Curious About Something?
Common Questions
Cleaning & Stain Removal
How soon after the wedding should I bring my dress in?
When stored properly in an acid-free archival box and kept in a cool, dry place, a preserved gown can stay in good condition for 50 years or longer. The key risks are plastic bags (cause yellowing), attics (heat damage), and basements (humidity).
What kinds of stains can you remove from a wedding dress?
Within 30 days. Fresh champagne, body oils, makeup, and food stains respond to standard cleaning. Older stains oxidize into deep yellow or brown patches that require more aggressive treatment and may not lift completely. The faster you bring the gown in, the cleaner the result.
Do you clean silk, lace, and beaded gowns?
Champagne, red wine, body oils, sweat, makeup, lipstick, foundation, grass, dirt, food, mud, and most fresh wedding-day spills. Older oxidized stains, ink, and certain dyes are harder but often still treatable. We assess every gown individually before quoting.
Preservation & Storage
What is wedding dress preservation?
Yes. Cardboard, plastic, and untreated wooden chests release acids and trap moisture that yellow and weaken fabric over time. Acid-free boxes use buffered, pH-neutral materials that museums and conservators use to preserve historic textiles. It is the single most important variable in long-term storage.
How long does preservation actually last?
Yes. Silk gowns and heavily beaded or lace-trimmed dresses are our specialty. Each fabric type gets its own treatment chemistry and handling protocol. Delicate beading is secured before cleaning and re-checked afterward. Silk is the most labor-intensive but we handle it routinely.
Do I really need an acid-free preservation box?
Preservation is the post-cleaning step that protects the gown long-term. The cleaned dress is hand-folded with acid-free tissue, supported with archival forms, and sealed in a museum-grade box that blocks light and humidity. Done correctly, the gown stays wearable for the next generation.
Restoration & Heirloom Gowns
Can a yellowed vintage gown be made white again?
Cotton and polyester tend to recover well. Silk is the hardest to whiten fully — some yellowing may remain even with expert treatment. We give an honest estimate of what is achievable before any work begins.
How much does wedding dress restoration cost?
When stored properly in an acid-free archival box and kept in a cool, dry place, a preserved gown can stay in good condition for 50 years or longer. The key risks are plastic bags (cause yellowing), attics (heat damage), and basements (humidity).
What if my gown has missing beading, torn lace, or damaged lining?
Yes. Cardboard, plastic, and untreated wooden chests release acids and trap moisture that yellow and weaken fabric over time. Acid-free boxes use buffered, pH-neutral materials that museums and conservators use to preserve historic textiles. It’s the single most important variable in long-term storage.