How to store your wedding dress?

Short answer

Store your dress in a breathable, acid-free box in a cool, dark, dry place away from sunlight and damp. Keep it off the floor and check it every year or so.

Before you pack it away, make sure the dress is clean. Even invisible stains like sugar or wine can turn yellow with time, so get it professionally cleaned and confirm the cleaner uses acid-free materials. Never store it in a plastic dry-cleaning bag, as plastic traps moisture and can cause mould or fabric degradation. Instead, wrap the dress in acid-free tissue paper and place it in an archival-quality box. This protects the fabric from dust, light and air exposure.

Choose a storage spot that stays cool and dry all year round. A cupboard or under-bed space in a bedroom is usually better than a loft, garage or basement, where temperature swings and dampness are common. Sunlight can fade delicate fabrics and embroidery, so keep the box out of direct light. You might also want to lay the dress flat rather than hanging it for long periods, as heavy beading or lace can stretch the shoulders over time.

Every year or two, take the box out and gently air the dress in a shaded room. Check for any signs of yellowing, mould or pests, and re-fluff the tissue paper so it does not crease the fabric. If you plan to keep it for a child or grandchild, consider having a specialist re-wrap it to ensure the materials remain safe for decades.