The wedding lehenga is the most prized possession to every bride-to-be, and thus, it is chosen with utmost care and consideration to get that dream look! Naturally, there’s a fair chance that a fortune is spent on the final wedding ensemble to make the D-day extra special. However, what takes precedence right after all the extravagant revelries are over, is implementing proper ways to store the heavy lehenga. Since wedding lehengas are laden with intricate embroideries, the steps for the bridal outfit storage are of utmost importance so that it can last for years and become a family heirloom!

Here’s a lowdown on the best lehenga care tips and ways to store even the heaviest lehengas that will keep them looking new for a long time.

Keep it away from chemicals

Avoiding exposure of strong perfumes, hair sprays or deodorants to the ensemble is the most proactive step towards bridal outfit storage. A heavy lehenga featuring meticulous zari work, gota patti or kundan work is vulnerable to such complex elements that can hamper the original radiance of the craftsmanship. Pure zari is often used in traditional pieces, which is why storing ethnic wear in ways that will obstruct oxidation and chemical exposure is pivotal. The same applies to other metallic finishes and rich embroideries that lend the ensemble that regal look.

Fold, Do Not Hang!

A bridal lehenga is usually very heavy and hanging it will cause its weight to will pull down the garment, making it lose its shape over time. That is why, one of the best and easiest ways to store heavy lehenga is to always fold it. This will keep the shape intact and will also protect the fabric as well as delicate, embellished work on the outfit.

Wondering how to store heavy lehenga by folding correctly?

• Start with the sleeves of the blouse. Fold them inwards and then fold the rest of the blouse over it.
• Heavily embroidered lehenga need extra care. Fold it in small folds, starting from the outer edges placing acid-free tissue paper (or even simple butter paper) between each fold.
• Try and fold along the panel lines to avoid creases in the centre of the panels.
• Once you have carefully folded your lehenga, wrap it in a muslin cloth. The muslin will protect it from moisture and help it stay in a good condition.

Get A Cardboard Box

Although one might think that bridal outfit storage is an expensive venture, all you need is a big and sturdy cardboard box, along with some paper and muslin! After you place the lehenga inside the box away, keep it away from direct light to preserve its rich colour. Ensure the box is made of acid-free cardboard and carefully store the muslin-wrapped lehenga in it. One of the best ways to store lehenga is to keep the box under the bed, inside a large cupboard or safely in the closet. Ensure the place is not subject to too many temperature changes, dust and humidity.

Clever Ironing Techniques

Seeing the impeccable handwork on a heavy lehenga slowly tarnish can be a real bummer. Keep the ensemble from weathering and work an efficient system to iron and fold the ensemble skillfully. Use ample butter paper between each fold to avoid the embroideries from brushing off with each other. See for any visible creases. Place a muslin cloth over the lehenga and put the iron at the lowest temperature. Be very gentle on flimsy & delicate fabrics.

Skillful Archiving

Intricate embroideries and pure fabrics require special care, which is why archiving the ensemble separately in a sizable trunk is one of the solid lehenga care tips. Store it crisp and safe away from pests. Wrapping it in a piece of unbleached cotton fabric or muslin is a simple and inexpensive way but goes a long way in keeping it well until next time! Use cloves, lavender sachets, cedar oil to keep the space pest-free! Let it out yearly to allow the fabric to breathe and re-fold it so creases don’t become permanent!

Washing Care

When looking up lehenga care tips, the washing instructions are not to be missed! Cleaning is an integral part of any bridal outfit storage and it should be your foremost priority as it might have countered a few drinks or food stains when you donned it. Invest in trusty dry cleaners and understand the wash care instructions well in advance from the designers to avoid any woes.

If you’re washing the lehenga by yourself at home, use good quality, gentle detergents, meant specifically for delicate silks and wools. You may also use soap-nut or reetha. Remember to never use hot water for such delicate clothes. Bleach, dyes, harsh stain removers must be kept at an arm’s distance! Even if a garment does not have a ‘dry clean only’ label, first check it for a colour bleed on a small end of the fabric before hand-washing it. Lastly, do not wash any embellished or silk outfit in the washing machine as doing that will spoil the work entirely.

Drying Tips

No matter what colour or embroidery is on the bridal lehenga, these lehenga care techniques will ensure longevity of the garment that holds precious memories of a lifetime! If followed correctly, these bridal outfit storage steps can help archive the outfit in optimum condition, making it an heirloom that can be passed down to generations.