If you want your dress to last until your daughter grows up or to remain in perfect condition for sentimental reasons, take these protective measures:
- Have your dress and veil cared for by a professional dry cleaner immediately after the wedding. Point out where any sugar-based beverages spilled on the dress---it may be invisible later, but can stain later.
- Ask the dry cleaner to test the beads and trim with solvent before cleaning. Some dresses can't be dry-cleaned if beads are glued on; the glue may dissolve during the cleaning process, and you cold lose all of the decoration.
- Remove protective shields and bra inserts because they can cause staining over time.
- Have your dress hand-pressed and wrapped in an acid and linen-free tissue paper. Store it in a box that's free of acid. Use the acid and linen-free tissue paper to protect against creases and to puff up sleeves and bodice. Avoid "vacuum-packed" boxes and cellophane windows what keep air from circulating and can discolor fabric. Never wrap it in plastic.
Beverly Harris Weddings & Events
(310) 487-9698
