The wedding is over and the time has come to pack away that beautiful dress.

Of utmost importance is careful storage. Plastic bags seal in humidity and high temperatures which cause mildew. And hangers stress shear fabrics such as lace, organzas or marquisette.

The best investment is a dust-proof "heirloom box", which preserves delicate beads and fabrics and retards wrinkling. Some cleaners even offer hermetic sealing, which protects the gown indefinitely.

Somewhere in your future is a blood related bride who will apprciate Something Old as well as Something New from you.