Serving Chicago & Suburbs

Whether you’re in Naperville, Evanston, the Loop, or Northwest Indiana, we offer pickup and delivery all across Chicagoland. We even accept dresses shipped from out-of-state brides who trust our expertise.

At Chicago Wedding Dress Cleaners, we use a meticulous, multi-step process, which is visible in the image.

How does it work? Our Preservation Magic in Chicago

At Chicago Wedding Dress Cleaners, we use a meticulous, multi-step process, which is visible in the image.

Everything is handled by trained professionals who specialize in cleaning and preserving wedding dresses.

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What is Gown Preservation?

Preservation is protection, not just storage. 

Gown preservation is a special process that:

  • Cleans
  • Treats
  • And stores 

To protect your wedding dress from stains, yellowing, and long-term damage. 

It is designed to preserve the color, shape, and delicate structure of your gown, ensuring it can be cherished for years to come, or even generations.

Before You Send Us Your Gown: A Quick Checklist

A few simple steps for peace of mind.

Before handing over or shipping your wedding gown, here’s what we recommend:

  • Remove all pins, brooches, or detachable accessories
  • Check for stains and note any that need extra attention
  • Place your gown in a garment bag
  • Include your veil or accessories if you want those included in the box
  • Include your name, address, and phone number  in an envelope with the gown
  • Call us for a quick pickup

Following this checklist ensures your gown arrives safely and ready for our care team to begin the preservation process immediately.

Accessories Cleaning & Preservation

Don’t forget the veil, sash, or shoes.

Your look was complete on your wedding day; preserve it all. We can include bridal accessories like:

  • Veils and gloves
  • Hairpieces and sashes
  • Bridal shoes and garters

Every item is treated with care.

Why Choose Chicago Wedding Dress Cleaners?

  • Where care meets craftsmanship.
  • 35+ years of bridal fabric expertise
  • Museum-grade materials
  • Fully personalized preservation plans
  • Free pickup & delivery in Chicagoland
  • Trusted by thousands of Chicago brides

Why Do Wedding Dresses Turn Yellow?

The invisible damage starts early. Wedding gowns, especially those made of natural fibers like silk, are vulnerable to oxidation. Left untreated, sweat, oils, sugar stains, and even unseen spills can trigger yellowing and discoloration over time. 

Exposure to light, humidity, and improper storage only speeds up the process.

That’s why we use archival-quality materials and protective techniques that remove oils, stains, light, and moisture.

Preservation vs. Dry Cleaning

Not all cleaning is preservation.

Many brides assume that dry cleaning is sufficient, but it’s not. Dry cleaning is a surface-level cleaning method intended for everyday clothing.

It doesn’t provide long-term protection or cater to the unique needs of bridal fabrics. Bridal gowns often contain plastics, which standard dry cleaning solvents can damage.

Preservation is different. It’s a detailed process that includes:

  • Fabric-safe cleaning
  • Stain treatment
  • And protective boxing using museum standards. 

When it comes to your wedding gown, preservation is the best way to safeguard it.

How Long Does Dress Preservation Take?

Typically, a few weeks, depending on the season. The preservation process usually takes 3 to 4 weeks, depending on:

  1. The gown’s fabric
  2. The level of detailing
  3. Any existing stains
  4. The number of gowns in the season

We take our time because your dress deserves perfection, not shortcuts. Need it sooner for an event, just ask.

Tips for Brides – Preserve with Confidence

Do this to protect your dress:

  • Preserve your gown as soon as possible
  • Avoid hanging long-term; store it flat
  • Use only acid-free materials for storage
  • Never use plastic or regular cardboard boxes

FAQs About Wedding Gown Preservation

How do you store your gowns?

Always store your gown in an acid-free preservation box in a cool, dry, and dark place. Avoid basements, attics, and plastic covers.

Can you wear a preserved wedding dress?

Yes, you can! A preserved dress can be safely removed and worn again, as long as it’s handled with care.

How do you store a dressing gown?

Make sure it’s clean and dry, then hang it on a padded hanger or fold it neatly into an acid-free fabric storage box, not a plastic one.

How soon should you preserve your wedding dress?

Ideally, within a few weeks after your wedding. The sooner it’s cleaned, the better the chance of removing hidden stains and preventing damage.

How long does a wedding dress preservation last?

With proper storage, preservation can protect your gown for 50 years or more, keeping it in beautiful condition for generations.

How long does it take to preserve your wedding dress?

The whole process typically takes 3 to 4 weeks, depending on the dress’s condition, any custom requests, and the volume of dresses in the queue.