You've found the wedding dress that will transform you into the bride of your dreams, and if you're purchased a classic dress, you may want to keep it for your children and grandchild to wear at their weddings to start a family tradition... but what will your dress look like 10-20 years from now?

Wedding Dress Storage Services

Many dry cleaners and some specialty shops offer wedding dress storage services. If you choose to utilize these services, you need to ask the business the following questions:

1. Do they clean the wedding dress prior to storage?
2. Is the cleaning process wet or dry?
3. Can you see the wedding dress after cleaning but prior to storage?
4. Will you have easy access to the wedding dress should you require it?
5. How will the wedding dress be packaged? (e.g., plastic, box, hermetically sealed?) Note: Wedding dresses should NOT be stored in plastic bags.
6. Will the wedding dress be stored hung, folded, vertical, or horizontal?
7. Are the fees monthly, annual, or a one-time fee for lifetime storage? 

D.I.Y. Storage Process

Before packaging your dress for preservation, you should get it professionally cleaned. It is best to clean the wedding dress within a week or two of the wedding, since any stains or odors will become more resistant over time.

If you want to package your own wedding dress, using a specially prepared garment box is your best bet. You can purchase these special garment boxes at many cleaners.

Note: This is a time-consuming process, so you do not want to package your wedding dress until you are sure you will not need to remove it from the package again for some time. Wrapping and packaging your wedding dress repeatedly can damage the dress, so wait until you are truly ready to store and preserve your dress long-term before you decide to box it.

To begin the process, fold the wedding gown carefully, without creasing it. Wrap the sleeves under the bodice of the bridal gown, and then fold that back over the skirt. From here, wrap the skirt up and over the top of the bodice. Afterwards, you can continue to fold the gown until it fits neatly into the box. A snug fit is desired, but not too tight. Remember NOT TO FOLD CREASES. The gown should be folded loosely.

Use acid-free tissue paper to place between each of the folds of the dress to help prevent creasing or to keep the fabric from touching other parts of the dress. Since many wedding gowns use special stitching or beads, sequins, or pearls in their design, you do not want these items to scratch or snag the satin or silk fabrics when folded. Placing tissue paper between the folds will help prevent this. Once folded, wrap the wedding gown one more time with acid-free tissue, covering it entirely, before inserting it into the box for storage. Once the dress is boxed, slide it into a dark closet or under the bed... the less light is better.

When you are ready to reuse the dress or remove it, just reverse this process and be careful to not snag or pull too roughly when removing the wedding dress from the box. By following this process you should be able to preserve the beauty and design of your wedding dress for the years to come.