The wedding is over, the dress has been worn, photographed, and danced in, and now it’s hanging quietly in a garment bag while you figure out what to do with it. What you do in the next few weeks matters more than most brides realize. Stains that are invisible on the wedding day can oxidize and turn yellow-brown over months if left untreated, and the fabric itself is far more fragile in storage than it ever was on the big day.

Here’s how to preserve your gown properly, whether you’re planning to pass it down, sell it, or simply keep it as a keepsake for decades to come.