Wedding Dress Aftercare: What to Do (and Not to Do) After the Big Day

You cried tears of joy, laughed harder than ever, danced until your feet hurt, and made memories you'll cherish for a lifetime—all in your beautiful wedding dress. But now, as your big day fades into a sweet memory, your dress probably shows signs of the celebration. Stubborn makeup smudges, faint champagne splashes, dirt stains along the hem from dancing outdoors—they’re all tiny souvenirs of one of the happiest days of your life.

Now is the time to think about what comes next. Whether you plan to treasure your dress forever, pass it on, or simply ensure its durability through the years, proper aftercare is key. This guide explains everything you should—and should not—do when it comes to post-wedding dress care.

1 | Do Clean Your Dress ASAP

The sooner you clean your wedding dress, the better. Even if it looks clean after your wedding reception, hidden stains like sweat, sugar, or champagne can turn yellow over time. Some stains are completely invisible at first but will oxidize and cause damage you can’t reverse later.

Don’ts:

• Don’t leave your dress hanging in the closet for weeks or months.
• Don’t try to spot clean it yourself with bleach or random household cleaners.
• Don’t assume “invisible” stains won’t show up later—they will.

2 | Do Use a Professional Wedding Dress Cleaning and Preservation Service

Send your dress to a bridal-specific dry cleaner or a reputable wedding dress preservation company, ideally someone who’s cleaned hundreds or even thousands of wedding dresses before. They know exactly how to handle delicate fabrics like lace or silk and how to treat those tricky areas like the hem or underarms. They use special technology to gently clean your dress, remove every type of stain, and then pack it up using museum-grade materials to keep it safe for the long haul.

Don’ts:

• Don’t drop off your dress at a random dry cleaner that doesn’t specialize in bridalwear.
• Don’t go with the cheapest option just to save money—your dress deserves better.
• Don’t skip asking about warranties, certifications, or preservation methods.

3 | Do Choose an Acid-free Preservation Box

A proper preservation box protects your dress from the environment, especially light, moisture, and air. Look for a wedding dress storage box that’s acid-free and lignin-free. These special materials prevent yellowing and keep your dress from breaking down over time.

Many companies offer preservation boxes with a clear viewing window so you can peek at your dress without opening the packaging. It's perfect for memory's sake—and for keeping your dress in top shape.

Don’ts:

• Don’t use the plastic garment bag your dress came in, as those trap moisture.
• Don’t store your dress in a cardboard box from Amazon or a retail store.
• Don’t wrap your dress in newspaper, colored tissue, or anything acidic.

4 | Do Store Your Dress in a Cool, Dark, Dry Place

Once your dress is cleaned and preserved, don’t just shove it in a corner. It needs the proper environment. Find a space with steady, cool temperatures and no direct sunlight—your bedroom closet is a great option.

Avoid attics, garages, or basements. These spots often get too hot, too cold, or too humid, which is a recipe for mold, mildew, or fabric breakdown. Keep it safe, flat, and out of reach from pets or curious children.

Don’ts:

• Don’t store your dress near heating vents, windows, or any place with direct sunlight.
• Don’t keep it in an attic, garage, or basement—those places can have wild temperature swings.
• Don’t place anything heavy on top of the preservation box.

5 | Do Handle the Dress with Clean, Dry Hands

Always wash your hands before handling your dress—or better yet, wear white cotton gloves. Even if you think your hands are clean, they still carry oils that can transfer to the fabric and leave marks over time.

And remember, don’t touch your dress more than you need to. It’s tempting to show it off to friends and family, but every time you open the preservation box, you risk introducing moisture, dust, or other contaminants.

Don’ts:

• Don’t handle the dress with bare or dirty hands.
• Don’t allow pets or children near the dress.
• Don’t wear lotion or perfume before touching the fabric.

6 | Do Include Accessories in Preservation

Your veil, sash, shawl, garter, and other wedding accessories deserve the same care as your wedding dress. These items can be wrapped in acid-free tissue and preserved right alongside your dress. Many companies even include space in the box just for those extra pieces.

If you carried a sentimental handkerchief or had a special bridesmaid gift you want to save, those can be added, too. Just be sure each item is labeled and separated so nothing gets tangled or flattened.

Don’ts:

• Don’t toss your veil or garter into a plastic bag and forget about it.
• Don’t store accessories separately in non-acid-free boxes—they’ll age faster.
• Don’t forget to mention these items when sending your dress for preservation.

7 | Do Read the Dress Label Before Cleaning

Each wedding dress comes with a care label, usually near the zipper or inside the skirt. This label tells you fabric specifications and how it should be cleaned. Some materials can’t handle certain solvents or heat, and that matters a lot when it’s time to clean or preserve it.

Make sure your dress cleaner follows those directions exactly. And if your dress is custom or handmade without a tag, give your cleaner all the information you can about the brand, fabric, and construction.

Don’ts:

• Don’t ignore the label—it’s there for a reason.
• Don’t allow any cleaning process that goes against those instructions.
• Don’t assume all dresses can be dry cleaned the same way—they can’t.

8 | Do Insure and Track Your Shipment (if mailing)

If you ship your dress to a preservation company, especially across the United States, you want full tracking and insurance. This protects your dress from loss, damage, or delay while it's in transit. Many top providers offer prepaid shipping kits with insurance already built in.

Also, keep your shipping label, tracking number, and any customer service emails in one folder—digital or physical—so you can follow up easily if needed.

Don’ts:

• Don’t mail your dress in a box without tracking or insurance.
• Don’t ship your dress in poor packaging or during extreme weather.
• Don’t assume your dress is covered—always ask about shipping policies.