Continue to love your wedding dress once your big day is over
After a blissful day of preparation, nibbles of food on the run, pictures in fun places, a walk down the aisle, more pictures in fun places, food plus drink and endless dancing – the first thing a bride craves is a long hot shower…but what about your dress?
Your dress has been your fearless partner on your special day, plus it was an investment, and it’s certainly taken a beating! Most notable trouble spots: along the hemline – from being dragged across the floors and ground – under the arms – no bride is immune from sweating on her big day – top of the bodice – another sweat accumulation spot plus it’s the perfect resting place for crumbs and spills.
First a little note about what to ask when you’ve found ‘the dress’. Wedding dresses by nature are delicate:
- Make sure you know the proper care instructions at the time of purchase.
- Make sure you understand the recommended cleaning instructions by referring to the care label
- Confirm whether both the dress and trim are dry cleanable, plus obtain the information in writing for future reference, in case they’re damaged in the dry-cleaning process
Follow our valuable advice for post-wedding gown TLC:
Dry clean ASAP - while visible stains such as those from food and wine are easy to detect, invisible stains may
also exist, such as those from body oil and champagne.
Whether you’re keeping, selling, or donating your wedding dress – the longer it sits dirty and stained, the harder it will be to get it pristine and clean. Mention the following to your dry cleaner:
- Point out specific stains
- Ask about any beads and sequins being dissolved in the cleaning process and/or harmed in the drying process
- Check if the trim on your dress is sewn-on or attached with an adhesive – adhesives can be weakened in the cleaning process
Post-cleaning storage in a box
- Select a box made of acid-free board, lined with white, acid-free tissue
Don’t seal the box – air circulation is needed – even cut a few slits in the box
Post-cleaning storage in a bag
- Dry cleaner bags or plastic covers increase the risk of yellowing and mildew
- A muslin bag will provide a stable and non-acidic home for your gown
Where not to store
- Avoid the basement: dampness in the basement could cause mildew
- Avoid the attic: heat can promote yellowing and discolouration
And remember: just because your wedding gown is in storage, it should not ignored, slowly collecting dust. Occasionally, inspect your gown to ensure your storage method is appropriate. You may notice discolouration or even stains that you hadn't noticed before - problems that should be tended to immediately.