"7 Things You Should Know Before Getting Your Wedding Gown Cleaned and Preserved"

Compare Before You Buy!

Not all wedding gown preservation is the same.

Let's make this quick and easy. I've been in the bridal business for 10 years.  During that time it has always been my philosophy to give our brides the best advice, the best service and the best prices possible.  Happy brides tell their friends.  I've learned through experience that giving our brides as much information as possible will help them make the best decision.  So here's the 7 things every bride should know before getting their wedding gown cleaned and preserved.

1. PRICE: "Sometimes you get what you pay for, sometimes you get ripped off!" Knowing exactly what you are paying for before you make any purchase is obviously important. Some gown preservation companies make it sound as if their particular treatment or procedure is unique to them. Or it is special and therefore you should pay more for it. Hand cleaning hems or hand pressing or steaming your dress is common practice. In fact most of the treatments on your wedding gown will be personally done by hand. Only the dry-cleaning part of the process is automated - everything else is not. So don't pay more for "extra care" or "extra service" that really isn't extra.

2. GUARANTEES: Take special notice of what the guarantee actually covers. Also what remedy is available in conjunction with the guarantee. Gown preservation companies should guarantee that your gown will not yellow or develop any off color spots during the term of the guarantee. They should re-process your gown free of charge if any yellowing or spotting does occur. Read the fine print, some companies will charge some type of fee to re-process your dress. Look for the longest and most comprehensive guarantee.

3. SPOT CLEANING: Any reputable company should not only do the spot cleaning they should also explain their process to you. You want a company that hand inspects for spots when the dress first arrives. You also want them to re-inspect the dress when the cleaning is done to make sure all spots have been removed.

4. SUGAR STAINS: Sugar stains are caused by any product with sugar or sweetener that comes in contact with the gown. This would include cake, frosting, soda, coffee, wine or even baby drool (yuck!) Regular dry-cleaning solvents will not clean these stains. A special water treatment is needed sometimes in conjunction with other special cleaners depending on the stain. After this special sugar stain treatment is completed then the gown is ready to be dry-cleaned.

5. CLEANING ADDITIONAL ITEMS: Does it cost extra for any additional items to be cleaned and preserved? The best companies will usually include up to 3 extra items for free. These items should include your choice of a veil, shawl, cape, stole, detached train, gloves, garter, or handkerchief. Some companies offer different choices. Including these items for free not only saves you money but then you know these items are safely stored with your wedding gown.

6. STORAGE BOX or Bag: Make sure the gown preservation company uses acid free tissue and an acid free box for your gown storage. Regular cardboard and papers can give off fumes and can react with the fabric of your dress. Some companies offer a hanger storage in a bag for your gown. This isn't recommended, hanging the gown can stretch the shoulders and fabric, or if it is strapless can stress and stretch the fabric at the hanging loops. Even re-enforced hanging loops still can stretch the fabric. Considering the size of most wedding gowns, they can take up a huge amount of space in your hanging closet. Storage boxes usually fit under your bed, work perfectly well and are easy to handle.

7. BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU: Look for a company that is listed with the Better Business Bureau or the online BBB. Also if the company has an online "trust seal". Companies must adhere to strict standards to be listed with the BBB so you're better able to rely on their integrity. Trust seals show the gown preservation company has been checkout and are vouched for by the member company issuing the trust seal.

Below is a chart given to our brides to help them choose the best wedding gown preservation company.

If you have any specific questions about gown preservation please give me a call. I have a dedicated phone line just for answering questions about gown preservation, call anytime from 10am - 6pm pacific time Monday - Saturday 425-449-1551

Marv (Owner "The Bridal Outlet" in business since 2000)

Wedding Gown Preservation Comparison Chart