After the months of planning, it can seem a bit of a let-down to just take the dress off and hang it in the back of a closet until you're ready to give it to Goodwill. If you're a sentimental bride, and cannot conceive of giving the dress away, you'll probably want it preserved. Here are some things to keep in mind.1. Wedding dresses should be stored in cardboard or wooden boxes, not be kept on hangers or sealed in plastic.
2. They must be cleaned before being preserved. Will you have it wet-cleaned (using water) or dry-cleaned, using solvents? There are pros and cons to each.
3. Find out if the cleaner has particular experience with bridal gowns. This is not just any dress. It presents special challenges to the cleaner. You want someone who knows what they're doing!
4. Have the cleaner inspect the gown carefully before cleaning. Tell the cleaner about any spills on the dress, even if they're no longer visible. Dry-cleaning can set invisible stains in, and over time, they can darken.
5. Once cleaned, gowns should be stuffed with acid-free tissue, and have anything made of foam (shoulder pads, sweat shields, etc) removed before cleaning.
6. When you get it home, NEVER put mothballs in or near it. The can damage the fabric over time.
By keeping these tips in mind and by following the cleaner's instructions carefully, you will have a gown that you can give to your daughter -- or granddaughter! -- with pride.
4. Have the cleaner inspect the gown carefully before cleaning. Tell the cleaner about any spills on the dress, even if they're no longer visible. Dry-cleaning can set invisible stains in, and over time, they can darken.
5. Once cleaned, gowns should be stuffed with acid-free tissue, and have anything made of foam (shoulder pads, sweat shields, etc) removed before cleaning.
6. When you get it home, NEVER put mothballs in or near it. The can damage the fabric over time.
By keeping these tips in mind and by following the cleaner's instructions carefully, you will have a gown that you can give to your daughter -- or granddaughter! -- with pride.
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