Your wedding gown is one of your most precious possessions. It is a symbol of an important event in your life and should be treated with special care. Whether you are borrowing it from a relative or buying it new, your gown deserves your attention, both before the wedding and afterward. Today’s bridal gowns are made from a wide variety of fabrics. The gown you have selected may be satin, taffeta, chiffon, organza, brocade, and lace, and accented with delicate trims, such as beads, crystals, sequins, embroidery, silk flowers, and appliqués, all of which require special care. We’ve had the privilege of caring for gowns of every type and style, however it is important that we inspect your gown carefully and discuss problems or concerns you may have before cleaning and preparation of the gown for safekeeping. We would like the privilege of completing this care and suggest that the cost of our services be included as part of your wedding budget. Wearing an heirloom can make your special day that much more memorable. Allow at least a month for professional care as well as any alterations.
Typically, older gowns need more attention than newer ones because many fabrics naturally yellow with age and old stains may not respond to our professional treatments. Before you decide to wear a cherished heirloom, allow us to assess and discuss the pros and cons with you. After the wedding, whether having worn a new gown or a cherished heirloom, most brides want to preserve their gown as the most outwardly visible symbol of that special moment in time as well as perhaps preserving the opportunity for their own daughter to wear on her wedding day. That’s why it is important to allow us to clean and remove stains before storing.
Stains cause fibre damage and become more difficult to remove the longer they remain on the fabric. You may think your gown has no stains and is okay to put away without cleaning. Don’t do it. Food and beverage stains (perhaps not even immediately visible), body oils, and make-up, if not carefully addressed as soon after the big day as possible, may prove impossible to safely remove—even by our skilled personnel. Your gown requires specific cleaning instructions and special care. It is important to check your gown for accurate care instructions addressing all parts of the gown, including decorative trim, beads, and sequins. We strongly advise you to examine the care label before purchasing your gown to make sure you understand the care instructions. If you have a question, ask us before you buy the gown. We will do our very best to adhere to those instructions and will complete our testing prior to cleaning.
The last step in our unique process is inspection and packaging. If you choose preservation, your gown is packaged in a museum quality acid-free wedding gown box using only acid-free bust form and tissue paper. The box is not vacuum sealed, allowing the gown to breath and you to be able to touch the gown. There is a large viewing window allowing you to see the gown after boxing. For short-term hanging storage we also offer cotton-muslin gown bags that protect the gown from dust, insects, and light damage.
We look forward to seeing you and your gown soon!