Wedding gowns are more than just a piece of clothing for almost every bride. However, the time, effort and money every bride puts into finding a perfect wedding dress go in vain, especially when they choose to store it in their closet without proper care, leading to irreversible damage.
This is one of the biggest mistakes that most brides in the US make as they don’t know that:
- Exposure to sunlight, humidity, air and dust can lead to fabric deterioration and yellowing, especially if the wedding dress is made up of delicate fabrics like silk.
- Moreover, the different types of stains that your wedding dress gets on your wedding day can leave permanent stains on your precious dress that are hard to remove even for professionals.
- Many brides choose to store their gowns in plastic bags. However, plastic packaging material is made up of Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which reacts with nitrogen oxides in the air, this leads to yellow stains on your dress.
That is why it is recommended to get your wedding gown professionally cleaned and preserved after your wedding. Not only this will prevent fabric degradation and yellowing but also ensure your dress maintains its original condition.
However, with endless number of options to choose from, choosing a trusted wedding dress preservation company is not easy. So, here, we will discuss a few tips to find a reliable wedding dress company.
Tips to Find the Best Wedding Dress Preservation Company in the US
Do your research
Start by asking for recommendations from friends and family. Those who have gone through the process of preserving their gowns can offer valuable insights. Next, create a list of top-rated wedding gown preservation companies by searching online and checking reviews on platforms like Yelp, Google, and wedding forums. Look for testimonials and client experiences, particularly from brides who had similar dresses in terms of material and design.
Evaluate Their Expertise
Not all preservation companies are the same. Some may specialize in preserving particular types of gowns or fabrics. Make sure the company you’re considering has experience working with delicate fabrics like silk, lace, and tulle. Check if they use advanced cleaning techniques, such as SYSTEMK4, which is an eco-friendly cleaning technology known for its effectiveness in treating delicate gowns without causing damage.
Check for Cleaning and Preservation Processes
Each wedding gown is unique, so it’s crucial that the preservation company tailors their process to your specific dress. Ask the company about their cleaning and preservation methods. A reputable company should provide a detailed explanation of the steps they take, which typically include:
- Pre-inspection: The gown is carefully examined for stains, discoloration, and damage.
- Spot Treatment: Stains are treated using specialized cleaning solutions based on the type of stain and fabric.
- Professional Cleaning: The gown undergoes a gentle cleaning process that ensures dirt, sweat, and any remaining stains are removed.
- Preservation: After cleaning, the gown is stored in an acid-free, archival-quality box designed to prevent exposure to light, moisture, and air. Some companies also offer wedding dress preservation box for additional protection.
Look for Guarantees
A trusted wedding gown preservation company should stand by their work and offer guarantees. One of the best guarantees to look for is protection against yellowing. Some companies offer a 100-year anti-yellowing guarantee, meaning if your dress shows any signs of yellowing within 100 years, they will restore it free of charge. This guarantee reflects the company’s confidence in their preservation process and provides peace of mind for brides.
Ask About Insurance and Shipping
Many brides hesitate to send their precious gowns to preservation companies because they fear damage or loss during shipping. To alleviate this concern, ask the company if they provide shipping insurance. Trusted companies will typically include insurance in the cost of preservation. This free shipping with insurance helps you ensure that your gown is protected from the moment it leaves your hands until it’s safely returned.
Read the Fine Print
Before committing to a preservation service, make sure you understand the terms of the agreement. Are there additional costs for cleaning heavily soiled gowns or for extra delicate materials? Will the company provide you with updates throughout the process? How long will the preservation process take? Ensure all these questions are answered clearly before you proceed.
Look for Added Perks
Some companies go the extra mile by offering additional services such as gown restoration, veil preservation, or custom preservation boxes with viewing windows. Others may offer discounts on preserving bridesmaids’ dresses or family heirlooms. Consider whether these added perks align with your needs.
Consider the Cost
Wedding gown preservation can range from $200 to $800 depending on the complexity of the gown and the company’s services. While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option, remember that quality matters. A low-cost preservation service may cut corners, resulting in inadequate protection for your gown. Instead, focus on the company’s reputation and the quality of their work to ensure your dress is preserved properly.
Conclusion
Your wedding gown is a treasured keepsake, and finding the right preservation company is crucial to ensuring it stays in perfect condition for years to come. By doing your research, evaluating the company’s expertise, and understanding their preservation process, you can confidently choose a trusted wedding gown preservation company that will take the best care of your dress.
Companies that are known for their commitment to quality, advanced cleaning technologies, and guarantees are the top choices for brides across the US.
