How to Care for Your Wedding Gown Before the Big Day

Your wedding gown is more than just a dress. It is a piece of artistry, a personal statement, and a symbol of one of life’s most meaningful milestones. From the moment it enters your hands, your gown deserves careful attention to ensure it looks flawless on your wedding day.

At Wild & White Bridal, we believe that caring for your gown is part of honouring its story — and your own.

Whether your dress is custom-made, vintage, or newly arrived from a boutique, here’s a guide to caring for your gown in the weeks leading up to your celebration. Thoughtful preparation can help prevent creases, stains, or last-minute stress, so you can simply focus on enjoying every moment.

1. Store It in a Cool, Dry Place

Once your gown is in your possession, it’s important to store it correctly. Keep it in a breathable garment bag (never plastic), and choose a cool, dry room away from direct sunlight. Avoid basements or attics, where humidity or temperature changes can affect delicate fabrics.

Pro tip: If your dress has volume or beading, hang it using padded hangers and inner straps. For heavier styles, lay it flat to prevent stretching.

2. Limit Handling

As tempting as it is to peek, try to limit how often you take the dress out. Frequent handling increases the risk of snags, makeup transfer, or accidental spills. If you do need to inspect the gown, always wash your hands first and avoid wearing lotions, oils, or perfumes.

3. Keep It Safe During Travel

If you're travelling for your wedding, invest in a high-quality bridal garment bag. Contact your airline in advance to ask if you can store your dress in the cabin (many will allow it). Avoid checking your gown in with luggage if possible.

Tip for destination weddings: Steam your gown once you arrive, or schedule a local pressing service to remove any travel creases without damaging the fabric.

4. Steam, Don’t Iron

If your dress needs smoothing out before the day, steaming is the safest option. Use a handheld steamer on a low setting and keep it at a safe distance to avoid water spots or heat damage. Always steam from the inside layer out, and never apply direct heat to lace, tulle, or embellished areas.

Not confident? Ask your bridal studio or alterations specialist if they offer pre-wedding steaming services.

5. Schedule a Final Try-On

A week or two before the wedding, schedule a final fitting or try-on session. This gives you time to check that everything fits perfectly, that the hemline sits correctly with your shoes, and that your undergarments or accessories complement the gown.

Don’t forget: Bring your veil, shoes, and any jewellery to see the full picture to ensure nothing catches on the gown.

6. 2–3 Days Before the Wedding

As the day approaches, it’s time to let your gown breathe and settle into its full beauty. A few simple steps in the final days can make all the difference in how your dress looks and feels when it’s time to get ready.

Take your gown out of its garment bag to let it air out naturally.
Hang it up high in a clean, dry space to allow any folds or creases to relax.
If your gown has a long train, gently drape it over the back of a clean chair to prevent bunching on the floor.
Steam the gown if needed, using a handheld steamer on a low setting — always from the inside layer out!
Make sure the gown is completely cool and dry before your wedding morning.

These final touches will help your dress fall beautifully, stay fresh, and be ready for the moment you step into it.

7. Prepare an Emergency Kit

Things happen and being prepared is key. Pack a small bridal emergency kit with items such as:

A sewing kit with white thread
Safety pins and double-sided tape
A white cloth or towel (for quick stain blotting)
A handheld steamer
Fashion tape and spare earring backs

Give this kit to a trusted bridesmaid or coordinator to keep nearby on the day.

8. Transporting It on the Day

On the wedding day, lay your gown flat in the car or hang it upright with plenty of space. Avoid cramming it into the backseat or boot. If needed, ask your venue if they have a designated dressing room or full-length mirror for getting ready.

From First Fitting to ‘I Do’

Your gown is a labour of love, from the hands that crafted it to the story it’s about to tell. At Wild & White Bridal, each piece is made with care, intention, and the highest quality materials to honour that journey.

But even the most thoughtfully made gown needs thoughtful care. From the first fitting to the final walk down the aisle, gentle handling and proper storage will help ensure it looks just as breathtaking on your wedding day as it did the moment you first tried it on.

Ready to begin a story that’s entirely your own.