Thursday, February 18, 2010

Preserving your Wedding Gown

Every bride should protect her investment by having her wedding gown professionally cleaned and stored. An expert dry cleaner or gown preservationist can make certain that your heirloom dress is protected from soil and age so it looks as new in 20 years as it did the day you wore it.

1.Find a dry cleaner that advertises expert cleaning of wedding gowns. Ask the cleaner if he/she uses different solvents on gowns than on regular clothing.

2.Ask if you can see the dress before it is packed. That way, you can see for yourself if all visible stains have been removed prior to storage.

3.Wedding gowns should be stuffed with clean, acid free tissue. Acid-free tissue placed between the folds of the dress and stuffed in the bodice will prevent permanent wrinkles and folds as well as help stabilize the environment of the box. .Don't put the gown in a hot attic or a cold basement. Extreme temperature changes can also damage your gown.

4.The cost of professionally cleaning and storing your dress can range from $75 - $600, depending on its size, fabric and detailing..

5.To cut down on cost, you can pack away your gown yourself, but only after it has been professionally dry-cleaned. To do this, you will need a large box, tissue paper, and a cotton liner. Cedar chests can also be used instead of a box. Carefully arrange the bodice and skirt to avoid wrinkling, and crumple tissue paper in major folds to prevent hard creasing. Never use plastic or brown boxes. They contain materials that are harmful to the fabric.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.