Preserving Your Most Cherished Garment
There are a number of options brides have after the big day regarding what to do with their wedding gown. Some donate or sell their dress so it can be loved a second time around by a new bride-to-be. Others re-envision what they wore down the aisle into new cocktail attire. And still others decide to “trash” their bridal wear in the name of an epic photoshoot. However, most popularly, brides look to clean and preserve their attire for future generations.
So let’s dive into that.
What is wedding gown cleaning and preservation?
Wedding gown cleaning and preservation is a more specialized approach in comparison to standard dry cleaning. The process is laborious and requires even more astute attention to detail. A dress is first inspected for both visible and invisible stains. Hold up—“There’s stains you can’t see?,” you may be asking. And the short answer is yes. Spills from light-colored, sugary substances like champagne will oxidize over time if left untreated, resulting in yellow or brown stains that are no easy feat to remove.
Following inspection, a gown undergoes careful cleaning and is then stuffed with acid-free tissue, wrapped in muslin, and placed in an archival preservation chest.
When should I have my gown cleaned and preserved?
Time is of the essence when it comes to cleaning and preservation. The sooner you can get your dress to us, the better. Those invisible stains we talked about? Yeah, don’t give them time to show themselves.
Who should clean and preserve my gown?
OK, we may have set ourselves up nicely for this one, but can you blame us? We’ve been cleaning and preserving New Yorkers’ wedding attire since 1934, so it’s safe to say we know a thing or two about caring for bridal wear with care. We can ensure your dress remains beautiful—from now until forever.
Tips for after you’ve taken your cleaned and preserved gown home
- Your gown should be stored in a cool and dry place. Attics and basements are no good, as textiles are sensitive to changes in heat and humidity.
- Open your preservation box and inspect your gown every two to three years to make sure nothing has happened to it while in storage.
- Always wash your hands with a small amount of baking soda and warm water before handling the garment.
Contact us
We’d love to learn more about your gown and preservation needs. To receive a quote, click here, or to contact our team with questions, click here.
