Let’s talk about something that often gets overlooked in all the excitement of wedding planning: what happens to your gown after the big day!
You’ve spent months searching for the one - the gown that made you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself. After all the celebrating, photos, hugs, and dancing, your wedding dress likely has a few stories (and maybe a few stains) to tell. That’s where proper cleaning and preservation come in - and trust us, it’s worth it.
Even if your gown looks clean, invisible stains like sweat, body oils, or champagne can cause the fabric to yellow over time. Add in potential marks from makeup, dirt from outdoor photos, or food and drink spills, and it becomes clear: post-wedding cleaning isn’t just a good idea - it’s essential.
Professional gown cleaning is specially designed to treat delicate materials like silk, lace, and tulle. Traditional dry cleaning methods can actually damage wedding dresses, so it’s important to seek a specialist who understands bridal fabrics and embellishments. The sooner you get your gown cleaned after the wedding, the better the results will be.
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Cleaning your dress is the first step. Preservation is what helps it last for decades.
Preservation is a careful, multi-step process designed to keep your gown in pristine condition over time. After the dress is thoroughly cleaned, it’s delicately folded (using acid-free tissue paper to prevent permanent creasing) and placed in an airtight, archival-quality box. This box is specially designed to protect your gown from moisture, light, and discoloration.
Properly preserved gowns can last for generations - whether you’re saving it for a daughter, planning to repurpose the fabric, or simply want to keep it as a cherished memory of your day.
Tips for After the Wedding
Don’t wait too long. Ideally, your gown should be cleaned within a few weeks of your wedding to prevent stains from setting.
Avoid DIY fixes. It can be tempting to spot-clean a smudge yourself, but you might do more harm than good. Leave it to the experts.
Store it smart. Until you can get it cleaned and preserved, store your gown in a cool, dry place, and never in plastic - it can trap moisture and lead to mildew or yellowing.
While it’s easy to get swept up in the “before,” your wedding gown deserves love and care after the aisle, too. Cleaning and preservation ensure that your dress stays as timeless as your memories!
Still searching for the gown of your dreams? We’d love to help you find it. Book your bridal appointment with Labella Bridal today!