Undoubtedly, your wedding dress is going to be an absolute showstopper, turning heads and capturing hearts! Isn’t it a once-in-a-lifetime outfit every girl dreams of slipping into? 

So, as you count down to the big day, getting your gown to look its best becomes just as exciting as picking out the dress itself.

Whether it’s a fresh boutique find, a precious family heirloom, or a gorgeous rental, each one brings its charisma to the table and, sometimes, its own set of cleaning quirks, too! 

Maybe your granny’s vintage gown needs gentle restoration, or that new boutique beauty might need help with sweat marks from fittings. Whatever the case, every dress deserves a little pre-wedding pampering so that you look nothing less than a diva walking down the aisle!

Feeling a bit overwhelmed? No need, though, ladies! 

This blog is packed with all the wedding gown cleaning tips you need to keep your dress looking pristine and aisle-ready!

So, let’s spill the beans on making your attire as fabulous as your happily-ever-after will be!

When to Get Your Wedding Dress Cleaned Before the Big Day?

Knowing the right time to have it cleaned, refreshed, or spot-treated can make all the difference in achieving that glamorous bridal look ready for cameras. So, here are a few instances when your dress might need extra care to ensure you’re glowing from head to toe!

Wearing a Family’s Heirloom 

Isn’t wearing a hand-downed wedding dress from either your mother or grandmother truly dreamy and blissful? Walking it down the aisle again is a perfect way of reminiscing about the most remarkable moments of the women in your life. 

However, even if the wedding dress was preserved well, it will still need a thorough cleaning and fabric restoration to remove any stains or odor that might have developed over the years of storage.

So, plan things out at least three months before your wedding so that your antique piece can be restored to its original brilliance.

Pre-Wedding Photo Shoot

A pre-wedding photoshoot has been gaining immense popularity among brides-to-be who want a sneak peek at how they’ll look on their wedding day. Whether it’s an outdoor photo session or a professional shoot, even the most careful brides might end up with a dusted hem or slight creases.

So, you will definitely require a post-shoot wedding dress cleaning to refresh it and make it ready for the majestic walk down the aisle. 

Spotted Stains: During Fittings or Alterations?

Stains are tough to spot, particularly those hiding in plain sight. Without a close inspection before the big day, tiny stains from various sources might go undetected.

The stains can occur due to multiple factors: the gown being mishandled while in the boutique, the hem dusting the floor during alterations, or even a touch of perspiration from trying it on. 

Hence, arranging a quick cleaning session beforehand ensures your attire looks flawlessly beautiful for your special day!   

Purchasing From a Local Boutique

You might assume a boutique dress is spotless, but gowns that have been tried on by multiple brides or handled a lot can pick up dust, dirt, and handling marks. A professional wedding dress cleaning would be your best bet for restoring that “just-purchased freshness.” 

Too Early Purchase

When planning a wedding, it is always good to start early to allow yourself an extended amount of time to decide the essential aspects to include. One of these aspects is your wedding dress. 

If the wedding date is far off, brides often buy their dresses sooner rather than later. So, dresses that are stored for months, even in garment bags, can gather dust, subtle odors, or creases from being folded. Also, the organic fibers of your wedding dress will begin to turn yellow and will eventually fade. 

So, a final cleaning right before the wedding is a good move. This way, you’ll get any wrinkles smoothed and have peace of mind knowing the dress is in perfect condition when you put it on.

Now, if you are looking for a professional way to “clean my wedding dress,” invest in a Clean Only Wedding Dress Kit, available only at Trusted Wedding Gown Preservation. We guarantee your dress receives excellent care, from experts assessing the gown to spotting areas that need special attention.  

“You can trust that your wedding dress will be in great hands!”

When You Should Get Your Dress Cleaned?

Before bringing your wedding dress to us for a thorough cleaning, ensure you are already in the final stages of your wedding preparations. Most brides typically don’t have their dresses cleaned before alterations, specifically those who might be adjusting for weight changes.

On the contrary, some prefer to have it cleaned after the alterations to ensure it will be kept spotless and fresh after cleaning. No matter when you decide to send it in, to get the best results, have your dress professionally cleaned about a month before your wedding, helping you minimize last-minute panic.

How to Store Your Cleaned Wedding Dress Before the Big Moment

Once professional experts have freshly cleaned your gown, it’s time to store it properly to keep it looking its best. Here’s how you can do it: 

• Find a cool, dry space away from the direct sunlight and humidity. 
• Avoid basements or attics, as temperature fluctuations and dampness can hamper the fabric. 
• If your dress has a pretty train or extravagant details, hang it on a padded hanger to maintain its shape and prevent creasing. 
• Avoid folding the dress, as this can create unappealing lines that are hard to remove later.
• Take a moment every few weeks to check on your dress. 
• If you have pets at home, store your attire in a location that’s out of their reach.

After the D-Day: Does Your Wedding Dress Need Another Clean? 

Now that you've tied the knot, celebrated, and relaxed on your honeymoon, there’s one more thing to address: does your wedding dress need another round of cleaning?

Well, the answer is a big yes! Even if you’ve been super careful, your gown can still encounter food spills, makeup smudges, mud stains, dirt, or sweat throughout the day.

It’s best to have your dress cleaned with us as soon as possible after the wedding to prevent any stains from setting in. Aim to get it cleaned within six weeks, as this timeframe gives you the best chance of removing any marks and keeping your dress gorgeous and fresh. 

Also, if you want to keep your dress as a cherished heirloom for your grandkids, we will preserve it! Order our Traditional Wedding Dress Cleaning + Preservation Kit, which not only cleans your gown but also preserves it in a lovely white preservation chest for years to come.

Wrapping It Up: Your Wedding Dress Care Made Easy

So, when it comes down to dry cleaning a wedding dress, a little attention goes a long way! From the moment you say "yes" to that incredible gown, it deserves the best care to keep it looking as magical as the day you wear it. 

As the big day approaches, watch out for stains during fittings and alterations, and always store your wedding attire properly after cleaning. And hey, after the celebrations are over and life has returned to normal, make sure to show some love to it. 

With the proper care, your gown can be a gorgeous reminder of your special day and a beautiful heirloom that you’ll treasure for generations!

FAQs

Q. Is it worth it to dry clean a wedding dress?

Ans. Absolutely! Dry cleaning preserves your wedding dress’s beauty and prevents discoloration, stains, and fabric damage. Trusted Wedding Gown Preservation offers expert services to keep your gown looking flawless, making the investment well worth it.

Q. What happens if you don't clean your wedding dress?

Ans. If left uncleaned, sweat, makeup, and spills can stain your dress permanently. Fabric may also yellow over time, diminishing its beauty and value as a keepsake. Immediate cleaning ensures your gown remains a cherished keepsake so that you can preserve it for your future generations. 

Q. How much does it cost to clean an old wedding dress?

Ans. Cleaning an older gown with other dry cleaners typically costs between $250 and $500, depending on the fabric, stain level, and treatment needed. Trusted Wedding Gown Preservation offers specialized cleaning kits that cost between $200 and $400, ensuring safe and effective restoration.

Q. How soon after your wedding should you get your dress cleaned?

Ans. Ideally, get your bridal dress cleaned within six weeks of the wedding. This prevents stains from setting and keeps the fabric pristine, ready for preservation or future use.

Q. What’s the best way to store a wedding dress after dry cleaning?

Ans. For best results, store your cleaned wedding dress in a breathable garment bag away from sunlight and moisture. Trusted Wedding Gown Preservation offers preservation kits to keep your gown in immaculate condition for the long term.