How to Care for Your Wedding Gown Before and After the Big Day

Your wedding gown is more than just a dress you walk down the aisle in. It’s a beautiful representation of love, celebration, happiness and the beginning of a new chapter. While there are so many elements that are bound to make your big day special, preserving your wedding dress can be a wonderful way to retain those unforgettable wedding memories.

From saying yes to the dress that perfectly reflects your style, to walking down the aisle and beyond the ‘I dos,’ we’re here to share everything you need to know about caring for your gown, from start to finish.

Before the Big Day:

You’ve found a modern yet chic wedding dress that reflects your individuality and encapsulates the essence of your big day, but now it’s time to take her home. For many brides-to-be, this can be a nerve-wracking step as you think of all the things that can go wrong. Don’t stress! Take a deep breath and keep these tips in mind:

Find a Good Storage Place: Keep your wedding dress in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight and moisture. Find a low-traffic area in your home to store your dress so you can keep it away from curious hands and prying eyes.

Don’t handle it too often: We know, there’s nothing that gives you butterflies quite like admiring your stunning dress, but try and resist the temptation to check on it. If you’re going to show off your dress, make sure you wash your hands when handling it, as this can help you avoid transferring any stains or dirt. However, try to limit your interaction with your wedding gown to just the occasional visual check, making sure everything looks perfect without handling it too much

Steaming and Pressing: If you follow the proper storage and handling methods, you won’t need to have your wedding dress professional steamed or pressed. Simply hanging your dress high can help avoid any wrinkles. However, if you’re struggling to get any creases out, make sure you take your wedding dress to a professional.
During the Wedding

Makeup and Hair First: Your wedding dress is delicate. Hairspray, perfume and makeup can cause smudges, and one little stain can send you into a full blown panic. To avoid this, get your hair and makeup done before putting on your dress.

Stain Preparedness: Accidents do happen, so it helps to be prepared for them. Try to avoid using harsh products to clean any stains. Keep a stain removal kit handy to tackle any pesky stains, or use our best-kept secret: the Tide-to-Go pen. For makeup or oil food stains, you can apply baby powder to the area. Just make sure you dust away any excess powder.

Have an Emergency Kit: An emergency kit is a lifesaver, so make sure you add it to your checklist. From a mini sewing kit to bobby pins, your emergency kit should include everything that ensures you’re prepared for small beauty blunders or major fashion mishaps.

After the Wedding

Professional Cleaning: Your dress will inevitably pick up dust, sweat and dirt throughout your wedding day. Therefore, it’s always a good idea you send it off to a professional cleaner ASAP to prevent stains from setting in. For guaranteed results, use a professional cleaner who specializes in wedding dresses.

Proper Storage: Whether you want to pass your wedding dress on or keep it as a memento, the best way to do this is by choosing the right storage. Consider storing it in a preservation box, as this method helps remove any existing damage and protects it from environmental elements. This allows you to ensure your wedding dress remains as unique and beautiful as the day you got it.

Long-term Care: Remember, where you store your wedding dress plays a significant role in preserving it. Keep it in a cool, dry and dark place to prevent any discoloration and damage. You should periodically check on your dress to ensure it’s still in good condition. But don’t think about it too much, keep your check-schedule to once a year.

Cherish The Magic

A wedding gown is more than just the fabric. Cherishing the perfect gown means embracing those imperfect yet magical moments that dance with your story and cradle your memories. Discover the perfect gown that captures your unique spirit and creates unforgettable memories at WildBride.

Ready to curate your ultimate wedding experience and find a wedding gown that lets your individuality shine?