How to Store a Wedding Dress: The Ultimate Guide

So you’ve just got married, and you’re now wondering ‘how to store a wedding dress’. When you’re buying your dream dress, storage after the wedding isn’t likely to be on the top of your list of priorities. However, your wedding dress is more than just fabric and thread; it’s a cherished keepsake, a memory of one of the most important days of your life. Whether you plan to preserve it for a future generation, sell it, or simply hold on to it for sentimental reasons, proper storage is the best way to preserve a wedding dress and prevent damage.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to store a wedding dress properly and the best way to store a wedding dress to maintain its beauty and memory.

Clean Your Dress Immediately After the Wedding

One of the best ways to preserve a wedding dress is by making sure your dress is professionally cleaned before being stored away. Stains from sweat, food, makeup, or even clear liquids like champagne can set over time and cause permanent yellowing or fabric breakdown. Even if it looks clean to the naked eye, hidden stains can surface years later.

Choose the Right Storage Materials

When looking into how to store a wedding dress, it is important to carefully consider the storage materials you use. Avoid using plastic garment bags or ordinary hangers, as they can trap moisture and cause mould or rust. Instead, opt for materials that are acid-free and breathable.

What you’ll need:

• Acid-free tissue paper: To stuff and wrap delicate areas like sleeves, bodices, and pleats.
• Acid-free storage box or cotton garment bag: These help prevent discolouration and allow air circulation.
• Muslin cloth or unbleached cotton cover: For added protection if you’re hanging the dress.

The best way to preserve a wedding dress in storage is to avoid using coloured tissue paper, vacuum-sealed bags, or anything that could leach chemicals onto the fabric.

To Hang or Not to Hang?

Deciding what the best way to store a wedding dress is comes down to the specifics of each dress. Factors such as fabric and construction will come into play; here are some top tips when deciding whether to hang your dress or not. 

Hang it if:

• The dress is lightweight.
• It has minimal beading or embellishments.
• It has strong, reinforced straps.

Use a padded hanger and secure the dress by its interior loops, not the actual shoulders, to prevent stretching

Fold it if:

• The dress is heavy or has intricate detailing.
• It has a long train or delicate lace.

When folding, place acid-free tissue paper between folds to prevent creases and stress on the fabric.

Store in a Cool, Dry, Dark Place

Sunlight, humidity, and fluctuating temperatures can cause irreversible damage. A cool, dry, and dark environment is the best way to store a wedding dress. Avoid areas such as basements, attics or closets near bathrooms or kitchens,

Consider a Storage Unit

If you’re short on space at home or want extra peace of mind, one of the best ways to store a wedding dress is in a self storage unit. These units maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels, protecting your dress from mildew, pests, and yellowing.

The best way to preserve a wedding dress in a storage unit is by making sure to elevate the box off the floor with shelving or pallets, and don’t stack heavy items on top.

Check on Your Dress Periodically

It’s a good idea to inspect your dress once a year. Open the storage container carefully (with clean hands!), check for signs of moisture, discolouration, or fabric stress, and re-fold the dress to prevent permanent creases.

If you’ve stored it in a storage unit, plan a quick annual visit to ensure everything is in good condition.

Now you know how to store a wedding dress

Learning how to store a wedding dress correctly is the key to preserving its elegance and sentimental value. Whether you’re holding onto it as a treasured keepsake, passing it down, or simply keeping it safe, these steps will ensure your gown remains in pristine condition for years to come.

At Magenta Self Storage, we understand that your belongings are more than ‘just stuff’. Our clean and secure units provide the perfect environment for long-term dress storage. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help preserve your wedding day memories.