Caring For Your Wedding Dress Posted on March 8, 2010 under Cleaning Tips. | no comments.
Oh the dress, Oh the day… The wedding gown is one of the most important gowns we purchase. In the swirl of satin, chiffon, and tulle are the memories of a life time and because of that we want to make sure your wedding gown is well taken care of.
Most brides want to keep their wedding dress as a keepsake, perhaps for their own daughter to wear on their wedding day. Cleaning instructions recommend that you have you dress cleaned before you store it away. There may be some invisible staining from food, alcohol, oils, or perfumes and if not cleaned properly can become permanent.
It is important to note that when taking your wedding dress to your dry cleaner that you and your dry cleaner together inspect any decorative trim, beads, glitter, sequins, and lace prior to cleaning. Some decorative trim is attached to the gown with adhesives that can dissolve during dry-cleaning and some beads and glitter are made with plastic and are not solvent resistant.
The care label should clearly state the possible care methods. The care label covers all parts of the gown, including decorative trim. In addition to cleaning your wedding gown you will want to make sure that you store it properly. Unfortunately, no process or storage method can absolutely guarantee against yellowing or possible deterioration of fabric. However there are several methods you can take to protect your gown.
- Have your dry cleaner pack the gown in a special storage box that helps prevent contamination.
- Store your gown in a cool, dry place. Do not store in a basement or attic. The dampness of a basement can cause mildew and the attic heat could promote yellowing
- If you are storing a long gown on a hanger, sew the straps to the waistline of the dress to relieve pressure on the shoulders from the weight of the skirt. Wrap the dress in a white sheet or muslin cover
- Always stuff the bodice with white acid free tissue paper to prevent wrinkles. Fabric covered buttons, pins, and foam padding should be removed and stored separately to avoid damage to the fabric.
- Never store headpieces, veils, shoes or other accessories with your gown
- Inspect your gown from time to time during storage. Stains not initially apparent could appear later and should be tended to immediately.
And always remember when in doubt ask your dry cleaner….
