Postponed Wedding? Here’s How to Store Your Dress
Picked up your wedding dress before lockdown? Here’s how you can store your dress and keep that baby safe and sparkling… (This obviously all still applies after your wedding day if you want to keep your dress safe and sound, too.)
Brides, If you’ve had to postpone or cancel your wedding day for the moment, I’m sorry the universe has conspired against your big day (for now). I hope you’ve treated yourself to at least a bit of self-pity… (If you need a bit of a sob, I highly recommend sticking on the first 5 minutes of the Pixar movie Up. Works every time for me!)
While postponing is of course the right thing to do, I know how hard it is to have to suddenly change everything having already planned out – and dreamed about – your big day. So here are some tips to keep your wedding dress looking as clean and fresh as possible while you wait to get a new date in the diary.
And remember, #ItWillHappen,
Jess x
Well Hung: The Best Way to Hang Your Wedding Dress
Couldn’t resist the innuendo – sorry!
First up, if your wedding dress has hanging loops – the ribbon loops usually inside the dress, under the arms on the side seam – make sure you use them. Pop the hanging loops around the hanger so that they take the weight of the dress instead of the straps. This is especially important if you have a lace or tulle wedding dress, as it prevents any stretching caused by the weight of the skirt.
If hanging your wedding dress full-length isn’t practical, it may also be worth storing it in a box or laying it out flat.
I’d always recommend getting your wedding dress professionally cleaned and packed if you’re planning to store it long-term after the wedding. Just make sure you always use acid-free tissue as packing material.
Keep it in the Dark: How to Store Your Wedding Dress Before Your Wedding
Naturally there’s a big temptation to keep getting your wedding dress out, gazing at it and getting all dreamy-eyed... But do try to keep it safe from sunlight (which can bleach/discolour the material), as well as prying eyes with sticky fingers.
Even while we’re all being extra careful about washing our hands lots, your fingers still have natural oils in the skin, and over time excessive caressing of that gorgeous fabric can take its toll.
Be Cool: The Right Temperature for Storing your Wedding Dress
Wherever you’re storing your wedding dress, make sure the ambient temperature is Goldilocks levels of just right. Not too warm, and of course never damp.
We provide all our brides with a breathable fabric bag, so I would keep the dress hung in this if possible. There is usually plastic inside to protect the dress during transport, but ideally I would take this off to give the dress chance to breath within the bag.
Come Up Smelling of Roses: Keeping Your Wedding Dress Fresh
Remember that fabrics (especially the delicate ones) do absorb smells, so try to store your wedding dress away from the kitchen and any food odours.
And once you’ve worn the dress, get it dry-cleaned asap. The sooner this is done, the better the result.
Check the Small Print: Wedding Dresses and Insurance
Have a quick check of your home’s contents insurance policy or wedding insurance (if you have it) so you know exactly what’s covered if the worst happens while it’s being stored.
Get Dates in the Diary: Wedding Dresses and Alterations
Last but certainly not least, if you haven’t already had your wedding dress altered, make sure your boutique or alterationist knows about your new wedding date and has it in their diary.
The effects of the pandemic will mean that next season could be pretty busy, so get in early and make sure you’re top priority.
P.S. Had to postpone your summer wedding and thinking about a winter date instead? Check out our next blog on changing your wedding dress with the seasons.