Caring for Your Wedding Gown: Cleaning & Preservation Tips

Your wedding gown is more than just a dress—it’s a treasure, a symbol of one of the most important days of your life. Whether it’s brand new or a family heirloom, your gown deserves special attention both before and after the wedding.

At Bibbentuckers Dry Cleaning in Dallas–Fort Worth, we specialize in professional wedding gown cleaning and preservation so your gown stays beautiful for generations.

Cleaning experts recommend having your gown professionally cleaned as soon as possible after the ceremony. Even if your dress looks spotless, it may carry invisible stains from:

• Food and beverages
• Makeup or body oils
• Outdoor dirt or grass
• Champagne or wine

If untreated, these stains can set permanently and cause yellowing over time. Always point out spills or spots to your cleaner before they begin the process.

Wedding gowns often feature delicate trims like beads, sequins, lace, or glitter. Some of these materials are:

• Made from plastics that aren’t solvent-resistant
• Coated with finishes that yellow or oxidize
• Dyed with colors that can fade or bleed

Because of these risks, choosing a professional cleaner with bridal gown expertise is crucial.

Once cleaned, proper storage is key to long-term preservation:

1. Use a professional storage box – Prevents contamination and protects against light.
2. Keep in a cool, dry place – Avoid basements (mildew) and attics (heat damage).
3. Support the gown’s weight – If hanging, add waistline straps to reduce pressure on shoulders.
4. Stuff bodice with white tissue paper – Prevents wrinkles and maintains shape. (Never use blue tissue—dye can transfer if the gown gets damp.)
5. Store accessories separately – Veils, bouquets, and shoes should never be boxed with your gown.
6. Inspect annually – Hidden stains may appear over time; your anniversary is a perfect reminder.

At Bibbentuckers, we combine expert stain removal with museum-quality preservation techniques to ensure your gown remains a cherished heirloom. Our process includes:

• Careful inspection of fabric, embellishments, and trims
• Gentle cleaning customized to your gown’s materials
• Hand finishing for perfect presentation
• Archival-quality boxing with acid-free tissue

Learn more about our wedding gown cleaning & preservation services.

Preserving your wedding gown is more than caring for fabric—it’s protecting memories and creating a future heirloom. With the right care, your gown can be enjoyed for decades, whether as a keepsake or passed down to the next generation.