The Future Of The Dress—

What Happens To Your Gown After Your Wedding Day?

By Jan Howard

A bride who chooses to preserve her wedding gown for the possible future use of a daughter or as a treasured keepsake should ask questions about the process and materials used to make sure her gown is prepared properly.

The bride should ask how stains are pre-treated to make sure that all stains, not just those visible to the eyes, are processed. Stains caused by white wines or sugar icing won’t show on the gown immediately, but if not treated properly can cause brown spots after cleaning. The bride should also make sure that acid-free paper products are used for storage of the gown.

It is also important that the bride inspect the gown prior to its being stored in the preservation box. She should make sure from the beginning that she will be able to see her gown before it is boxed.

Several area businesses offer wedding gown preservation, either on site or by sending the gown to a company specializing in gown preservation.

A patented process is usually used in preserving the gown, according to Thomas Scozzafava of Newtown Cleaners, located at 54 Church Hill Road in Newtown. Mr Scozzafava offers the service through Wedding Gown Preservation Company in Endicott, N.Y.

In most cases, a gown will be professionally cleaned and pressed after stains have been pre-treated. The gown is then placed in an acid-free box with a display window.

There are several processes for cleaning wedding gowns, using wet or dry methods. Different chemicals are used to pre-treat stains, depending on the stain. The gown may need to be hand pressed, depending on the fabric and the amount of decoration.

Paul Bagley of Ship Shape Cleaners, located at 106 Federal Road in Brookfield, offers on-site gown preservation and restoration through a franchise, WEB—RE-STORE.

He said he preserves about 200 wedding gowns a year. He uses a wet process instead of traditional dry cleaning plus an anti-sugar treatment. “Each gown is hand cleaned,” Mr Bagley said. “The anti-sugar treatment takes all stains out. They won’t reappear. This is guaranteed in writing.”

Before the gown is worn again, it will be pressed free of charge, he said. 

Mr Scozzafava said Wedding Gown Preservation Company includes a lifetime guarantee against caramelized sugar stains and yellowing of the gown. It also includes instructions on handling and storage of the gown. 

 “We don’t recommend touching it, but the company includes plastic gloves to do so,” he said.  Sealing squares are included to reseal the seams of the preservation box if it is opened.

Most business representatives said the gown would be ready for pickup within 10 to 15 working days, but it could be longer if the gown is very ornate or needs more individualized handling or extensive repairs.

Mr Bagley emphasized the need for the gown to be stored in an acid-free box with acid-free paper. The box is sealed, but a clear window that is also acid free allows the gown to be displayed.

Company representatives noted that a preserved gown should never be stored in an attic or basement or other areas of extremes in temperature or humidity. The best place for storage is under a bed or in a closet.

Wedding gown preservation should take place as soon as possible after the wedding. “The sooner, the better,” Mr Scozzafava said. “Ninety-nine percent of the problem with textiles is exposure to the air.  You have to keep the dye from oxidizing. The longer you wait to have it preserved, the greater the chance of having stains set.”

Orange Restoration Labs, located at 454 Old Cellar Road in Orange, preserves about 1,500 dresses a year on site, according to Sally Conant, the company’s president. She belongs to the Wedding Gowns Specials Organization, which specializes in preserving wedding gowns. It has representatives in 500 cities.

“The key factor in preservation is getting the dress clean in the beginning,” she said. “The second factor is the materials used to store the dress. They must be acid-free.”

She cautioned against vacuum sealing of the garment. “I’ve seen dresses where the folds have touched the plastic and they are yellow,” she said.

Randy Zaino, vice president of Battiston’s in South Windsor, said the treating of stains and the finishing and pressing of gowns are usually done by hand. All work is done on site.

He said there are several ways to clean wedding gowns. “The types of stains dictate what you can do,” he said.

The cost of wedding gown preservation varies. Prices quoted were $159.95 at Newtown Cleaners; $150 at Ship Shape Cleaners; $239.95 for silk gowns and $189.95 for other fabric gowns at Orange Restoration Labs; and $189 at Battiston’s. 

While accessories such as gloves, veil, bag and garter can be included in the price of preserving the gown, some companies may charge extra for these items. Cost for repairs depends on the amount of work required. They are usually offered at nominal fees.

Company representatives agreed the bride should always personally inspect the gown before it is placed in its preservation box.

 “It gives them peace of mind that their heirloom is in good shape,” Mr Zaino said.

He noted the importance of brides educating themselves about the preservation process. “They take time to pick out their gown,” he said. “They should take a little time to think about what happens to it after the wedding day.”