Rochester Brides & Grooms May - November 2017 Issue #51 | Page 49
Gown Preservation in Rochester NY Gown Preservation Your wedding gown will always remind you of one of the most important events in your life. Whether you choose to wear the gown your mother wore, or one designed especially for you, remember to protect it as soon after your wedding day with expert dry-cleaning and careful storage. Like many brides, you may want to preserve your dress as a keepsake. Invisible stains from food, beverages, and body oils can become permanent yellow stains if not properly cleaned before storage. If you choose to wear an heirloom. A dress that has become discolored, it usually can be restored to the original color. Many wedding gowns are sold with one or more conflicting care procedures listed on the care label attached. This label outlines a practical cleaning method. Gowns that fail to withstand the care procedure should be returned to the retailer for adjustments. Some gowns may have to be mailed to a specific firm and are usually competitively priced as a local dry-cleaner would charge. Some dry cleaners may also customize your preservation. You should have your dry-cleaner first test the gown for cleanability. Point out any stains or spills. Dry-cleaners typically treat the dress with solutions to slow down the deterioration process, press it and place acid-free tissue paper between the folds. Some cleaners will pack your gown in a special box for storage. Store your gown in a cool, dry place. Don’t store it in a basement or attic. A basement could cause mildew growth and attic heat could promote yellowing. If you decide to hang your gown, stuff the bodice with white tissue paper to prevent wrinkles. Sew straps to the waistline of the dress to relieve pressure on the shoulders from the weight of the skirt. Remove any fabric covered metal buttons, pins and sponge padding and store separately. Metal trims could oxidize and some padding materials can deteriorate which stains the fabric. Finally, wrap the dress in a protective white sheet or muslin covering. Trust the dry-cleaning professionals in this guide to answer your questions about wedding gown cleaning and storage. RochesterBride.com Rochester Brides & Grooms Rochester NY Wedding Rochester Wedding Rochesterwedding.com