Your wedding day may be over, but your gown's story doesn't have to end there.
From walking down the aisle to celebrating on the dance floor, your wedding gown has likely collected a few memories along the way. Whether you're hoping to preserve it as a keepsake, pass it down someday, or simply keep it in beautiful condition, we're answering your most frequently asked questions about caring for your gown after the wedding.
1. What's the difference between gown cleaning and preservation?
Cleaning removes stains, dirt, and residue collected throughout your wedding day, including those you may not be able to see.
Preservation prepares your professionally cleaned gown for long-term storage using specialized materials designed to protect its condition over time.
2. How soon after my wedding should I have my gown cleaned?
We recommend having your gown professionally cleaned as soon as possible after your wedding, before stains have time to settle or cause discoloration.
Already been a few months or even years? It's still worth having your gown professionally cared for!
3. My gown looks clean. Does it really need professional cleaning?
Yes! Even if your gown appears spotless, invisible stains from perspiration, perfume, makeup, or champagne can cause yellowing over time. Professional cleaning helps address these stains before they become more difficult to remove.
4. Can I have my gown cleaned without preserving it?
Absolutely! We offer both professional gown cleaning and cleaning with preservation, depending on your plans for your gown.
5. How does the process work at The White Dress by the shore?
We partner with Orange Restoration Labs, a Connecticut-based gown cleaning, preservation, and restoration specialist.
Simply contact our team to arrange bringing your gown to the boutique. From there, we'll coordinate its care with our trusted preservation partner. Your gown is never shipped, but always hand-delivered, giving you peace of mind knowing it's in trusted hands throughout the process.
6. How long does the process take?
Turnaround times vary throughout the year. During peak wedding season, cleaning and preservation can take up to six months before your gown is returned to our boutique.
7. Can I have my veil or other bridal accessories cleaned?
Yes! We offer professional veil cleaning in addition to our gown cleaning and preservation services.
Veils, detachable sleeves, and other bridal accessories may also be included in preservation. Reach out to our team with details about your specific pieces so we can confirm the available options.
8. How will my gown be packaged after preservation?
Your gown will be carefully packaged in a preservation box with acid-free tissue paper. Box sizes vary depending on your gown, and each features a viewing window so you can admire it without removing it from its packaging.
For long-term care, store your box in a cool, dry, temperature-controlled space away from direct sunlight.
9. What if my gown is heavily stained?
Professional cleaning can address many common wedding-day stains, although results vary depending on the fabric and type of stain.
For heavily stained gowns requiring additional treatment, additional fees may apply.
10. Do you offer wedding gown restoration?
Yes! We also offer wedding gown restoration for garments that may need more specialized care, including older gowns or those with significant discoloration.
Before determining the appropriate treatment, our preservation partner must first examine the garment to assess whether restoration is necessary or if professional cleaning will be sufficient.
11. Do I need to have purchased my gown at The White Dress by the shore?
Not at all! Our cleaning, preservation, and restoration services are available to all brides, regardless of where they purchased their wedding gown.
12. How much does wedding gown cleaning and preservation cost?
Pricing varies depending on your gown's silhouette and the level of care required. For example, a ball gown may require more extensive cleaning than a fit-and-flare silhouette.
We recommend contacting our team for specific pricing.
Looking to save? We offer special pricing when you purchase your cleaning and preservation service before your wedding day. You can also purchase our Best Day Ever Bundle, which includes gown cleaning and preservation.
A Little Care for a Lifetime of Memories
Whether you're hoping to pass your gown down someday or simply keep it as a reminder of a meaningful chapter, proper care helps preserve the memories attached to it.
Interested in learning more? Visit our Gown Cleaning & Preservation page for additional information about our services, or contact our team with any questions. We're always happy to help!