How to Store Your Wedding Dress
Your wedding dress is the star of the show on your special day, but what happens to it after the last dance? There are countless ways to make use of, or make money from your wedding dress after you conclude your ‘I-dos’. Here are some options to consider, ensuring your beloved gown doesn’t just gather dust in the back of your closet.
What to Do With Your Wedding Dress After the Big Day
Your wedding dress is one of the most special pieces of clothing you’ll ever own. Regardless if you decide to keep, repurpose, sell or donate the dress, the first step is to get your wedding dress cleaned in order to remove any stains or smudges ensuring it can look its very best for its second life.
Preservation for Keepsakes and Heirlooms:
Professional Preservation: This is the best option if you plan to pass your dress down as a family heirloom or simply want to keep it beautifully preserved for sentimental reasons. Professional conservators will clean and meticulously store your dress in a climate-controlled environment using archival materials to prevent damage over time.
DIY Approach: This includes cleaning the dress, using a breathable garment bag, and storing it in a cool, dry, and dark location on a padded hanger. While not as foolproof as professional preservation, this method can extend the life of your dress for many years.
Give Your Dress a Second Life:
Reimagine and Repurpose: Get creative and transform your wedding dress into something new! Work with a tailor to have it redesigned into a formal gown for another special occasion, a cocktail dress, etc.
Sell or Donate: If you know you won’t wear your dress again, consider selling it online or at a consignment shop to give it a second life for another bride-to-be. Donating your dress to a charity that helps underprivileged brides is another way to share the magic of your wedding gown.
The decision of what to do with your wedding dress is a personal one. Consider your sentimental value attached to the dress, and your future plans. By following these tips, you can ensure your wedding dress has a happy ending, whether it’s being preserved, repurposed into something new, or helping another bride feel like a star on their special day.
Tips for Storing Your Wedding Dress
Your wedding dress is more than just a piece of clothing, it’s a symbol of a cherished memory and a treasured keepsake, but once the last dance is over and the confetti has settled, how do you ensure your gown survives the test of time? First, you’ll want to have your wedding dress professionally cleaned as soon as possible after the wedding. Professional cleaners know how to handle delicate fabrics and remove stains safely, preventing them from setting and causing damage over time.
Your dress needs a climate-controlled environment, so avoid hot attics, damp basements, or anywhere with direct sunlight exposure. Choose a clean, well-ventilated space with enough room to hang the dress without crowding. Invest in a padded hanger specifically designed for wedding gowns. These hangers have wider shoulders to prevent the dress from losing its shape. Hanging is generally preferred over folding, which can create creases. Be sure to use a breathable garment bag made from muslin or cotton which allows air circulation and protects the dress from dust and light.
For ultimate protection, consider a professional archival storage box. These boxes are made from acid-free materials that won’t damage the fabric over time. Professional conservators may offer this service, which can be especially valuable for heirloom or antique wedding dresses. Even in storage, your dress needs some TLC. Inspect it every few months for signs of damage or mildew. Air out the dress in a cool, dry place for a few hours every few months as well.
We’d love to help you plan your wedding day at Historic Acres of Hershey. Our beautiful property boasts multiple spaces for weddings of all styles and sizes. Give us a call at 717-298-6340 to learn more or contact us.