Never do this with your wedding dress

Brides-to-be have been told how to store their wedding dress before and after the big day to prevent discolouration, damage, and mould. Interior experts at Online-Bedrooms.co.uk have named five storage solutions for keeping wedding dresses in perfect condition. 

The gown should be kept away from a basement or loft and instead hung in a wardrobe to reduce the risk of moisture and mildew damage. Fabric garment bags should be used for storage, rather than a plastic covering which may create the perfect environment for mould growth. The day after the wedding, dresses should be taken to a specialist cleaner to remove any stains in order to preserve the gown.

Nic Shacklock from Online-Bedrooms.co.uk said: "Many brides are spending thousands of pounds on their wedding dresses, so it's crucial to take really good care of the gown to prevent any tears to the fabric, or mould damage. "Storing your dress in the wardrobe, hung by the loops rather than the straps, will prevent the fabric from stretching and stop mildew growth. "Wedding dresses should never be covered in plastic before or after the big day, as this could trap moisture.
"If you're using a box to keep the gown in after your wedding day, make sure to use acid-free white tissue paper to prevent further damage or discolouration."

Here's how to store your wedding dress:

1. Avoid plastic Keep your wedding dress stored in a fabric garment bag rather than a plastic covering to keep the dress protected and in a breathable environment. The plastic could create a breeding ground for mould and mildew as any moisture can become trapped.
2. Professional cleaning The day after your wedding day, the dress should be taken to a dry cleaners or a specialist cleaner for dresses and gowns. This will help to preserve the dress as stains can be removed as soon as possible without causing long-lasting damage.
3. Store in the wardrobe It might be tempting to save space and store your dress in a basement or loft, but this will run the risk of exposure to moisture, damp, and mould. Store the gown in a cool, dark and dry place like fitted wardrobes. This will also prevent the dress from turning yellow from sunlight exposure.
4. Use dress hanger loops Wedding dresses should be hung up with the loops rather than the straps or sleeves to stop the fabric from stretching. The loops will take the weight of the dress to prevent any damage. Hang the dress with a thick wooden, or padded fabric hanger rather than a wire alternative, as this could cause rust and tears in the fabric.
5. Acid-free tissue paper If you do choose to use a storage box for your dress after the big day be sure to use acid-free tissue paper or invest in a large acid-free storage box. If not, tissue paper can become acidic over time and cause damage to the dress. Coloured tissue paper, other than white, should also be avoided as this could leak onto the gown.