You spend a lot of time before the wedding picking out the perfect gown, but don't forget about it after you say "I do." Although you'll probably never wear the dress again, it's a sentimental item that you may want to pass down to your children, so treat it with plenty of TLC.

The preservation of your gown begins even before the wedding. To make sure that the dress looks its best on the big day and for years after, always keep it in a garment bag, and transport it laying flat in the vehicle. Right before putting the dress on, steam out any wrinkles only if it's recommended for the specific type of material it's made of. Always use a low heat steamer setting, especially on delicate fabrics such as silk, lace, and chiffon. 

Don't wear the dress while getting your hair and makeup done to avoid staining from the beauty products and be careful if slipping the dress on over your head. It's best to step into the dress instead if possible.

Here are some tips for caring for and storing your gown after the wedding:

Cleaning and Preservation

While your gown will be bright white on your wedding day, over time it can take on an unappealing yellowish tinge. The bad news is that the unsightly hue may be impossible to remove after it sets in, but the good news is that you can prevent it from happening if you take precautions prior to storage.

Have the dress professionally cleaned as soon as possible, and don't try to treat any stains yourself, as you can damage the fabric. The cleaner will take the time to look for any stains, such as coffee or wine, and work them out. They'll most likely remove any delicate details, such as lace hems or beadwork prior to cleaning, and then replace it afterward. Since the process is so intricate, it could take up to a few weeks to get your dress back.

Storage

When you take the clean dress home, wrap it in white, acid-free paper, and then seal it in a sturdy, air-tight box. Store the dress in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.

If you have to keep the box in a storage unit, make sure it is climate-controlled to avoid mold and mildew damage from humidity. Also, avoid keeping your dress in a basement, unless you have a dehumidifier running to remove excess moisture from the damp space. 

For more tips, contact a local wedding dress shop like  Eva's Bridal International Orland Park.