Having your dress be in perfect shape is important. For this reason, do not pick up your wedding dress any sooner than 1 week before the big day. When you pick it up, avoid having it leaning against anything. Hang it from a rod and leave it in the garment bag it came in. Unzip this garment bag slightly to keep it from smelling musty. Once the big day has arrived, remove your dress from the bag and place it on a clean sheet until you are ready to wear it.