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You’ve found the dress, walked down the aisle, and celebrated the big day. Now what? When it comes to wedding dress cleaning and preservation, there’s a lot of conflicting information out there. Some brides believe dry cleaning is enough, while others think preservation isn’t necessary unless they plan to pass down the gown. With so many myths, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Let’s tackle some of the most common myths about wedding dress cleaning, preservation, and restoration so you can make the best choice for your gown—and your memories!
Many brides believe restoration is solely for vintage dresses, but that’s not the case! Wedding dress restoration isn’t just about reviving old gowns; it’s a process that helps reverse any damage or staining your dress may have endured on your wedding day. Restoration techniques can address yellowing, discoloration from sweat or food, and even wear-and-tear from dancing the night away.
It’s a common misconception that standard dry cleaning is suitable for wedding gowns. While dry cleaning can remove certain stains, wedding dresses need special treatment. Traditional dry cleaning methods can be too harsh for delicate fabrics and embellishments like lace, tulle, sequins, and beads. Professional wedding dress cleaners use gentle, specialized methods to remove stains without harming the dress.
Some brides think preservation is only necessary if they plan to pass down their gown to future generations, but this isn’t true. Preservation protects your dress from yellowing, fabric deterioration, and oxidation, regardless of whether it will be worn again. Preserving your dress also keeps it in pristine condition as a keepsake, even if it’s just for you.
After the whirlwind of wedding festivities, it can be tempting to wait a few months before dealing with your dress. However, waiting too long can allow stains to set and cause fabric discoloration, making them harder to remove. Stains from makeup, wine, and sweat become more stubborn over time, which can lead to permanent damage.
While professional wedding dress preservation can range from $200 to $500, it’s an investment in protecting a valuable keepsake. Many brides assume it’s a luxury cost, but when you think of the sentimental and monetary value of your dress, it’s a wise choice. Many preservationists offer options at different price points, so it’s worth researching companies to find one that fits your budget.
Not all preservation companies offer the same level of service. While some may specialize in wedding gowns and offer museum-quality preservation, others may use less meticulous methods. Look for companies that specialize in wedding dress cleaning and preservation, offer acid-free materials, and have experience with delicate fabrics and embellishments.
It might seem easy enough to store your dress in a garment bag at home, but home storage doesn’t provide the long-term protection that professional preservation offers. Wedding dress preservation uses acid-free boxes and tissue paper, which prevent yellowing, and carefully seals the dress to block out light, dust, and air. DIY storage can lead to discoloration, fabric weakening, and exposure to moisture and insects.
Many brides believe that if they open the preservation box, they’ll ruin the dress. However, many preservation boxes are designed to be opened for viewing. Just be sure to handle your gown with clean hands or wear gloves, and avoid over-handling to keep the dress in its best condition.
Unfortunately, even the brightest white dresses can yellow over time if they aren’t properly preserved. This yellowing is caused by oxidation, which is a chemical reaction that occurs when fabrics are exposed to air. Professional preservation seals out air and protects against oxidation, preventing that unwanted yellow tint.
Preservation and restoration are two different processes. While preservation is designed to protect a dress from future damage, restoration focuses on addressing current issues, such as yellowing, staining, or fabric damage. Restoration is often the first step before preservation, particularly for vintage dresses or gowns that have endured wear and tear.
Now that we’ve busted these myths, here’s a quick guide to caring for your dress:
Clean Your Dress Promptly: After your wedding, have your dress professionally cleaned as soon as possible to remove any stains or residues.
Choose a Reputable Preservationist: Look for a specialist who uses acid-free materials, offers museum-quality preservation, and has experience with wedding dresses.
Store in a Safe Location: After preservation, store your gown in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Check on Your Dress Periodically: It’s a good idea to check on your dress every few years to make sure it’s still in good condition. Handle it carefully and reseal the preservation box properly.
Choosing the right preservationist is crucial, so here are some questions to ask:
What cleaning methods do you use for wedding gowns? Make sure they use gentle, gown-safe techniques.
Do you use acid-free materials? Acid-free materials prevent yellowing and are essential for long-term preservation.
Can I open the preservation box to view my dress? Some boxes are designed for easy viewing, while others aren’t meant to be opened frequently.
What kind of guarantee do you offer? A reputable preservation company should offer a guarantee to cover any future yellowing or deterioration.
Your wedding dress is a unique, cherished piece of your life, and taking steps to protect it can keep those memories alive. Whether you’re saving it for future generations, planning to wear it on a milestone anniversary, or simply want to preserve the beauty of your special day, cleaning and preserving your gown are essential steps in caring for it.
