Tips and Tricks
Hang Your Gown by the Inner Straps
Located in your wedding gown are two ribbon-like bits of string looped into sturdy side seams. Always hang your dress by these straps and never by the sleeves. Sleeves are fragile and can stretch or sag over time.
Never Use Plastic to Store your Gown
Avoid storing your gown in plastic bags or vacuum-sealed, plastic-wrapped containers. Plastic emits fumes that can cause the gown to turn yellow and also traps moisture that can foster the growth of mildew.
Clean your Gown Before Storage
Stains from floor oil, beverages, makeup and other spills can permanently discolor your gown if not removed promptly. The sooner the gown is cleaned, the less likely the stain will set.
Choose a cleaning specialist who will personally clean your gown instead of one who mails your gown away to be cleaned.
Do Your Research
Ask what precautions the specialist takes to protect delicate trims and decorations. Also ask how the cleaner guards against latent stains.
Ask Questions
Inspect Your Dress
An acid-free box lined with muslin fabric or 100% acid-free tissue is used to house wedding gowns. Always inspect your gown personally before it is placed in this container.
Take Care When Storing Your Dress
Avoid storing your gown in the attic or basement where there are extreme changes in temperature or humidity. Store it in a cool, dry location. Ideal locations include under your bed or in the back of your closet.
Wrap Your Accessories
Store veils, headpieces, gloves, slips, garters and handkerchiefs individually with acid-free tissue before placing in the chest. Bouquets, perspiration shields, foam padding and shoes should be stored separately from your gown as these items can damage your gown.
Replace the Tissue
Once in a while you may need to take your gown out of the preservation chest. If you need more tissue when you repack your gown, it is essential that you only use 100% acid-free tissue which you can get from us.
Use Your Gloves
Included in your preservation kit is a pair of white cotton gloves for handling your gown. This will prevent soiling the fabric with oils from your skin.