A woman’s wedding dress is one of the most significant pieces of clothing she will own. Therefore, many future brides spend a considerable amount of time, energy, and money searching for the ideal wedding dress to complement their individuality, the wedding’s overall aesthetic, and the occasion.
But have you ever pondered the longevity of a bridal gown? While a wedding dress is meant to be worn only once, its longevity can be affected by factors such as the fabric quality, how it is stored, and how well it is cared for.
In this article, we will discuss how long a wedding dress typically lasts and what you can do to ensure that yours lasts as long as possible. If you’re a future bride or a married woman who already owns a wedding dress, read more to learn how to extend the life of your garment.
How Long Can A Wedding Dress Last?
The quality of the fabric, how it is stored, and how well cared for it are just a few of the aspects that determine how long a wedding dress will last. If it is cared for properly, a wedding dress can last for centuries.
One of the most important aspects of how long a wedding dress will last is the quality of the fabric. Silk and lace are examples of high-quality fabrics that will last longer than their cheaper counterparts. Dresses produced from synthetic textiles like polyester can wear out more quickly than those fashioned from natural fibres.
Another consideration is the final resting place of the dress after the big day. The best way to maintain the dress is to have it dry cleaned by a professional and then put it away in a cool, dry, dark area like a closet or storage box. Fabrics fade and wear out over time when exposed to elements like sunshine and moisture.
Finally, the dress’s longevity can be affected by how well it is cared for before, during, and after the wedding. Brides need to be cautious of how they move in their dresses since any rough handling might ruin the delicate fabric. In addition, any accidents that result in stains should be dealt with right away to avoid permanent discolouration.
When handled with care, a wedding gown can be passed down through the generations and become a priceless keepsake.
Care Instructions For A Wedding Dress
A wedding dress’s longevity and beauty can be protected with regular care and upkeep. Instructions for basic wedding dress maintenance are as follows.
Cleaning
If you want your wedding dress to look beautiful and last a long time, cleaning it is a must. This is not, however, a job that should be approached lightly. The delicate materials and ornate embellishments of most wedding dresses necessitate cautious handling during the cleaning process.
It is suggested that you have your wedding dress cleaned by a professional dry cleaner. They will know how to clean your dress carefully without causing any harm to the fabric or any embellishments. Wedding dresses are notoriously delicate, and regular dry cleaners may not know how to care for them properly.
Stains and discolouration can creep in over time, so it’s best to get your dress cleaned as soon as feasible after the wedding as possible. If you wait too long, it may be impossible to completely remove the stain.
Make sure the cleaner knows about any stains or other trouble spots on your garment before you drop it off for cleaning. After you’ve cleaned and ironed your dress, put it away in a cool, dry, dark place so it doesn’t fade or get damaged.
Storage
Keeping your wedding dress in pristine condition for years to come requires careful storage. A bridal dress’s fragile fabric and ornate embellishments necessitate extra precautions when being stored. Here are some essential considerations:
- Choose a breathable container: Your wedding dress should be stored in a container that allows for air circulation, to prevent moisture buildup and mildew. Avoid plastic bags or containers, as they can trap moisture and cause damage to the fabric. Instead, use an acid-free box made specifically for wedding dresses.
- Store in a cool, dry, and dark place: It’s important to store your wedding dress in a place that is cool, dry, and dark to prevent fading or discolouration over time. Avoid storing the dress in direct sunlight or an area with fluctuating temperature or humidity levels.
- Use acid-free tissue paper: Stuff the bodice and sleeves of the dress with acid-free tissue paper to help prevent creasing. You can also layer the tissue paper between the folds of the dress to prevent creases from forming.
- Handle with care: When handling the dress, always wash your hands first to prevent oils or dirt from transferring to the fabric. Avoid touching the dress excessively or tugging at it, as this can damage delicate fabrics and embellishments.
Protection
You must take care of your wedding dress so it doesn’t get damaged before the big day. The delicate fabric and ornate embellishment of a wedding dress necessitate extra precautions on the big day. Here are some essential considerations:
- Transport the dress carefully: When transporting your dress to and from the wedding venue, use a garment bag and handle the dress with care. Avoid folding or cramming the dress into a small space, as this can cause wrinkles and damage to the fabric.
- Use a protective cover: When getting ready on the wedding day, use a protective cover to shield the dress from makeup, hairspray, and other substances that could stain or damage the fabric. You can use a clean, white sheet or a specifically designed bridal robe.
- Be cautious of jewellery and accessories: Be mindful of jewellery and accessories that could snag or tear the fabric of your dress. Remove any bracelets or rings that could catch on the dress, and be careful when putting on necklaces or earrings.
- Avoid exposure to heat and sunlight: Excessive exposure to heat and sunlight can cause fading and damage to the fabric of your dress. Avoid storing your dress in direct sunlight or near a source of heat, such as a radiator or furnace.
Handling
You must handle your wedding dress with extreme care to avoid ripping or otherwise damaging the fabric and embellishments. How to properly care for your wedding dress is discussed below.
- Wash your hands: Before touching your wedding dress, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to remove any oils or dirt that could transfer to the fabric.
- Lift the dress: When picking up the dress, do so by lifting from underneath the skirt and not by pulling on the bodice or straps. This will help prevent stretching or tearing of the fabric.
- Hang the dress properly: If you need to hang your dress, use a sturdy hanger with wide, padded shoulders to prevent indentations or creases in the fabric. Avoid using a wire hanger, as it can cause the dress to stretch or become misshapen.
- Store the dress properly: When storing your dress, follow the proper storage guidelines to avoid damaging the fabric or embellishments. Use an acid-free storage box, keep it in a cool, dry, and dark place, and use acid-free tissue paper to help prevent creases.
- Be cautious of makeup and jewellery: When putting on your dress, be cautious of makeup, perfume, and jewellery that could snag or stain the fabric. Put on your dress last and try to avoid touching the fabric excessively.
Maintenance
You must take care of your wedding dress so that it stays in excellent shape and doesn’t fade or get damaged over time. How to take care of your wedding dress:
- Get professional cleaning: After the wedding, take your dress to a professional cleaner that specializes in wedding dresses. They will have the expertise to handle delicate fabrics and embellishments properly.
- Check for damage: Before storing your dress, inspect it carefully for any damage, such as tears, loose threads, or missing beads. Any issues should be repaired by a professional before storing them to prevent further damage.
- Store the dress properly: Follow proper storage guidelines to keep your dress in good condition. Store it in an acid-free box with acid-free tissue paper, in a cool, dry, and dark place.
- Handle with care: Whenever you need to handle your dress, do so with clean hands and be gentle. Avoid tugging on the fabric or any embellishments, as this can cause damage.
- Check on the dress periodically: Even if your dress is properly stored, it’s a good idea to check on it periodically to ensure that it remains in good condition. This will allow you to address any issues before they become more severe.
Conclusion
Taking good care of your wedding dress is crucial if you want it to look and feel like new for many years to come, as it is one of the most important and memorable dresses you will ever wear.
Whether you plan to pass your dress down through the generations or simply plan to keep it as a treasured keepsake, taking good care of it is essential to ensure that it retains its beauty and remains in outstanding shape.
Don’t forget to follow the advice we’ve given you for cleaning, storing, protecting, treating, and maintaining your wedding dress so that it retains its wonderful appearance long after the big day.
