Wedding Dress Disaster 3 Days Before the Big Day!

The tireless planning that goes into organising a wedding, let alone a destination wedding, deserves an accolade unto itself! And yet, even the most detailed plans can go awry.  

Whether you're a bride-to-be or if you have already celebrated your special day, you need to take note of how NOT to store your wedding dress and the best option for bridal garment bags.

This is what my girlfriend Amanda discovered when she checked her wedding dress and veil THREE DAYS before departing to Bali for her wedding. 

Amanda purchased her wedding dress six months prior to her special day, and none-the-wiser, she had it stored in a “protective” fully-sealed cardboard box with acid-free tissue paper.

When Amanda did her final pack three days before her departure, she checked to see that her wedding dress and veil were all intact. Upon removing her dress out of the box … DISASTER STRUCK!

She noticed her beloved wedding gown, a French-Lace bodice and slimline skirt with intricate hand-beading, were completely ruined. The skirt and veil had faired the most damage, revealing a yellowish discolouration of the lace, which was caused by storing her dress and veil in the fully-sealed cardboard box in hot and humid temperatures in her wardrobe with little to no fresh air circulating through. 

As Amanda was leaving for Bali in 3 days you can imagine her panic along with all the last minute 'To-Do's' on her list.

With no time to spare, she immediately called and visited a highly reputable dry cleaner to check if they could remove the yellow discolouring on the lace. To her dismay (and heartbreak), the dry cleaner regrettably told her that nothing could be done as the discolouration was irreparable and permanent.

Determined to find a solution to this unexpected mishap, Amanda then called her dressmaker (as a last resort), hoping that she could remake the skirt and veil in record time. She luckily agreed but with an extra (unanticipated) cost to the bride. 

Most brides don't have this option, as it generally takes 6 - 12 months to order and make a wedding dress. Lucky for my friend Amanda, Lady Luck was on her side! The dressmaker saved the day. Amanda's veil and the bodice were made just in time for her Bali destination wedding.

Amanda looked absolutely stunning on her wedding day. The Bali weather was superb, and the scenery was the perfect backdrop for her destination wedding. Beautiful.  

Wedding Dress Preservation and Storage Options

How you store your wedding dress before and after your big day can have huge consequences on the longevity and preservation of your beloved gown and the cherished memories it holds.

Your wedding dress is a memorable piece that will last a lifetime. 

So, taking care of and preserving your dress should be your first priority.

Wedding Dress Boxes

Wedding gown boxes are great for short term storage, but they can leave permanent creases in your gowns (as your gown is folded inside) when stored long term. This method of bridal dress storage can also affect the delicate fabrics of your wedding dress, as no fresh air can penetrate through the box to nourish the fibres and keep the gown supple and well-maintained throughout the years.

If you have stored your gown in a wedding box, when was the last time you checked on it? Six months ago? 5 years ago or more? If you haven't checked it recently, I recommend you do so.

PRO TIP | It is recommended that if you are storing your wedding dress in a box or, ideally, in a 100% cotton storage bag, you should place acid-free tissue paper between the folds to preserve the delicate fabrics and protect the beading and embellishments.

Not only to reminisce about your special day but also to check if your gown has discoloured or faded in any way (especially around the buttons, zips, and lace) or if the delicate fabrics have deteriorated in any way. Similar to what happened to Amanda's dress. 

Ladies normally store their wedding dress boxes up high, out of the way, in their wardrobe, closet, spare room - or low-and-behold - in the garage where little to no fresh air can circulate in and around the boxed gown. If any of these rooms back onto a moisture-filled area such as your bathroom, your ensuite, shower, or wet area, the trapped condensation can accelerate mould and mildew build-up if no adequate ventilation is present. 

It is this lack of air circulation coupled with hot and humid storage conditions that can cause further and sometimes irreparable damage to your stored gown, particularly when stored long term in these types of boxes. You may also find that the outside of the box can deteriorate, crumble or become disfigured over time.

When you get 5 minutes, yes, just 5 minutes, please check your precious gown to make sure your gown is well protected against these elements.  

100% Cotton Bridal Garment Bag

Storing your bridal gown after your big day is super important.

Kazzi Kovers bridal dress garment bag is a soft cream colour, and it offers unparalleled care and preservation for your wedding dress before and after your big day. Our eco-friendly wedding dress cover not only protects your dress from the elements but also preserves your dress for years to come due to the breathable, natural, 100% cotton fabric.

Each bag is beautifully made and boasts a full 165 cm in length and 65 cm in width with a 10 cm gusset, so your gown sits comfortably in the bag with plenty of room to spare. Our bridal garment bag is fully enclosed and is designed to protect your gown from elements such as dust, dirt, mould, mildew, and nasty insects, especially moths and silverfish.

When stored properly, our premium bridal dress bags prevent discolouration, fading, and broken spots due to the natural cotton fabric. The breathable cotton material allows sufficient air to circulate in and around your cherished gown. You just need to make sure that your gown has space, about 3 - 5 cm on either side of your gown, and that it is not jam-packed like sardines in your storage space. Your gown will be well-preserved for years to come.  

EXTRA LONG Bridal Cover

Extra Long Bridal Cover for the fullest of bridal gowns.

Size Centimetres: 185 cm (H) x 80 cm (L) x 40 cm (Width/Gusset)

Size Inches: 72.8" (H) x 31.5" (L) x 15.7" (Width/Gusset)

The Extra Long Bridal Cover is incredibly spacious and designed to accommodate more robust wedding gowns and skirts. The dress cover includes two cotton loops (at the bottom) and two full-length side zips with a 40 cm gusset (width) for easy access and storage. 

Ideal for Long Bridal Gown | Princess Gown | Ball Gown | Trumpet Gown | Dress With A Full Skirt. For example, Tulle | Dress With A Long Train | Dress with a Long Train and Veil. Eg. Cathedral Veil.

PRO TIP | Roll Your Train. When travelling with or storing your gown, it is better to ROLL a long train with acid-free tissue paper in between the folds than it is to FOLD a long train. 

Rolling reduces creases and is more nurturing towards delicate fabrics, especially when stored long term. The acid-free tissue paper creates a protective barrier between the delicate and embellished fabrics.

 

 Bridal Garment Bag | Features

• Material | 100% Cotton 
• Zipper | Nylon
• Colour | Cream
• Breathable | Acid Free | Lightweight | Hygienic | Low Maintenance
• Protection against dirt, dust, insects (especially moths), mould, mildew and moisture build-up
• Allows fresh air to circulate in and around your wedding dress due to the breathable natural cotton fabric
• Preserves and protects your gown unfolded
• For travelling with your dress on your wedding day
• For storage of your wedding gown after your big day
• Safeguards against fading and discolouration
• Reinforced hanger opening to securely hold and store your dress
• Two double stitched, strong cotton loops are sewn in at the bottom for your convenience. The loops make it easy for you to fold the bag over when travelling to and from your wedding destination
• Suitable for short and long term storage
• Machine washable in cold water
• For Home | Storage | Business | Travel | Hotel Purposes. 

They are simply perfect and practical, even if we do say so ourselves!

Wedding Dress Checklist

• Have your wedding gown professionally dry cleaned soon after your wedding day.
• Store your dress in a 100% Cotton Kazzi Kovers Garment Bag for preservation, longevity and protection against dust, dirt, mould and mildew.
• You can store your veil with your dress, but make sure it is wrapped in white acid-free tissue paper or an old white cotton t-shirt.
• Ideally, your gown should be stored in the darkest place possible to avoid indirect light and pesky insects (especially moths).
• Do not use wire or plastic hangers, as they do not offer the necessary support for your gown. Over time, these cheap materials will inevitably damage your dress and may leave a permanent imprint on it.
• A quality wood hanger is recommended for short and long term storage of your wedding dress.
• Do not store your gown in plastic or non-woven garment bags - they do not allow air to circulate through your gown; this type of bag will crumble into a million fragments, leaving your wedding dress exposed to the elements. 
• Ensure that you leave a space of 3 - 5 cm on either side of your stored wedding dress to allow fresh air to flow through the bag and your wedding dress. This is essential in protecting the gown from mould, mildew and other elements, as it gives your gown space to breathe.
• Kazzi Kovers Cotton Garment Bags provide easy access to your dress with the full-length side zip. There is no awkward refolding required like boxed methods.
• Periodically (once every 1 - 2 years), take the dress out and shake it so unnatural creases do not form. Also, allow the dress to breathe outside the garment cover to preserve it and then return to storage.

I hope that these tips help preserve the longevity of your gown so you can enjoy it, cherish it, and love it for years to come.

Thanks for reading.  

Remember, ‘Love it, Cover it!®.’  with Kazzi Kovers.

Updated | 8th April 2025

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Kazzi Kovers Founder | Maria Kazzi

Kazzi Kovers takes pride in providing safe and natural alternatives to Protect, Organise, Store and Travel with our range of premium covers and accessories.

See Kazzi Kovers for our full suite of products, blogs, tips and updates.

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SHOP NOW | GARMENT BAGS

Regular | Large | Combo Pack Available

Ideal For 

• Storage and Travel | For all types of fabrics and garments, including suits, coats, gowns, dresses, jackets, embellished and delicate pieces.
• Business Travel | For suits, dresses, coats, jackets, ties.
• Bride/Groom | Wedding dress, bridesmaid dress, mother-of-the-bride, men's suits and tuxedos. (After your big day, you can store your dress in the Kazzi Kovers Garment Bag to preserve its longevity/heirloom.) 
• Wedding | Travel with your wedding dress on the big day locally or for your destination wedding. Ideal for bridesmaid dresses, flower girl dress, Mother-of-the-Bride. Grooms and groomsmen. 
• Delicate and Embellished Garments: Dresses, costumes, heirlooms, one-off pieces, kaftans, saris, jabots, bar/barrister gowns and robes, + more.
• Fashion Events | For designers, models, and garment protection during transit.
• Dance | Dance costumes, sequined dresses, leotards, tutus, outfits.
• Vintage Clothing | Protect your priceless vintage pieces, including dresses, coats, jackets, fabrics and preserve fabric integrity
• Equestrian and Sporting Attire | For all events. Also, for home and storage purposes.
• Cruises and Black Tie Events | Our garment bags fold easily in your suit case. Pack and protect your dresses, gowns or suits etc., when travelling.
• And more.

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NEW! | BLACK & WHITE GARMENT BAGS | 100% Cotton

Kazzi Kovers Black and White Garment Bags are available in the same packs as our Cream coloured garment bags, shown below. 

Our 100% Cotton Garment Bags are available Individually or as a Combo Set. Please choose the package that best suits your requirements. 

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REGULAR GARMENT BAGS

Size Centimetres: 110 cm (H) x 65 cm (L) x 10 cm (Gusset)   

Size Inches: 43.3" (H) x 25.5" (L) x 3.9" (Width/Gusset) 

• Suits | Jackets | Coats | 3/4 Length Coats
• Dresses | Cocktail | Formal Dresses
• Embellished | Beaded Garments
• Delicate and Natural Fibres (leather, wool, silk, lace, suede, fur, velvet)
• Jabots | Bar Jackets 
• Seasonal Garments
• Saris | Kaftans
• All Types of Costumes
• Vintage Clothing | Uniforms
• Heirlooms and More. 

* All savings are applied in Australian Dollars (AUD$). 

 

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COMBO GARMENT BAGS

Kazzi Kovers combo packs offer great value and include a Regular and Large Garment Bag combination to suit your requirements. 

Perfect for when you need more than just one, and have different size garments you wish to protect.

REGULAR Garment Bag

Size Centimetres: 110 cm (H) x 65 cm (L) x 10 cm (Gusset)   

Size Inches: 43.3" (H) x 25.5" (L) x 3.9" (Width/Gusset)   

 

LARGE Garment Bag

Size Centimetres: 165 cm (H) x 65 cm (L) x 10 cm (Width/Gusset)   

Size Inches: 65" (H) x 25.5" (L) x 3.9" (Width/Gusset)

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PACKAGE OFFERS

GARMENT BAG + EUROPEAN BEECH WOOD HANGER PACKAGE

If you have a favourite suit or dress or a one-off piece that you wish to protect, or perhaps an heirloom, Kazzi Kovers all-in-one packages are ideal and offer great value when it comes to garment longevity and providing garment support.  

Ideal for your occasional, seasonal and one-off pieces such as your suits, dresses, formal and cocktail wear, wedding dress, coats, jackets, costumes, sporting attire, heirlooms and more. 

Wood Hangers are available in Natural Wood Grain or Walnut colours. 

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PACKAGE OFFER 1 | REGULAR Garment Bag

Includes 1 x REGULAR Garment Bag + 1 x Wood HANGER

Kazzi Kovers all-in-one packages are ideal for your occasional, seasonal and one-off pieces. Protect and store your suits, dresses, coats, jackets, pants, skirts, formal attire, costumes and vintage pieces, sporting apparel and more. 

Choose your GARMENT BAG | Regular Size or Large Size

Choose your HANGER SIZE | Clothes Hanger, Suit/Dress/Jacket Hanger, or Coat Hanger

Choose your HANGER COLOUR | Natural Wood Grain or Walnut 

 

 

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PACKAGE OFFER 2 | LARGE Garment Bag 

Includes 1 x LARGE Garment Bag + 1 x Wood HANGER

Kazzi Kovers all-in-one packages are ideal for your occasional, seasonal and one-off pieces. Protect and store your suits, dresses, coats, jackets, pants, skirts, formal attire, costumes and vintage pieces, sporting apparel and more. 

Choose your GARMENT BAG | Regular Size or Large Size

Choose your HANGER SIZE | Clothes Hanger, Suit/Dress/Jacket Hanger, or Coat Hanger

Choose your HANGER COLOUR | Natural Wood Grain or Walnut 

 

Blogs

Wedding Dress Preservation

The Truth About Garment Bags

Travel With Kazzi Kovers 

Laundry Bags – How to Protect Your Delicates

5 Simple Tips to Handbag Organisation

See Kazzi Kovers Blogs