Keep Your Gown Pristine Before You Walk Down the Aisle

Your wedding dress is more than just fabric—it’s the heart of your ceremony. Before the big day, knowing how to store your wedding dress properly can prevent creases, stains, and last-minute stress.

At Chicago Wedding Dress Cleaners, we help brides across Naperville and Richmond protect their gowns with professional care, and today we’re sharing our expert tips with you.

Why Storage Matters Before the Wedding?

Improper storage can cause:

• Wrinkles that won’t press out easily

• Yellowing from trapped moisture

• Snags or tears if hung incorrectly

Even if your dress is brand new, it’s still vulnerable. Whether you’ve just picked it up or had it altered, how you store it directly impacts how flawless it will look on your wedding day.

Use a Breathable Garment Bag (Never Plastic!)

Plastic garment bags can trap humidity and off-gassing chemicals that may cause the fabric to yellow or become damaged. Instead, use a cloth-based, breathable bag designed for wedding gowns. This allows air to circulate while shielding the dress from dust and light.

Want even more protection? Ask about our Pre-Wedding Gown Pressing service to remove any wrinkles right before your big day.

Hang or Lay Flat — Based on Fabric and Weight

• Heavier gowns with beading or layered skirts should be stored flat in a preservation box to avoid stretching.

• Lighter gowns can be hung using inner garment loops, never from the shoulders, which can warp the shape.

If you’re unsure how to handle your dress, our team offers guidance and expert wedding dress cleaning services before your ceremony.

Avoid Sunlight, Heat & Moisture

Store your dress:

• In a cool, dark, dry space (like a bedroom closet)

• Away from kitchens, basements, and attics

• Off the floor and far from pets or children

Still worried? Our team at Algonquin and Afton Center is here to ensure your dress is protected from every angle.

Planning a Destination Wedding?

Flying or traveling with your dress? Fold it carefully with acid-free tissue paper between layers and keep it in a travel-approved garment bag. Don’t pack it in checked luggage—always carry it on the plane.

Consider having it professionally touched up after travel with our Emergency Gown Cleaning or last-minute wrinkle removal services.

Long-Term Preservation After the Wedding

Once the wedding is over, don’t leave your dress in a closet for years. Our gown preservation service ensures it stays protected from yellowing, stains, and fading. Discover the key differences between long-term care and temporary pre-wedding storage.

We also offer gown restoration for older or heirloom pieces, including vintage fabric work and detailed repairs.

💬 FAQs

Can I hang my wedding dress before the wedding?

Yes, but only if it’s lightweight and hung by the internal loops. Heavy gowns should be stored flat in a box.

Should I store my dress in plastic?

No—plastic traps moisture. Use a breathable cloth garment bag instead.

What if my dress wrinkles on the wedding day?

Book our pre-wedding pressing service—we’ll safely and quickly remove all creases.

Where should I store my wedding dress before the wedding?

Store it in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a closet, away from sunlight, heat, and moisture.

What is the best way to preserve a wedding dress?

Use a breathable cloth garment bag, avoid plastic, and hang the gown by inner loops—not the shoulders.

How to store your wedding dress until the big day?

Hang it carefully in a breathable bag or lay it flat with acid-free tissue. Schedule pressing if needed.

How to Store a Wedding Dress to Prevent Yellowing?

Please keep it away from light and humidity. Use acid-free materials and never seal them in plastic.

✨ Final Tip

Your gown should be as ready as you are. Don’t leave anything to chance—store it with care, love, and expert help.

📞 Call Chicago Wedding Dress Cleaners to schedule pressing or cleaning before your big day. We’re here to help your gown look picture-perfect—because your day deserves nothing less.