Preserving Your Perfect Wedding Gown

By donna Ennis

Once their perfect wedding day is over, brides are faced with the quandry of what to do with their precious wedding gown. For most brides, the dress is the most important symbol or keepskae of their beautiful day. They have spent countless hours selecting this gown and getting it fitted to be just perfect. Besides the monetary value of the garment, it also holds great sentimental value. So, the answer is a simple one; have the gown properly preserved.So, what is the proper way to go about finding the best service for wedding gown preservation? I'm gald you asked.

Gown preservation is a two part process: proper cleaning and proper storage. The sooner you get the gown cleaned and preserved, the better off you will be. All wedding gowns need cleaning even if they appear to be soil free. Oils from you body, perfumes, lotions, hairsprays, wine and white frosting create unseen stains that can become visual on the gown as time passes. The longer a spot remains on the gown, the worse it becomes. Some stains contain substances that weaken fabric while other unseen stains will begin to oxidize over time, creating large unsightly brown stains. Once the gown is completely cleaned, it should then be stored in an acid neutral environment. Thus sending your gown to a professional company that specializes in the cleaning and preservation of wedding gowns is your best bet.

When selecting a company some important things to look for are listed below:

- Wedding gowns are made from delicate fabrics, lace and embellishments which need special care. Be sure to choose a preservation company that specializes in wedding gowns as they will know how to properly handle these materials.

- Make sure the company you have selected is reputable and has been been in business for a long time.

- Find out what is included in the service you are paying for. (Beware of hidden cost!) A. Is shipping included? Both to and from their facility? B. Can you send accessories and what is the cost? C. Will the gown be cleaned and preserved or just preserved? D. Does my gown hold insurance and how much?

- Will you be able to inspect the gown after it is preserved?

- What kind of guarantee do they offer?

No matter what you intend to do with your gown, having it properly cleaned and preserved will ensure that your garment will be ready for whatever the future may bring!