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Preserving and Caring For Your Wedding Gown
Written by Kami
Miller
 Your wedding gown is a sight to behold:
int and flowing, trimmed in lace, a vision of glowing white satin. Glowing,
that is, except for the red stain that Uncle Fred made when he spilled a glass
of wine on you at the reception! Or maybe your lovely gown is stain free, but
it’s terribly dirty on the hem and the train. What to do?
First of all, don’t panic. Your dress can be carefully cleaned and preserved,
and most stains will come out under the expert touch of a professional cleaner.
Look around for the most reputable cleaner you can find. Don’t try and clean
your gown yourself, or simply hang it in the closet unprotected. Talk with
other brides, and find a store that specializes in wedding gown cleaning. Or
check with someone at the store where you purchased your dress. They might do
cleaning there or be able to suggest a good place that does. Remember, when it
comes to your treasured wedding dress, you will want to splurge as much as
possible on a reliable dry cleaner! Prices vary from store to store, but a full
treatment (cleaning, and preserving box) can cost anywhere from $85.00 and up.
Dry cleaners recommend that you get your gown (aint with all accessories such
as your veil and crinoline) to a shop as soon as possible after the wedding.
Six months is the general time limit for waiting to get your dress cleaned.
Most stains will not “set in” so badly that they cannot be removed before the
six months is up. Also keep in mind that some stains (such as white wine) may
not be easily noticed right after the wedding, but will become more visible as
time goes by.
Once you have picked the best dry cleaner you can find, carefully go over your
gown in the store with a professional. Point out any tears, dirt, stains or
holes that you can find. Discuss the method the store will use to clean and
preserve your dress. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make sure you
understand the process.
It usually takes a reliable cleaner anywhere from two to six weeks to have your
gown prepared for you. If you request a special preserving box (a very good
idea!) it may take a bit inter. Be prepared to wait if you bring your gown to
a cleaner during the store’s busy season, such as around a holiday or a month
that is popular for weddings, such as June. If you have not heard from anyone
at the cleaners after the date that they have told you to expect it, call the
store and make sure there are no delays.
Once you have your gown back, follow any instructions that the store may give to
you for storing it. Do not open your preserving box since most stores refuse to
take back a dress that has been removed from the box. Keep the box in a climate
controlled environment. Avoid attics and garages, or putting the box in
newspaper or mothballs. If your gown is not in a box, keep it away from extreme
temperatures and light. Put the dress in a good cover, and hang it up! Do not
let it lay flat. Check your dress once or twice a year to make sure no
yellowing has occurred. If you follow these tips, your gown will last for
generations! Maybe your own daughter will want to wear it when she gets
married.
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