Every wedding gown needs to be cleaned after use, definitely before prolonged storage.
Its especially important to be careful with embellishments like lace, beads, bows, and buttons.
If dress preservation is essential, order the add-on of a bustle for your dress.
The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska
Here’s how tohand-washyour wedding dress at home only if it’snotmarked “Dry Clean Only.”
Also, discuss, if you know, how the trim is attached to the gown.
Some designers use an adhesive that could dissolve during the dry cleaning process.
The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska
This will prevent surprises when you open your sealed box years from now.
Choose the Right Storage Container
Wedding dresses should be stored flat in an appropriately sized container.
The package must be made of cast polypropylene to be safe.
Other types of plastic can cause yellowing.
Never store a wedding dress in a plastic bag furnished by a dry cleaner.
Add Archival Tissue Paper
You will also need to purchase archival tissue paper.
It must be labeled as both acid and lignin-free.
Lignin is a chemical compound derived from wood and will cause fabrics to turn yellow.
Box the Dress Properly
before you roll boxing, wash and dry your hands.
No lotion or creams should be used that can stain the pieces.
For best results, wear clean white cotton gloves.
Lay the gown onto a layer of tissue within the box or container.
Be sure that there is plenty of tissue cushioning each fold to prevent heavy creasing.
The job will be easier if a helper holds the dress while you cushion each fold.
The same goes for leather goods such as shoes or handbags.
Repeat steps with each accessory, including the veil.
Do not overstuff the storage box.
You will want to store heavier items like belts and shoes in smaller individual boxes.
Choose a Safe Storage Location
Choose a dark, cool, dry space for storage.
Avoid extreme temperature areas like attics, basements, and garages.
Keep the gown away from artificial and natural sunlight to prevent fabric damage.
Inspect Annually
Inspect your wedding treasures at least once per year.
Look for any stains that may appear and treat them promptly.
Stain removal is more successful the sooner stains are removed.
Leaving it to the experts ensures it’s done right and saves you several hours.
If you get it dry-cleaned professionally, ensure the cleaner you select specializes in wedding gowns.
In general, getting a wedding dress professionally dry cleaned will cost between $200 and $300.
Ideally, the day after your wedding.
Waiting weeks on end could lead to stains becoming permanent.
It’s possible if the machine malfunctions.
Wedding Dress Dry Cleaning Cost What you could Expect to Pay in 2024, Wedding Gown Preservation Kit
