Rochester Brides & Grooms Issue 52 November 2017 - May 2018 | Page 45
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Gown Preservation
Y our wedding gown will always remind you of one
of the most important events in your life. Whether you
choose to wear the gown your mother wore, or one
designed especially for you, remember to protect it as
soon after your wedding day with expert dry-cleaning
and careful storage.
Like many brides, you may want to preserve your dress
as a keepsake. Invisible stains from food, beverages,
and body oils can become permanent yellow stains if not
properly cleaned before storage. If you choose to wear an
heirloom dress that has become discolored, it usually can be
restored to the original color. Many wedding gowns are sold
with one or more conflicting care procedures listed on the care label
attached to the gown. This label outlines a practical cleaning method. Gowns
that fail to withstand the care procedure should be returned to the retailer for adjustments.
Some gowns may have to be mailed to a specific firm and are usually competitively priced as
a local dry-cleaner would charge. Some dry cleaners may also customize your preservation.
You should have your dry-cleaner first test the gown for cleanability. Point out any stains or
spills. Dry-cleaners typically treat the dress with solutions to slow down the deterioration
process, press it and place acid-free tissue paper between the folds. Some cleaners will pack
your gown in a special box for storage.
Store your gown in a cool, dry place. Don’t store it in a basement or attic. A basement could
cause mildew growth and attic heat could promote yellowing. If you decide to hang your
gown, stuff the bodice with white tissue paper to prevent wrinkles. Sew straps to the waistline
of the dress to relieve pressure on the shoulders from the weight of the skirt. Remove any fabric
covered metal buttons, pins and sponge padding and store separately. Metal trims could
oxidize and some padding materials can deteriorate which stains the fabric.
Finally, wrap the dress in a protective white sheet or muslin covering.
Trust the dry-cleaning professionals in this guide to answer your questions about wedding
gown cleaning and storage.
November - May 2018 • RochesterBride.com
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