Wedding dresses are delicate, detailed pieces, adorned with fine lace, hand-sewn beading, silk fabrics, and carefully structured layers that don’t hold up well to time, moisture, or improper handling. So if you want your beautiful piece well preserved, you have to do something other than hang it in the back of your closet. This is a mistake many brides make, not out of carelessness, of course, but simply because they weren’t told how much damage can happen quietly over time.
Want to know which other simple oversights can lead to permanent fabric damage or discoloration? Keep reading—we walk you through seven mistakes to steer clear of if you want to protect your wedding dress the right way.
Mistake #1 | Waiting Too Long to Clean and Preserve the Dress
Your dress might look clean after the wedding, but invisible stains are sneaky. Things like sweat, sugar, makeup, or champagne don’t always show up right away. They can oxidize and turn into dark yellow or brown blotches that are almost impossible to remove. The longer you wait, the more those stains set in. And no, hanging it up in your closet for “just a few weeks” won’t protect it.
Here’s what to do instead:
- Schedule dress cleaning within 2–4 weeks after the wedding.
- Choose a wedding dress preservation company that specializes in bridal fabrics.
- Don’t store the dress until it’s professionally cleaned—even if it looks fine.
Mistake #2 | Choosing the Wrong Dry Cleaner
This one is huge. Not every dry cleaner is qualified to clean wedding dresses. In fact, some use harsh solvents that are fine for everyday sweaters but too aggressive for delicate textiles like lace, tulle, silk, and satin. A cleaner who doesn’t specialize in bridal dress cleaning may shrink your dress, discolor it, or even damage beading and appliqué work. That’s not a risk worth taking.
Instead, ask if they handled wedding dress cleaning before, how they clean, what solvents they use, and if they guarantee no damage.
Mistake #3 | Storing Your Dress in a Plastic Garment Bag
Plastic garment bags may seem like a protective shield, but they’re actually dangerous for long-term storage. Most plastic covers trap moisture and release chemicals that can cause your dress to yellow, develop a musty smell, or break down the fabric over time. They also don’t offer any protection against light or temperature changes—two major enemies of delicate bridal textiles.
Here’s the better move:
- Use an acid-free preservation box with acid-free tissue paper between the folds.
- If you need temporary storage, go for a muslin garment bag, not plastic.
- Avoid any container that isn’t breathable or that traps humidity.
Mistake #4 | Storing It in the Wrong Location
Think twice before tucking your dress into the back of a closet, under your bed, or—worse—up in the attic. Heat, moisture, and light can all destroy your dress, no matter how well it was cleaned. Humidity leads to mildew. Light causes fading. And temperature swings can break down the fibers of your dress, especially if it has delicate elements like silk, sequins, or lace.
Instead, store it smart:
- Pick a dark, cool, and dry spot in your home, ideally in a climate-controlled room.
- Keep it away from bathrooms, kitchens, and windows.
- Don’t place the box directly on the floor or near heating vents.
Mistake #5 | Handling the Dress with Bare Hands
Your fingers carry natural oils that may seem harmless, but over time, those oils can stain or discolor your wedding dress. Even freshly washed hands can leave behind a residue that clings to silk and lace. It’s one of the most overlooked mistakes brides make, especially when showing their dress to friends and family post-wedding.
Next time you handle your dress:
- Always wear clean white cotton gloves if you need to open the preservation box or touch the dress.
- Handle the dress by its seams or inner lining when possible—never by the bodice or sleeves.
- Don’t let children or pets near it during handling.
Mistake #6 | Assuming a Sealed Preservation Box Can’t Be Opened
A lot of brides are told never to open the preservation box, but that’s not always true. If the box is acid-free and properly sealed, it can usually be opened with care. You just need to make sure you don’t expose the dress to damaging elements or handle it the wrong way. Leaving it sealed forever out of fear means you might miss early signs of damage—or not be able to admire or share it with loved ones when you want.
If you do open the box:
- Do it in a clean, dry, and dimly lit room.
- Wear gloves and only open it occasionally—don’t make it a regular thing.
- Reseal the box tightly afterward to keep out dirt, dust, and light.
Mistake #7 | Not Preserving the Accessories
Your veil, garter, gloves, and other accessories were part of the big day, too—and they’re just as vulnerable to stains, humidity, and damage. A lot of brides focus only on the dress and completely forget to preserve the rest. Things like lace veils, beaded sashes, and delicate textile accessories can yellow, fray, or even rot if they’re not cleaned and stored properly alongside your dress.
Here’s what you should do:
- Ask your wedding dress preservation company if they’ll include accessories in the package.
- Wrap each item individually in acid-free tissue before placing them in the box.
- Avoid tossing them into a drawer or leaving them exposed in your closet.
Avoid these Mistakes—Let FOX CLEANERS Safely Handle the Cleaning and Preservation of Your Wedding Dress!
If you want to protect the details, structure, and beauty of your dress—but don’t have the knowhow or tools to do it right—entrust it to the professionals at Fox Cleaners. Our Wedding Dress Cleaning and Preservation Service packaging includes:
- Acid-free tissue paper to cushion delicate fabrics and prevent discoloration
- An acid-free box that shields your dress from light, moisture, and environmental damage
- An acid-free bust form to maintain the original shape and structure of your dress
For inquiries on Wedding Dress Cleaning and Preservation Service availability, pricing, and other cleaning services we offer, call our customer service team at 937-744-7651, or email us at info@thefoxcleaners.com.
