At Bridal Atelier Montclair, we know that unexpected times call for unexpected measures. In the midst of many states going back into lockdown due to our current COVID-19 crisis, many brides-to-be are forced to make tough decisions regarding their wedding plans. Whether you’re opting for postponing your wedding indefinitely, or are having a courthouse or micro wedding and scheduling your large ceremony at a later date, properly storing your wedding dress is the best option for making sure your dream wedding dress stays as beautiful as the day you bought it.
Here are some of our top tips for brides-to-be considering storing their wedding gowns:
Be Proactive
No matter what your situation is, when it comes to storing your wedding dress, it’s all about timing. Wedding dresses aren’t only something to wear, but a keepsake you’ll want to keep in pristine condition for years to come. Even if you haven’t worn your wedding dress down the aisle yet, there are still certain things that need to be taken into consideration to properly store the gown. If you’re concerned about tiny stains that might have accumulated during various fittings, you’ll want to take it to a proper cleaner right away to avoid the stain setting permanently. If you aren’t ready to see a preservationist just yet, there are some things you can do in the meantime to ensure your wedding dress is safe. No matter your situation, don’t leave your wedding dress hanging alone in your closet in a plastic bag. Get your game plan together and enact it as quickly and efficiently as possible, this is not something you want to procrastinate!
Take proper safety precautions
First, in the case of storing your wedding dress, make sure you are only using acid free materials. This includes acid free and color free tissue paper, acid free garment bags, acid free containers, etc. Acids lead to garment deterioration, so be sure to avoid it at all costs! Never store your wedding dress in plastic. Also make sure you’re storing your garment in a cool, dry, temperature safe area. Heat and humidity can deteriorate the fabric of your bridal gown, so do not store the garment in a garage, basement, or attic to avoid extreme temperatures. You can always slip a packet of silica desiccant into your storage bag or container if you’re concerned about humidity.
Hanging your garment properly is one of the most convenient ways to store your dress, and gravity is on your side and aids wrinkle prevention. Avoid wire and wood hangers, as the harsh edges can make your sleeves bunch or wrinkle in strange ways. Wherever you’re storing your dress, make sure it is dark, and out of sunlight’s path. Sunlight can discolor a wedding gown very quickly, and has the potential to yellow your beautiful bright white wedding dress. Preservationists are the experts in keeping your bridal gown as pristine as the day you bought it, so feel free to run your concerns and questions by them for extra assuredness.
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Work with the right people
Wedding dress cleaning and preservation is way beyond the means of your average dry cleaner. You’ll want to find a company that specializes in dress preservation to avoid any damage to your dream wedding dress. Ask your newly-wed friend for some advice, and do your research on specialists in your area to make sure you’re finding a well vetted operation. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the boutique where you purchased the wedding dress for help, as they should have some insight into the best service in your area, and for your current situation.
If storing your dress for longer periods of time, consider working with a professional wedding dress preservationist. They’ll be able to provide you with expertise on all things storage, as well as give you options on air-tight storage containers to mitigate storage risks.
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At Bridal Atelier Montclair, we stand with our brides as they adjust to the new normal. In addition to shopping with us, you can always feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns relating to storing and preserving your wedding dress. We are partnered with expert preservationists in the area, so your wedding dress will definitely be in safe hands! To learn more about these services, feel free to reach out to us by calling or making an appointment at our beautiful bridal boutique in Montclair, NJ.