Brides today have many options when it comes to what to do after the ceremony. There are many options for brides to make with their wedding dress after the ceremony. However, most brides want to keep their wedding dress preservation Chicago as precious memories of the big day.
It is important to preserve your wedding gown preservation properly if you decide to keep it. This will prevent yellowing or other age-related damage. Most wedding dresses are made from delicate materials such as satin, silk, or lace. They cannot be cleaned with the standard methods. Many dry cleaners offer preservation services for wedding dresses. These are the best tips for wedding dress preservation based on our years of experience in dry cleaning.
Wedding dress preservation is not the same as regular dry cleaning
A custom consultation is required for wedding dress preservation. This is not the case with regular dry cleaning. Before creating a custom preservation plan, an experienced specialist will review your gown’s cut, stitching, fabric, and other details. The specialist should inspect the entire gown for stains, including those found along the hem. To ensure nothing is missed, let your preservation specialist know if you find any hidden or small stains on your gown.
Dry cleaning is a good option if you want your wedding dress to last as long as possible. Use a virgin solvent, never a recycled solvent. Recycled solvents may contain contaminants from previous cleanings, and can leave your wedding gown with an unpleasant odor or discoloration. Ask about the guarantee they offer for the condition of your wedding gown after preservation has been completed.
Your dress may have staining that you cannot see.
Invisible stains are often the most dangerous for wedding gowns. Wine and other clear liquids can contain sugars that turn yellow or “caramelize”, over time, into dark, rusty spots that are impossible to remove. These stains are usually visible six months after the dress has been worn. They can be pale yellow at first. The caramelization process responds to heat and can accelerate if your gown is stored in a warm or hot area such as an attic.
Every stain should be examined by your preserver and a plan created for each one. They can spot invisible stains and stains which could cause problems as the dress age.
Keep your wedding dress in good condition as soon as possible
When it comes to the preservation of wedding dresses, time is crucial. Professional cleaning should be the first step in any preservation. The sooner a cleaner can remove any stains, they will be less likely to become permanent. A bride may wait up to six weeks to have her gown cleaned before they begin the preservation process. But, often by this time, the stains are well-set.
Make sure you have a plan in place to clean and preserve your gown before the wedding. You can change your gown before you leave for your honeymoon.
Keep the Preservation Box Seal in tact
It is important to store your wedding in an airtight container once it has been preserved. These boxes are specially made to let oxygen be sucked out and replaced by nitrogen. Oxygen can cause yellowing, discoloration, and aging. The nitrogen stops oxidation for many years, sometimes even decades. Most preservation experts recommend that you do not break the seal on your box.
To prevent discoloration and yellowing, you must seal the box and re-preserve your dress.