Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event. But before you put away your gorgeous gown for good, make sure you properly store it to ensure it stays in perfect condition. Here are some tips to help keep your gown looking as dazzling as it was on your special day.

Before the Big Day:

Protect your gown
We offer an acid-free Muslin gusseted gown bag, which is suitable for hanging and will protect your gown before the wedding. It should also be used after the wedding to store your gown until it is cleaned and preserved. The all white Gusset Tyvek bag with easy to carry handles is perfect for the traveling bride.

Dry clean your gown before storing
The faster your gown makes it to the cleaners, the less likely stains will set in. Dependable offers quick and thorough cleaning, restoration and preservation services at all of our 17 locations. Our certified technicians inspect each garment for tears, holes and stains, before and after the cleaning process.

Inform your cleaner of any possible stains
Your wedding can be a long day, complete with photo shoots, dancing and the occasional champagne toast. Invisible stains are sure to happen, from perspiration and make-up to spilled soda and wayward chicken cutlets. Notify your cleaner of any mishaps or problem areas before your dress is cleaned to make sure stains won’t appear after years of storage.

Wrap your gown properly
We carefully preserve your gown by wrapping the cleaned gown in acid-free tissue or acid-free muslin, depending on the preservation package you choose. We then place the wrapped gown in a museum-quality wedding chest. Using this chest protects your gown from the air, dust and light, which can cause unprotected gowns to yellow over time.

Store accessories separately
Any pins, perspiration shields and foam padding should be removed from the garment and stored separately. Many types of Headpieces, veils, slips, gloves, garters, and handkerchiefs may be stored with your gown (though each should be wrapped in acid free tissue). Accessories with metal should be stored separately. Shoes should also be stored in a separate box because the fumes from the leather, glue and metal may cause damage to your gown.

Store your gown in a cool, dry place
Beneath your bed or in the back of a closet are two good places to store your wedding gown. Avoid attics or basements for storage: attics tend to get too hot in the summer, which can cause discoloration of the fabric; basements tend to carry too much moisture in the air, which can create mildew problems.

Free evaluation: We will give you a free estimate for the care of any fabric, new or old.

Hand cleaning: We hand-treat and clean each gown individually, taking every precaution to protect delicate beads, embroidery and lace.

Anti-Sugar Stain Treatment: Our specialized treatment ensures that all sugar, salt and acid, seen or otherwise, is removed.

Personal Inspection: We encourage you to inspect your gown before we complete the preservation process.

International Guarantee: Any member of the Association of Wedding Gown Specialists will unseal, inspect and press your gown anytime at no charge.