Prevent Your Wedding Dress From Yellowing

Wedding dresses discolour or show signs of ‘yellowing’ because of how they are kept and what the fabric lies next to. Most items contain some form of acid that will pass into the white of the dress and show as discolouration. The Empty Box Company is expert at storing dresses, having handmade wedding dress preservation boxes for 38 years, so we know what how to store a dress correctly!

Our Wedding Dress Boxes are made from unique board that is pH neutral, specially milled for us in the UK, and 100% recycled. Its pH neutral properties prevent acid and alkali being taken up by the fabrics of your dress and causing discolouration or yellowing, or spotting. The boxes are made from rigid board rather than corrugated, and they do not flat pack, which results in a far sturdier box that is designed to last the lifetime of your dress. The boxes have been known to protect from fire and flood damage.

Top Tips for Storing your Wedding Dress

Imagine taking your wedding dress out to show your children and it is as perfect and white as the day you wore it?

Believe it or not, this is easy to achieve! Here are some top storage tips for keeping your dress in perfect condition after the wedding!

Even if you are thinking of selling your dress, it needs to be stored well for the next bride; selling may not happen straight away, & you don’t want a discoloured dress to sell!

  1. Have your dress cleaned by a Dry Cleaner who specialises in cleaning wedding dresses. Even stains you cannot see now, show up in time.
  2. Avoid the wardrobe! Your dress may become crumpled, pulled on the hanger and wood will cause discolouration.
  3. A plastic dress cover will disintegrate in time and leave harmful particles on your dress so it is best not to store in this. A white cotton duvet cover is better but only temporarily.
  4. Purchase a special pH neutral Wedding Dress Box in which to put your dress, such as those made by The Empty Box Company. Established for 38 years, we know how beautiful your dress can be kept in one of our Wedding Dress Boxes! A normal box will caused yellowing within months.
  5. The box also needs to be really well made & sturdy to protect your dress properly.
  6. Choose a box you love! The box and dress will be with you for many years!
  7. Pack the dress carefully with acid free tissue, placing it between the layers. A good wedding dress storage box should provide this (such as The Empty Box Company’s), with packing instructions.
  8. Separate your dress from other items e.g. shoes, tiara, as these are all made of different materials that could affect your dress.
  9. Avoid keeping your dress in the attic, even in a box, as there will be humidity changes, damp & insects.
  10. Keep the Wedding Dress Box in a dry spare room, away from light, heat and damp.
  11. Enjoy your dress! Take it out from time to time, as this helps any creases not become too permanent, and remember that special day!
  12. After one of the most special days of your life, you have just your photos, your dress (and a gorgeous husband, of course!) but looking after them properly keeps those memories safe!

For even more detail, see our Dos and Don’ts of Storing a wedding dress.

The Empty Box Company, established for 38 years, are experts in our field, & we know how safely & beautifully your dress can be kept in one of our Wedding Dress Boxes! Our boxes have even protected dresses from fire & flood, so you can rest assured your dress will be kept & preserved safely for the years to come. All our boxes come with acid free tissue paper and details on how to pack the dress plus storage advice.

Latest Reviews

I had three Bespoke Hat Boxes made for me all those years ago (1993) in my left over French wall paper I had in my London bathroom. It was a very grand bathroom. I've moved since, always with these boxes. To the Cotswolds, to Saint Remy de Provence, and now to Naples, Florida. They are going to be someone's long after I am gone. Much adored, thank you! My boxes are beautiful, I'm so glad I found you all those years ago. I just discovered too your splendid YouTube channel. Thank you for opening new doors!
Just wanted to say thank you so much for my daughter's wedding travel box. Absolutely exquisite! The quality and heart pattern of the box is perfect for any bride to accompany her wedding dress abroad. Such a special time for any lady! The calligraphy as well is impeccable! Thank you again to you and your team for helping us make such an important personal occasion stress free.
I have recently received my order from you, and would just like to thank you all so much for my wedding dress box. It was a surprise to see such a wonderful designed box, which had a lot of storage space. I have searched high and low for a large box and have only been successful with yourself.
Very rarely in this busy world we lead do I feel strongly enough to put “pen to paper” however having taken delivery of my wedding dress travel box this morning I feel compelled to write to you! I must admit that initially, I hesitated about placing an order for what seemed effectively like just an empty box. Well, I stand corrected! The box is absolutely stunning and of amazing quality – I simply had to express my thanks for supplying such a beautiful product. Rest assured it will be displayed with pride on top of my wardrobe.
Wow! What a beautiful box for my wedding dress. It was so sad to pack my dress away, but your box was just perfect. My Mum thought I was ordering just an ordinary plain box! No way! Thank you so much.
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