In all likelihood your wedding gown has been the
most costly garment purchase you have ever made - and are
likely to make. I cannot over emphasize the importance of properly
cleaning and storing your gown after the big day. The object is not
simply to clean and remove any marks (and most wedding gowns have
acted as a mop and broom over every floor the bride who wears it
treads) but importantly to protect and preserve the garment. Even
marks that don't show-up immediately oxidise and stain
eventually.
If your gown has beading, appliqué or other
embellishments, it may not withstand the type of dry clean offered
on the high street. The solvents used may dissolve beads and pearls
and if your dress is jewelled the adhesives used in their settings
may be neither solvent nor heat resistant. So look for a dry
cleaning specialist and preferably one that specialises in formal
wear and offers a hand-finishing service. Ask for a recommendation
from those who sold you the gown.
When you take your dress or outfit off, hang it on
the original hanger and store it in the garment bag it came in.
Alert the dry cleaner to any stains and loose threads and
seek their advice on beading or pearls. Also identify any rips and
tears so there's no further damage done during the cleaning
process. A good cleaner will return the dress wrapped in acid free
tissue paper either boxed or in a garment bag. If you opt for the
latter ensure the bag is breathable. Most of the
designers whose advice I have sought over the years do not
recommend vacuum packing.
If you've not the luxury of a wedding planner to
get your gown cleaned for you whilst on honeymoon, you could assign
the task to a bridesmaid or parent and organise what needs doing
prior to your wedding. There are companies who will collect your
gown, properly clean and then pack it: some can even store it for
you afterwards. When cleaned, store your dress in a temperate
dry place, out of direct sunlight. And keep it accessible so that
once a year you can get it out and try it on again!
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© Sarah Haywood, 2011