Need to store your wedding dress?
After the champagne toasts, first dances, and the magical send-off, you're left with a lifetime of memories and one very special souvenir: your wedding dress.
But how do you ensure your wedding dress continues to look as gorgeous as it did on your big day? The answer lies in proper wedding dress storage.
Keeping your wedding dress in prime condition is about more than just sentimentality. It’s also about preserving a potential heirloom for future generations. Proper wedding dress storage can keep the dress looking its best and ensure it stands the test of time.
Understanding how to store your wedding dress correctly is crucial, from the cleaning process to the materials used in packing. Each step helps in maintaining its shape, colour, and intricate details.
It may seem daunting but don't fret. We've put together a comprehensive guide to wedding dress storage that will help you secure your gown's longevity.
Always check the label. Your dress’s care label provides crucial information on the materials used and specific care instructions. It’s the manufacturer's cheat sheet for keeping your dress in the best shape possible.
Following these instructions to the letter is essential. Certain materials may require unique care, like avoiding certain types of plastic for storage or specific temperatures for cleaning. This small but important step can save you from accidentally damaging your dress. When you have checked the label you can then begin cleaning your dress.
Cleaning your dress before storage might seem unnecessary, especially if it looks spotless. However, unseen stains, such as sweat, oil, or spilt champagne, can oxidize over time and cause yellowing. Cleaning it before storage is non-negotiable.
A professional wedding dress cleaning service is usually the best choice here. They have the experience and know-how to handle delicate fabrics and intricate detailing, which at-home cleaning methods might not accommodate. If you don't clean your dress before storing it away then you will have problems further down the road. Wedding dress cleaning isn't expensive either especially compared to the price you probably paid for your dress. When you have cleaned your dress you can then start to think about packing it away in storage.
Wedding dress storage isn't as simple as tossing the dress into a box and sliding it under your bed. The materials used in packing can significantly impact the dress's condition over time.
Choose acid-free and lignin-free boxes and tissue paper. Regular cardboard and tissue paper can release chemicals over time, which can discolour your dress. Acid-free, lignin-free versions won't.
Silk or muslin bags are another great options, as they allow the dress to breathe while protecting it from dust and light. Just ensure the bag is spacious enough to avoid crushing the fabric. When you have the right materials available for your dress you then have to think whether you should hang the dress or box it away.
When thinking about wedding dress storage, one question often pops up: "Should I hang my dress or store it in a box?" The answer is, it depends on the type of wedding dress that you have.
Dresses made from sturdy fabrics and with less embellishment can usually be hung safely using a padded hanger. This can help the dress keep its shape.
However, heavy dresses or those made from delicate fabrics are generally better stored flat in a box to avoid stretching or distorting the garment. If in doubt you can contact the dress shop and ask them their opinion on whether you should box away your wedding dress or if you should hang it. When you have decided on how you are going to store your dress you will then need to think about where you are going to store your dress.
Wedding dresses can take up a lot of room, so storing your dress in the house may not be the best choice. Self storage is often a great choice for those who want to keep their wedding dress safe and looked after for many years to come.
At-home storage is convenient, but it isn't always the best choice. Fluctuations in temperature, humidity, and exposure to sunlight can all negatively impact your dress.
This is where self-storage units come in. Self storage containers offer a controlled environment, keeping your wedding dress safe from heat, cold, humidity, and light changes that could lead to damage. When opting for self-storage, choose a unit that's climate-controlled to provide the best conditions for your dress. When your dress is in storage it will be safe, but there are additional tips that can be used to prolong the life of your dress.
Remember to refold your dress periodically to prevent permanent creases from forming. Ideally, this should be done every six months to a year.
It's also recommended to remove any metal pieces from the dress before storage. Over time, these could oxidize and stain the fabric.
Lastly, resist the temptation to frequently handle your dress. Oils from your skin can transfer onto the fabric and cause discolouration over time. If you want to admire your dress, try to handle it as little as possible and always with clean hands.
Often after a wedding, couples will find their homes filled with presents and gifts that were collected on their wedding day. If you find that your home seems more full than ever you may need to invest in a storage unit. At Pink Storage, we have storage facilities located throughout the UK, including Cardiff, Manchester, Newport and Swansea. If you need affordable self storage, speak to us today.
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