Written by | Meg Daniel
Photo by | Adam + Dawn Photography

What should I do with my Wedding Gown after the wedding?

So what’s the difference? Is it really worth preserving your gown or can you just dry clean it? We asked the experts and have the answers! Paul Phillips from Paul Phillips Formalwear advises brides to take your dress off as soon as possible to prevent any body oils or perspiration from setting into the fabric. Then promptly have it pre-spotted and dry cleaned, again to prevent stains from setting in. This is a great task to leave with a trusted mom or maid of honor while you are away on your honeymoon.

You have invested a lot of time and money into finding your perfect dress, now let’s first decide what your plans are for your dress after your wedding.

Lauren at Sara Loree’s Bridal and Formal suggests, “If you are that bride who is wanting to take her gown out yearly and try it on again, you should opt to clean your gown as opposed to preserving it. Similarly, a bride who is wanting to sell her gown should avoid preserving it as well.” If you choose to clean your dress, Paul Philips says it is fine to clean it, but please, store it in a nylon bag, not a plastic one. Plastic bags contain petroleum which over time can discolor the fabric. 

Should you choose to preserve your gown, both Paul and Lauren advise the sooner you get it to a preservationist, the better the results. Preserving your gown is a series of special cleaning and packaging techniques that help keep your dress from permanent oxidation spots, yellowing or creasing fabric, maintaining the style and color of your dress. The bodice will be stuffed with a form to maintain its shape, and acid-free paper will be used to keep the dress from creasing. The preservation box typically has the oxygen removed and replaced with nitrogen to maintain the color of your dress. This box will be sealed, airtight, and should be stored in a cool, dry place. Most preservationists offer a lifetime guarantee and prices range from $175 and up, depending on the size and style of your dress. If you do choose to preserve your dress, you do not need to have it cleaned beforehand, the preservation company will take care of that. But again, the sooner you get it cleaned or preserved the better! Both Sara Loree’s Bridal and Formal as well as Paul Phillips Formalwear offer wedding dress preservation, so definitely check them out to safeguard your beautiful dress for future generations!