Essential Tips for Your Boho Wedding Dress: What to Do Before and After the Big Day

A boho wedding dress is not just a piece of clothing—it's a reflection of your independent spirit, romantic heart, and ageless style. Whether you're shopping for a boho wedding dress with sleeves for a dreamy fall wedding or going for one of those minimalist and romantic bohemian wedding dresses for a barefoot beach wedding, your dress is worth a little extra love and attention—before, during, and after you utter those magic words, "I do."

From selecting the most suitable boho wedding dress designers to keeping it perfect for many years to come, below are the necessary tips you need in your boho gown adventure.

BEFORE THE BIG DAY

1. Choose the Ideal Boho Dress Style

Bohemian wedding dresses are popular because of their airy silhouettes, lace designs, and ethereal atmospheres. Keep in mind these reminders:

• Go for a boho wedding dress with sleeves if you're having a colder weather ceremony or desire that poetic, old-timey charm.

• Choose a dress that is comfortable and fitting on your figure—and your ideal look—be that a long sleeve and full-size dress or one that's sheer and wispy.

• Consider contacting established boho wedding dressmakers such as Rue de Seine, Grace Loves Lace, or Daughters of Simone for authentic, well-crafted attire.

2. Store Your Dress Correctly

As soon as your wedding dress is delivered, the burning question is, "How should I store my wedding dress?" 

Here is what you do:

• DO NOT leave your dress in the plastic bag it came in. Those types of bags contain moisture that may lead to yellowing or mildew. Rather, put it in an airtight, breathable wedding dress storage bag using cotton or muslin.

• Hang the gown by the loops (and not the straps) to prevent it from being stretched. Hang it in an airy, cool, dry closet where it cannot reach sunlight and sources of heat.

3. If You Are Years in Advance with Your Plan

Curious to know how to store a 2-year wedding dress? All about preserving:

• Utilize a wedding dress acid-free storage box. Keep it flat, wrapped in acid-free tissue paper, and keep it in the dark, dry space.

• Steer clear of the basement or attic, where humidity and temperature change.

4. Stop Wrinkles Before the Wedding

Boho materials such as chiffon, tulle, and lace tend to wrinkle. Here's how to prevent your wedding dress from wrinkling:

• Fold it loosely in your wedding dress storage box or hang it in a large area.

• Hang it in the bathroom prior to the big day and take a hot shower—the steam will softly smooth out wrinkles.

• Still wrinkled? A professional seam the day before the wedding makes all the difference.

ON THE BIG DAY

Appoint a person (such as your maid of honor or wedding coordinator) to be your dress protector. They'll take care to make sure your train is puffed, your hem remains clean, and your sleeves are styled properly.

For boho brides in a full-size and long-sleeve dress, practice dancing and walking in your gown ahead of time. The extra fabric is enchanting but does take a bit of adjusting.

AFTER THE "I DOs"

1. Clean It—ASAP

Don't wait. Have your dress professionally cleaned a week or two before your wedding. Even if it appears to be clean, hidden stains (hello, sweat, champagne, and makeup) will set and change color over time.

2. Long-term storage issues

Ask yourself: Do I leave my wedding gown in the bag? No—the answer, unless it is a breathable, acid-free, purpose-made garment bag for long-term dress storage, is no.

Better choice:

Use a great storage box for wedding dresses and keep it in prime condition. Insert a desiccant packet to minimize humidity and check on your gown annually to make sure it's maturing nicely.

3. Save the Romance

If you’re sentimental, consider preserving the dress as a family heirloom, or even having parts of it transformed into a christening gown, veil for your daughter, or keepsake pillow.

If you’re more practical, reselling or donating your dress can help another bride make her boho dreams come true—while giving your gown a second life.

Final Thoughts

A boho wedding dress is not just a garment—it's part of your love story. Whether you're swathed in fringe, lace, or billowy sleeves, properly preserving your dress before and after your wedding allows its magic to endure.

So, relax, gorgeous boho bride. With proper prep and preservation, your wedding dress will be just as memorable as the day you wore it.