I hope you enjoy your new married life together. You and your new spouse may be wondering where and how to put away that stunning wedding gown as you begin your married life together. Because of the dress’s special fabric and detailed embroidery, many brides are wary of folding it.
However, if you fold your wedding dress carefully and use a secure storage solution, you may keep it in pristine condition for years to come. So that your wedding dress remains in beautiful shape for years to come, we will discuss the best methods for folding and storing it in this article.
Can I Store My Wedding Dress Folded?
Although it is possible to fold your wedding dress for storage, doing it improperly could cause harm to the fabric and embellishments. Here are some suggestions on how to store a wedding dress properly.
Clean Your Dress
Maintaining the quality and longevity of your wedding dress requires regular cleaning. Fabrics and embellishments on wedding gowns, such as beading and embroidery, are generally rather fragile and must be handled with care. Discolouration and degradation of the fabric can result from repeated exposure to oils, grime, and stains. For this reason, before putting your wedding dress away, give it a thorough cleaning.
You have the option of taking your clothing to a dry cleaner or hand washing it. If you want to clean the dress yourself, look at the label first to see what kind of care it requires. Some gowns can only be dry cleaned, while others can be washed by hand.
If there are any obvious stains on your dress, you should treat those areas separately from the rest of the garment. To carefully remove the stain, use a soft brush or cloth and a mild cleanser or detergent. Don’t use too much water or pressure when cleaning, as this can ruin the material.
When it comes time to clean the complete dress, do it in lukewarm water with a gentle detergent. Washing with harsh chemicals like bleach, softeners, and hot water can ruin the fabric and embellishments. Do not massage the clothing too harshly or wring it out; instead, gently agitate it in the water. The dress should be washed in cool water and the excess water carefully squeezed out.
Choose The Right Storage Container
The preservation of your bridal gown begins with the selection of the appropriate storage container. Your clothing has to be kept in an environment free of dust, moisture, and light to preserve its colour and condition. Here are some considerations to make while selecting a box in which to keep your wedding gown:
Look For An Acid-free Container
Acid-free containers are essential for protecting your dress from yellowing or becoming discoloured over time. Acid-free containers are made of materials that do not contain any acid, which can cause the fabric to deteriorate or become discoloured over time. Look for containers that are specifically labelled as acid-free or archival quality.
Choose The Right Size
The storage container you choose should be large enough to accommodate your dress without compressing or crushing it. Ideally, the dress should be able to lie flat without any folds or creases. Avoid containers that are too small, as they can cause the fabric to become wrinkled or creased over time.
Consider The Material
The storage container should be made of a breathable material that allows air to circulate the dress. Avoid containers made of plastic or vinyl, as these materials can trap moisture and cause mildew or mould to form on the fabric. Instead, choose containers made of natural materials like cotton or muslin, which allow air to circulate and keep the dress dry.
Look For A Sturdy Container
The storage container should be sturdy enough to protect your dress from any potential damage. Look for containers with a sturdy lid and a reinforced bottom to prevent the dress from being crushed or damaged during storage.
Your wedding dress can remain in pristine condition while in storage if you follow these guidelines and select the appropriate container.
Fold Your Dress Properly
Avoiding wrinkles, creases, and fabric damage by folding your wedding dress correctly before storing it is essential. Some guidelines for folding your dress neatly for storage:
- Clean the dress: Before folding your dress, make sure it is clean and free of any stains, dirt, or debris. If you haven’t already, consider having your dress professionally cleaned to remove any hidden stains or dirt.
- Use clean hands: Wash your hands thoroughly before handling your dress to avoid transferring any oils or dirt onto the fabric.
- Lay the dress flat: Begin by laying your dress flat on a clean, flat surface. Smooth out any wrinkles or folds in the fabric.
- Fold the sleeves: If your dress has sleeves, fold them in toward the centre of the dress, smoothing out any wrinkles.
- Fold the bodice: Fold the bodice of the dress in half lengthwise, smoothing out any wrinkles as you go.
- Fold the skirt: Fold the skirt of the dress up from the hemline towards the waist, smoothing out any wrinkles as you go. Continue to fold the skirt in half until it is the same width as the bodice.
- Place the dress in a storage container: Carefully place the folded dress in an acid-free storage container. Make sure to fill any empty spaces in the container with acid-free tissue paper to prevent the dress from shifting or becoming wrinkled.
Properly folding your wedding dress before putting it away will help keep it in pristine shape for years to come.
Store In A Cool, Dry Place
Your wedding dress needs to be kept in a cool, dry place to avoid damage from moisture and mould. Here are some suggestions for tucking away that wedding gown:
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Avoid storing your dress in places that are subject to extreme temperatures, such as attics, basements, or garages. These areas can become too hot or too cold, causing damage to the fabric.
- Choose a dark location: Sunlight and fluorescent light can cause discolouration and fading of the fabric, so it’s best to store your dress in a dark location, such as a closet or wardrobe.
- Maintain a consistent temperature: The temperature of the storage location should be consistent, ideally between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Fluctuations in temperature can cause the fabric to expand and contract, leading to damage over time.
- Keep it dry: Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of a wedding dress, as it can lead to mould, mildew, and discolouration. Store your dress in a dry location with low humidity, and consider using a dehumidifier or moisture absorber in the storage container to keep the air dry.
- Store it off the ground: Store your dress off the ground to avoid contact with moisture or pests. Use a shelf or hanging rod to keep the dress elevated and away from any potential hazards.
Keep your wedding dress in excellent shape for years to come by storing it in a cool, dry area.
Conclusion
The beauty and quality of your wedding dress depend on how you store it after the big day. Dresses can be kept in pristine shape by following the measures given below, which include washing, selecting the appropriate storage container, folding, and keeping them in a cool, dry place. You may help preserve your dress as a treasured keepsake for years to come by giving it a thorough cleaning and storing it properly afterwards. Fabrics can be protected against fading, creasing, and other forms of wear and tear with the right kind of storage.
Keep in mind that your wedding dress is an extremely meaningful garment that should be handled with the utmost care. By taking these basic precautions, you can make sure that your dress is still a stunning keepsake long after the big day.