Keeping the bottom of your wedding dress clean is one of the most common concerns for brides, especially if you’re having an outdoor ceremony or photoshoot.
The hemline of your dress is constantly exposed to dirt, grass, mud, and other elements, and it’s nearly impossible to keep it completely spotless.
However, there are several practical steps you can take to protect the bottom of your wedding gown and minimise the damage.
This guide will walk you through proven methods to keep your dress as clean as possible on your big day.
Let’s get straight to the point
Keeping the bottom of your wedding dress clean can be a challenge, especially during outdoor ceremonies or photoshoots. However, there are practical ways to minimise dirt and protect the hem.
Using a stain-protecting spray, wearing a petticoat to lift the dress, and placing a sheet on the ground during outdoor photos can help reduce contact with dirt.
Bridesmaids can assist by lifting the dress when walking, and hiring a professional stylist or cleaner for the day ensures any stains can be handled immediately. Carrying a portable stain remover also helps tackle any unexpected accidents quickly.
After the wedding, it’s important to clean the hem thoroughly, either by hand or with the help of a professional cleaner, to keep the dress in excellent condition for preservation.
By following these steps, you can enjoy your special day without worrying too much about your dress getting dirty.
1. Apply a Stain-Protecting Spray
One of the simplest ways to prevent dirt and stains from sticking to the bottom of your wedding dress is by using a stain-protecting spray.
This spray creates a protective barrier over the fabric, making it more resistant to water, dirt, and mud.
However, it’s important to apply the spray correctly to avoid any unintended effects.
Steps for Applying Stain-Protecting Spray:
- Test the Spray: Always start by testing the spray on a small, hidden part of your dress to ensure it doesn’t cause any discolouration or damage.
- Apply Lightly: Spray a thin, even layer of the product on the hemline and other areas of the dress that are likely to touch the ground. Be careful not to over-spray, as too much product could leave a residue or create an unwanted texture.
- Let it Dry: Allow the spray to dry completely before wearing your dress to avoid any stickiness or dampness.
While this won’t make your dress completely immune to dirt, it will make cleaning up much easier if stains do occur.
2. Use a Petticoat to Elevate the Hemline
A petticoat can be a useful tool for lifting the hem of your wedding dress off the ground, which helps minimise dirt and stains.
Petticoats are typically worn under the dress to add volume and structure, but they also have the practical benefit of reducing how much of the dress comes into contact with the ground.
Advantages of Wearing a Petticoat:
- Keeps the Dress Off the Ground: A petticoat lifts the dress slightly, which helps prevent it from dragging on dirty surfaces.
- Adds Structure: It also gives your dress a fuller look, which may be particularly desirable for ball gowns or dresses with a lot of fabric.
- Removable: If you prefer not to wear the petticoat for the entire event, it can be easily removed after the ceremony or for photos.
Wearing a petticoat is a simple way to protect the bottom of your wedding dress, especially if you’ll be walking or standing on uneven or dirty surfaces.
3. Use a Sheet for Outdoor Photos
Outdoor weddings often involve grassy, sandy, or even muddy areas that can easily stain your dress.
To protect your dress during outdoor photoshoots, you can use a clean, white sheet as a barrier between your gown and the ground.
This is a simple and inexpensive way to ensure your dress stays clean while you’re posing for pictures in nature.
How to Use a Sheet:
- Lay it Down: Place the sheet on the ground where you’ll be standing or sitting for photos.
- Tuck It Under the Dress: Have your photographer or bridesmaids help tuck the edges of the sheet under the dress to make sure it’s not visible in the photos.
- Choose the Right Colour: Ideally, use a white or neutral-coloured sheet that matches your dress, so it blends in if any part of it shows in the photos.
This method is especially useful for locations with damp ground, such as after rain or in grassy fields.
4. Enlist Help from Your Bridesmaids
Your bridesmaids are there to support you throughout the day, and one of the ways they can help is by keeping your dress clean.
Ask your bridal party to assist you in lifting the hem of your dress when you’re walking between locations or across potentially dirty surfaces.
This is particularly helpful during outdoor ceremonies, receptions, or when moving between photo locations.
Ways Bridesmaids Can Help:
- Holding the Train: Assign a bridesmaid or two to hold up your train while you walk to prevent it from dragging on the ground.
- Guiding You Across Dirty Areas: If you’re crossing dirt, mud, or grass, having your bridesmaids lift the bottom of the dress will keep it clean.
- Helping During Photos: Bridesmaids can also help adjust your dress during photos to make sure it’s positioned neatly and away from any dirt or wet ground.
Having your bridesmaids assist with the dress ensures that it remains as clean as possible while you move around throughout the day.
5. Hire a Professional Stylist or Cleaner for the Day
If you want extra peace of mind, consider hiring a professional stylist or cleaner to be on hand during your wedding day.
This service ensures that any dirt, stains, or wrinkles that appear during the day can be addressed immediately.
It’s especially useful if you’re having an outdoor wedding or photoshoot, where the likelihood of the dress getting dirty is higher.
Benefits of Hiring a Stylist or Cleaner:
- Immediate Assistance: If any accidents happen, such as a spilled drink or muddy hem, a professional can quickly clean the spot and fix any issues.
- Tailoring Adjustments: They can also handle any last-minute tailoring needs, such as fixing loose threads or adjusting the dress’s fit.
- Stress-Free Experience: With a professional on-site, you won’t have to worry about the state of your dress and can focus on enjoying your day.
While it may seem like an extra expense, hiring a professional for the day can be worth it if you’re particularly concerned about keeping your dress clean.
6. Carry a Portable Stain Remover
Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. That’s why it’s smart to carry a portable stain remover with you or have it included in your emergency bridal kit.
These removers are designed to handle small stains quickly and easily, so if something happens, you can address it before the stain sets in.
What to Include:
- Stain Remover Wipes: Keep a few wipes in your emergency kit to clean up small stains quickly.
- Baby Wipes: Dye-free and fragrance-free baby wipes are gentle and can be used to remove dirt or marks without damaging the fabric.
- Stain-Removing Spray: A small bottle of stain-removing spray can also be helpful for dealing with larger or more stubborn stains.
Having these items on hand allows you to handle any minor mishaps without worrying about permanent damage to your dress.
7. Avoid Areas Prone to Dirt and Stains
Being mindful of where you walk and stand during your wedding day can help prevent your dress from getting too dirty.
Try to avoid areas where the ground is especially wet, muddy, or covered in grass. If you’re having an outdoor wedding, check the grounds in advance to plan where you’ll be walking and standing.
Tips for Avoiding Dirt:
- Stay on Paved Paths: Whenever possible, walk on paved or solid ground to avoid dirt and mud.
- Avoid Wet Grass: If it’s recently rained, steer clear of grassy areas that are likely to be damp and muddy.
- Plan Your Route: Work with your planner or photographer to map out routes and photo locations that minimise exposure to dirty areas.
By being conscious of your surroundings, you can reduce the likelihood of your dress coming into contact with dirt and grime.
8. Bustle the Dress
If your dress has a long train, it’s important to bustle it after the ceremony to prevent it from dragging on the ground.
A bustle lifts the train up and secures it at the back of the dress, making it easier to move around without worrying about the bottom getting dirty.
How to Use a Bustle:
- Learn How to Bustle: Have your seamstress show you and your bridesmaids how to properly bustle the dress before the wedding day.
- Bustle for the Reception: Once the ceremony and formal photos are over, bustle the dress for the reception to avoid any dragging.
- Check It Regularly: Make sure the bustle stays secure throughout the evening, especially if you’re dancing or moving around a lot.
Using a bustle is an effective way to protect the bottom of your dress during the reception, especially if you’ll be mingling outdoors.
9. Clean the Hem After the Wedding
Once your big day is over, you’ll want to make sure your dress is cleaned and preserved properly. If the hem of your dress has picked up dirt, mud, or stains, you can either clean it yourself or take it to a professional cleaner.
How to Clean the Hem:
- Hand Wash: Use a mild detergent and warm water to gently scrub the hem of the dress. A soft cloth or toothbrush works well for removing dirt.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse the hem thoroughly with clean water and hang the dress to dry. Make sure it’s completely dry before storing it.
- Professional Cleaning: If your dress is made from delicate fabrics like silk or lace, it’s best to take it to a professional wedding dress cleaner for a thorough cleaning.
Proper cleaning after the wedding ensures that your dress remains in good condition, especially if you plan to preserve it as a keepsake.
Conclusion
Protecting the bottom of your wedding dress is essential, particularly if you’re having an outdoor ceremony or photoshoot.
By taking simple precautions like using a stain-protecting spray, wearing a petticoat, using a sheet during photos, and enlisting help from your bridesmaids, you can minimise the risk of dirt and stains.
Additionally, carrying a portable stain remover and hiring a professional stylist can give you peace of mind throughout the day.
By following these steps, you can ensure your dress remains as clean and beautiful as possible, allowing you to focus on enjoying your special day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean a dirty wedding dress?
The best solution is to try to cover the stain with baking soda or talcum powder.
You can also try using a solvent such as dry cleaning fluid or cigarette lighter fluid, but be aware that such solvents frequently discolour fabric. Be sure to test it on an unseen portion of the wedding dress first.
Do I need to clean my wedding dress?
Every wedding gown should be cleaned before being stored away for more than a few weeks even if it doesn’t look soiled.
Perspiration, food and drink stains, and makeup stains can show up later and become much more difficult to remove. Look for a professional dry cleaner that specializes in wedding gown preservation.
How much does it cost to clean a wedding dress?
The cost of cleaning your wedding gown can range from $179 to $250 if going direct to a company that specializes in the process, all the way to $300 or more if you go to your local dry-cleaner that outsources the service to a national wedding gown cleaning company or your local wedding boutique, who does the same.
Can you dry clean your wedding dress?
Whatever you do, don’t take your wedding dress to any old dry cleaner. Not all dry cleaners specialize in wedding dresses and may use harsh chemicals and toxins.
They may even end up doing more damage to your dress, especially if it’s made of delicate fabric, such as lace, organza, chiffon or silk.
Can I wash my wedding dress myself?
Your wedding day is the biggest day of your life and of course, every bride wants to feel special in a beautiful dress.
Washing wedding dresses at home requires attention to detail (and, ideally, a large wash bag), but it can be done if the fabric and any embellishments are safe to machine-wash or wash by hand.
