Q. What’s the best way to store my dress after the wedding?
A. Simply put, have it cleaned and preserved as soon as possible. “Your dress goes through quite a workout on your wedding day,” says Steve Klinke, vice president of Klinke Cleaners in Madison. “There’s a lot of potential for stains and damage.”
While Klinke realizes that other concerns like the honeymoon could preclude you from sending in your dress shortly after the wedding, the sooner you get it in, the better. Stains can set in just a few days; sooner in a warm environment.
When choosing a preservation company, ask if they use acid-free tissue paper. Also inquire whether they vacuum-seal the dress or store it in a box with a viewing window. Klinke, whose company does the latter, notes that it’s best to check the dress every few years to make sure there’s no damage, which is difficult to do if it’s sealed.
Store the dress in a cool, dry area, away from direct light, which can fade colors and turn fabric yellow. “All these steps are essential,” says Klinke. “It would be a shame to take out the dress 20, 25 years from now and find your daughter can’t wear it.” klinkecleaners.com