Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Preserving and Caring for your Wedding Gown

Your wedding gown is a sight to behold: long 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 (along 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 longer. 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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