Your wedding gown holds memories and hope that you want to preserve. After you’ve enjoyed your wedding day, take the right steps to keep your gown looking its best for years to come.
When shopping for your gown, be sure to ask the sales consultant how the dress should be cleaned. Look for special instructions for the delicate trim, beads or sequins. The Federal Trade Commission requires that each gown have a care label that you should read.
All gowns should be cleaned before storage. Look for a dry cleaner that specializes in wedding gown preservation. Be sure to point out any stains and point out any loose trim or buttons. Also discuss, if you know, how the trim is attached to the dress. Some designers use an adhesive that could dissolve during the dry cleaning process.
Ask your cleaner to allow you to inspect your dress before it is packed in an acid-free box to help prevent contamination. This will prevent surprises when you open your sealed box. There are horror stories of missing dresses and veils or the wrong dress packed away.
Be sure to store the dress in a cool, dry place – never in a damp basement or hot attic. Check your gown once per year to be sure that no previously-undetected stains or yellowing of the fabric are occurring. It’s best to catch problems early.
Specific questions? Just ask here.
