direct sunlight. Closets are good; basements are bad.

Tips & Warnings

• Inspect your dress every year. Look for any stains or discolorations. If you find something, immediately take the dress back to the dry cleaners.
• When checking for stains, don’t forget to look on the inside of the dress as makeup and hairspray can rub off when you pull the dress on and off.
• Avoid boxes with cellophane windows as they allow light to get in and may discolor your dress.
• If you choose to hang your dress up, remember that this may cause the neck and shoulders to stretch.