According to most recent research by textile conservators, here are some practices to be avoided for successful wedding dress preservation:

• DON'T Seal Your Gown: Museum conservators and textile professionals warn against sealing a textile. If your gown is sealed, any fluctuations in climate will cause condensation and this will create mold and mildew inside the box and on your gown. Also, sealing your gown means that you can never take it out. Professionals actually recommend re-folding your gown annually in order to avoid creating weaknesses on the fold lines that may turn into holes in the future.
• DON'T Store Your Gown in Plastic: Plastics contain chemicals that keep them from becoming brittle and these chemicals give off fumes that can accelerate the discoloration process. Plastics also trap moisture, causing mildew and mold to grow inside the plastic and damage your gown.
• DON'T Vacuum Seal Your Gown: In addition to all the other problems associated with sealing a textile in plastic, vacuum sealing adds additional problems. The actual vacuum compresses the dress and applies pressure to the fabric which will cause additional damage over time.
• DON'T Store Your Dress on a Hanger: Fabrics and fabric seams can not withstand the weight of gravity over time, regardless of the quality of the garment. The whole dress will be affected and damaged by the downward pulling and not just the shoulders of the gown.
• DON'T Store Your Gown in the Basement or Attic: No preservation method can withstand the extreme temperature changes and dampness that are associated with these areas. Always keep your gown in a room that you would be comfortable in.