A wedding dresses can be stained from sweat, makeup, lipstick or food and beverage spills. Having a fabric care kit handy will help you deal with these issues before they have a chance to set in.
Store the dress in a cool, dry place, far away from heat sources also avoid places like basements and attics where the temperature can fluctuate.
Keep it Clean
The biggest threat to your dress is stains. Whether someone sloshed red wine over it during the reception or your overzealous aunt smudged her foundation on it while giving you a hug, stains are the main reason why most brides opt to have their wedding dresses preserved.
A professional cleaner and preservationist will be able to handle anything from the invisible to the visible, including those smudges and marks that were already there before your special day. To minimize stains, try to avoid lipstick and other cosmetics that can easily smudge or stain. If you must wear makeup on your big day try to go with a matte color or stain.
You can also prevent stains by hand washing your wedding gown. Fill a clean tub with warm water and add mild detergent for delicate garments. Soak the hem and train in the tub leaving the rest of the dress out. Next, use a toothbrush and detergent to gently scrub the hem area rinse the dress thoroughly when you’re finished.
Keep it Dry
Your wedding dress will collect sweat, dirt and dust throughout the day. Rather than stashing it in a drawer or closet right away, hang it up and let it air dry for a bit.
Make sure your hands are clean before handling your gown lotions and makeup can transfer to the fabric. You should also keep food and drinks away from the dress, as spills can be challenging to remove.
Stains that are allowed to set are much harder to get out than those treated immediately. Most preservationists will advise against self-treating a stain with anything other than water when the dress is clean and ready to be stored consider vacuum sealing it in a bag made of acid-free paper or pre-washed unbleached muslin.
This will help prevent permanent creases and will ensure the fabric stays fresh and clean for years to come. It is best to revisit your dress every 2-3 years to inspect and refold it.
Store it Properly
After spending a fortune on a dress, you’ll want it to stay in the best condition possible. If you’re planning on keeping it for a special occasion selling it or giving it to a family member as a keepsake, proper storage and preservation will ensure its beauty lasts a lifetime.
Keep it in a large garment bag (preferably acid-free) and store it somewhere cool and dark the ideal location is a closet, spare room or similar area that doesn’t experience extreme temperatures or humidity.
Avoid storing your dress in plastic as it traps moisture and can cause mold and mildew. Additionally, plastic doesn’t allow your dress to breathe and can emit odors that can yellow the fabric.
Don’t Try It On
It’s a bit counterintuitive, but trying on your wedding dress will only make it more likely to become stained or damaged. Wedding dresses are made of light fabrics that can easily collect sweat, makeup and food stains if they come into contact with these substances.
It is also best to avoid handling the dress with hands that contain lotions, perfume or makeup residue. These can transfer onto the dress and cause stains that are difficult, or even impossible to remove.
During the big day, have a trusted bridesmaid or family member assist you with wearing your gown this can help you navigate tight spaces and lift the train if necessary this can also help you avoid accidentally tripping or damaging the dress.
Additionally, having someone to hold your dress during outdoor photo shoots will minimize the risk of dirt or mud soiling your gown. Once the wedding is over, your dress can be safely stored away in a garment bag.
