Here are the answers to your most frequently asked questions about our wedding dress preservation process plus a few other tips and hints on caring for your most treasured heirloom-to-be.
How do you clean my gown?
Our Certified Wedding Gown Specialists™ carefully handclean every gown with gentle chemicals and premium detergents. Then your gown is rinsed in pure solvent, the one best for your gown, until it is completely clean.
What is preservation?
Your completely clean gown is carefully packed with acid-free tissue in a museum-quality wedding chest that protects your gown from the air and light that cause unprotected gowns to yellow.
Why is your process different from others?
Spills such as soda, wine and cake (many times caused by a guest and unnoticed by the bride) contain sugar and often dry without leaving a visible mark. Sugar is not dissolved during ordinary drycleaning and caramelizes over time into ugly brown stains. We take an extra step to be sure all stains, both seen and unseen, are removed.
Is your wedding chest different from others?
Our trademarked MuseumCare™ wedding chest is completely acid-free, not just pH neutral. Boxes that are only pH-neutral are not as safe for your gown, and ordinary boxes and tissue are heavy in acid, which damages fabric. Ordinary boxes and tissue cause yellowing and “burn” gowns leaving dark brown streaks wherever the fabric touches the box.
Can I see my gown when it is in the wedding chest?
You can see your gown through an oval window made of polypropylene, an inert plastic that will not yellow or damage your gown. Although the gown will be wrapped in muslin, you can fold it back to view your gown.
What else can I preserve with my gown?
Such things as a headpiece and veil, petticoat, gloves, garter, and handkerchief may be stored with your gown. There may be an additional charge. You may also choose to store your things in more than one chest. Shoes should not be stored with the gown because fumes from the leather and glue may cause damage. We can also preserve other special garments such as christening gowns, communion dresses, quinceaneros gowns, military uniforms, etc.
Will you make repairs to my gown?
We can make any needed repairs. For some repairs there may be an additional charge.
What is the guarantee?
100% international guarantee against caramelized sugar stains or yellowing of your gown backed by Certified Wedding Gown Specialists™ in more than 500 cities around the world. Return gown to any participating Specialist who will inspect the gown and press it at no charge.
What if I open my gown?
The guarantee is not voided, but improper handling of the gown may cause damage, and it should be resealed. If your gown is handled excessively or soiled it should be cleaned and preserved again.
Visit our wedding gown cleaning & preservation page for details about our process.