Your wedding day was full of love, joy, and unforgettable moments. And let’s be real—the dress? A total showstopper. Now that the celebrations are over, you might be wondering what to do with it. Whether you want to keep it as a sentimental piece, pass it down someday, or just make sure it stays in perfect condition, proper storage is key. In this guide, we’ll break down how to store your wedding dress the right way so it stays beautiful for years to come.
Why Proper Storage Matters
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why this is important. Wedding dresses are made from delicate fabrics like silk, lace, and tulle—gorgeous, but also pretty high-maintenance. If not stored properly, your dress can yellow, stretch, or even develop mold (yikes!).
Beyond that, your wedding dress is more than just fabric—it’s a piece of your love story. Whether you dream of renewing your vows in it, repurposing it, or just keeping it as a cherished memory, storing it correctly ensures it stays in great shape. A well-preserved dress can last for generations, allowing you to share a tangible piece of your wedding day with loved ones in the future.
Prepping Your Dress for Storage
Step 1: Get It Cleaned (Like, ASAP!)
After a full day of celebrating, your dress has likely picked up some invisible stains—sweat, makeup, maybe even a little cake. If left untreated, these can set in and cause discoloration over time. The best move? Take it to a professional cleaner that specializes in wedding gowns. They’ll know exactly how to handle delicate fabrics and remove stains without causing damage.
Step 2: Find the Right Cleaning Service
Not all dry cleaners are equal, so do your homework. Look for one with experience in wedding gowns, read reviews, and ask for recommendations. A good cleaner will use gentle, fabric-safe methods and offer guarantees against damage. If your dress has intricate details like beading or lace, make sure they know how to handle that too. Some cleaners even offer a preservation package, which includes proper boxing and storage methods to maintain your dress’s condition for years.
Step 3: Check for Any Damage
Once your dress is cleaned, give it a good once-over. Look for loose threads, missing beads, or tiny tears. If you find anything, take it to a professional seamstress before storing it. Fixing small issues now can save you from bigger headaches later. A professional can reinforce delicate embellishments, fix any snags, and ensure your gown is in its best shape before storage.
The Best Way to Store Your Wedding Dress
Pick the Right Spot
Where you store your dress matters. Avoid basements, attics, or anywhere with extreme temperature changes and humidity (looking at you, garages). Instead, go for a cool, dry place like a closet inside your home. Direct sunlight is a no-go too—it can fade the fabric over time. Consistency in temperature and humidity is key to preventing fabric deterioration, so find a storage space with a stable environment.
Choose the Right Materials
Acid-Free Tissue Paper
When folding your dress, use acid-free tissue paper to prevent creasing and fabric damage. Regular tissue paper contains chemicals that can cause yellowing—definitely not what you want for your dream dress! Layer the tissue paper between folds, paying extra attention to delicate areas like lace or beading to avoid unnecessary pressure.
Breathable Garment Bag or Acid-Free Box
Plastic garment bags might seem like an easy solution, but they can trap moisture, which leads to mildew. Instead, use a breathable fabric garment bag or an acid-free storage box. These materials allow airflow while protecting your dress from dust and pests. If storing in a box, ensure it’s specifically designed for wedding dress preservation to maintain fabric integrity.
To Hang or to Box? That Is the Question
Your dress’s material and weight will determine how you should store it.
- Hanging: If your dress is lightweight, hanging it is fine—just make sure to use a padded hanger to prevent stretching. Cover it with a breathable garment bag and keep it somewhere safe from light and humidity.
- Boxing: If your dress is heavy or has intricate beadwork, laying it flat in an acid-free box is the best way to go. Fold it carefully, adding layers of acid-free tissue paper in between to prevent creases. Store the box on a flat surface in a stable environment.
For dresses with long trains, consider folding the train carefully over itself with tissue paper padding. This method prevents undue stress on the fabric while keeping the silhouette intact.
Long-Term Dress Care
Check On It Every Now and Then
Don’t just store your dress and forget about it. Every six months or so, take a quick look to make sure everything still looks good. Check for any signs of yellowing, mold, or unwanted critters. If you notice any issues, address them immediately to prevent further damage.
Let It Breathe
Every couple of years, take your dress out of storage and let it air out for a few hours in a safe, dry place (away from direct sunlight). This helps prevent musty odors and keeps the fabric fresh. Refolding the dress differently each time can also help minimize permanent creases.
Avoid Common Mistakes
- Using Regular Tissue Paper or Cardboard Boxes – These contain acids that can damage the fabric over time.
- Ignoring Small Stains – Even if they seem minor, stains can darken and become impossible to remove if left untreated.
- Storing It in the Wrong Environment – Heat, humidity, and light are your dress’s worst enemies. Keep it in a stable, climate-controlled space.
Thinking About Professional Preservation?
If all this sounds like too much work (we get it, life is busy), consider having your dress professionally preserved. Preservation services use special techniques to clean and store your dress in a way that protects it long-term.
At Belle Amour, we offer wedding dress preservation through Wedding Gown Preservation Co., ensuring your gown stays in pristine condition for years to come. Our service includes both cleaning and preservation for $350, or if you only need cleaning, it’s $250. Plus, Belle Amour brides receive an exclusive $50 discount! Investing in professional cleaning and preservation helps keep your dress in its best condition for years to come.
Why It’s Worth It
A professional preservationist will store your dress in a climate-controlled environment with custom packaging. It’s an investment, but it gives you peace of mind knowing your dress is in expert hands. Some preservation kits even allow you to seal your dress in a museum-quality display box for safekeeping.
Creative Ways to Repurpose Your Wedding Dress
Not sure if you want to store your dress forever? Here are some ways to repurpose it:
- Turn it into a Christening gown for a future child or a loved one.
- Transform it into anniversary lingerie or a sentimental robe.
- Frame a section of the lace or embroidery as a keepsake.
- Donate it to brides in need or use it for a creative project like a wedding quilt.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding dress is more than just an outfit—it’s a symbol of one of the most meaningful days of your life. Whether you plan to wear it again, pass it down, or simply keep it as a memory, proper storage ensures it stays just as stunning as the day you wore it. With a little care and attention, your gown will remain a timeless keepsake, bringing back beautiful memories for years to come. Taking the extra steps to preserve it now means you’ll have a beautiful reminder of your love story for generations.