How to Care for Your Bridesmaid Dress

After acknowledging the shopping etiquette and probably a great end to the bridal shower, you receive the bridesmaid dress that you ordered online, but you’re still a ways from the line on the wedding timeline. That is to say, you need to care for your dress at home.

Every bridesmaid knows the thrill of saying yes to the dress, but what happens after the big I do? Today, we’re diving deep into the art of preserving that special gown from the moment you first slip it on to long after the wedding bells have faded. From essential bridesmaid dress care tips to ingenious ideas for giving your dress a second life, this guide promises to turn your bridesmaid investment into a timeless piece of your wardrobe.

Pre-Wedding Prep: Keep Your Bridesmaid Gown Pristine Before the Big Day

Essentially, it’s all about being proactive and giving your bridesmaid dress the care it deserves, setting the stage for a flawless debut. By showing your dress some love and attention now, you're not just preparing for the big day – you're ensuring it remains a showstopper. Take below as a reminder to prevent unconscious harm to your bridesmaid dress.

Equip a breathable garment bag and a padded hanger

Your dress is a VIP guest at this wedding, so let's treat it like one. Whip out that breathable garment bag (the one you swore you'd use for something important) and let your dress hang out there, preferably on a padded hanger. This isn't just any old closet campout; this is about providing a safe haven from those pesky wrinkles and the dreaded color fade that sunlight can bring.

Special care for delicate embellishments

Delicate features like beading or lace make your dress pop, but they also need extra care. We're talking about a no-rough housing zone – don’t throw your dress on the bed or floor, and don’t fold it because the beading can snag the fabric on your skirt.

Ask for help when dressing

We know that resisting the siren call of trying on that fabulous dress hanging in your closet can feel like an Olympic sport. It practically whispers your name every time you walk by, right? But hold up—before you dive into yet another try-on session, let's talk strategy. Each time you try it on, it could leave you with pesky makeup smudges, unwanted perfume stains, or, heaven forbid, a little tear. Yikes!

So, if you must parade around in your bridesmaid dress before the big event, make it a special occasion in itself. Create a pristine, controlled environment—think clean hands, minimal makeup, and a drama-free zone (no kids and pets). And why not invite a trusty friend over to lend a hand? They can help with zippers, fluffing, and ensuring you look stunning without the stress. Remember, keeping that dress flawless is all part of the fun!

S.O.S - How to Spot Clean Your Bridesmaid Dress During the Wedding

Oh, the unexpected adventures of weddings! One minute, you're tearing up the dance floor; the next, you're staring down a pesky stain on your stunning bridesmaid dress. Whether it's a splash of red wine or a dab of makeup, don't let panic set in. Instead, arm yourself with some spot-cleaning savvy to tackle those oops moments like a pro.

• The first rule of fight club—er, we mean stain removal: blot, don't rub.

Find yourself a clean, white cloth or napkin and gently dab at the culprit. Rubbing might be your first instinct, but it's like inviting the stain to spread out and get comfortable. We're aiming for eviction, not accommodation.

• Cool water is your first go-to teammate in this mission.

Often, a little water and some tender blotting action are all you need to send that stain packing. But if the spot's stubborn, it's time to bring in the reinforcements—a mild detergent or a fabric-appropriate stain remover. Just a tiny drop on your white cloth can make a big difference.

• And remember, time is of the essence.

The sooner you address the stain, the less likely it is to become a permanent memento of the day.

Weddings are full of surprises, but your reaction to a sudden stain doesn't have to be one of them. With these quick fixes, you can ensure your bridesmaid dress lives to see many more celebrations. Let's keep the focus on making memories, not marks!

Post-Wedding Bridesmaid Dress Care - Keeping the Memories Without the Stains

Once the party's over and your bridesmaid dress has danced its last dance (for now). It's time to show it some post-party love. First thing on the agenda? A spa day for your gown. We're not just tossing it in the washer and calling it a day. Oh no, we're treating this beauty with the respect it deserves.

Check that label – it's your dress's way of whispering how it likes to be pampered. Dry clean only? It's time for a trip to the pros. Safe to hand wash? Prepare a gentle bath with mild soap.

Once your dress is fresh and clean, it's all about keeping it in tip-top shape.

Find a cool, dry spot away from the sunlight's reach. Put it in the back of your closet in the breathable garment bag. Any time you want to see or wear it, unzip the bag carefully by putting your finger on the inside of the zipper. This will keep the zipper from getting snagged on the fabric of your dress, creating runs or tears.

Bridesmaid Dress Care Varies in Fabrics

Different fabrics require different care. What’s your pick? Gentle caring is key to maintaining your bridesmaid dress, but subtle differences in storing, washing, drying and ironing. We’ve gotcha! Let’s skim caring tips for 9 common bridesmaid dress fabrics!

Maybe you are yelling for being able to use machine washing, but there are still some imperative common tips to take on board before you put your bridesmaid dress in the laundry:

• Cool water
• Mild detergent
• Turn the dress inside out to prevent fading
• Mesh laundry bags: Protect your bridesmaid dress from pilling and stretching while cycling.
• Low-spin cycle: High spins may bring excessive friction and cause damage to your bridesmaid dress.
• For thick fabrics like velvet, agitate and soak it for up to 15 minutes for better stain-exceeding.

Recreate Your Bridesmaid Dress

And here we are, at the fun part, where your bridesmaid dress gets its second act! Who says the end of the wedding means the end of your dress's journey? Not us. It's time to get those creative juices flowing and transform that gorgeous gown into something you'll wear regularly. Think of it as your dress’s encore.

You can break it down or add elements to renew it!

Add embellishments. First up, envision chopping that elegant floor-length number into a sassy cocktail dress that screams, "I'm here for a good time." If you're all about versatility, why not add some detachable elements? Imagine a strap that switches up its game for different looks. Or perhaps you're eyeing that sexy side slit and thinking, "Can we crank it up a notch?" Yes, yes, you can.

Transform it into accessories. For those with a crafty side, why not take parts of the dress to accessorize other outfits? A satin sash can become a chic headband or a statement belt. Beads and embellishments? Hello, new dazzling clutch or jewelry.

The moral of the story: Your bridesmaid dress is far from a one-hit wonder. With a bit of imagination and a sprinkle of daring, you can keep that dress front and center in your wardrobe. Here's to many more standing ovations for your newly reinvented fashion masterpiece!

In a Nutshell

Forewarned is forearmed. This caring guide will help you keep the bridesmaid dress shining from the moment it arrives at your hand to the big day you stand beside the bride, it seems like we’re there for you. Just feel free to share the joy with your BFF to your heart’s content!

Bridesmaid Dress Care FAQs

Should you dry clean a bridesmaid dress?

It’s up to your dress. Some are washable, while some dyes or finishes are incapable of being exposed to water. So, you should check if the tag reads ”dry clean only”, yes? OK, take it to a professional.

Can I wash a chiffon bridesmaid dress?

Absolutely you can! Either hand washing or machine washing is available, but chiffon is easy to pucker and snag, don’t worry, we’ve got it covered! Here is our cleaning guide to chiffon bridesmaid dresses.

Can you iron a bridesmaid dress?

Some bridesmaid dresses are preferable for a steamer, but if you don’t have one at your hand, low-temperature use is OK. Also, make sure you have a towel placed in between the dress and the iron to protect the fabric.

Is it OK to rewear a bridesmaid dress?

Yes, feel free to bestow a second life on your bridesmaid dress! From a cocktail to even another wedding as a guest dress, it’s also interesting to find matching events for your dress, and flexibly, accessorize a belt or a choke, you’ll get a renewed look!