A wedding dress isn’t just a piece of clothing—it’s a memory wrapped in fabric. After the celebration, one of the best ways to protect your gown long-term is by using a wedding dress preservation kit.
In Chicago, where changing seasons and urban environments can expose dresses to dust, moisture, and temperature swings, these kits are an innovative, easy solution.
Wedding Dress Preservation Kit
A wedding dress preservation kit is a prepackaged service that allows you to safely send your dress to professionals for expert cleaning, restoration, and preservation, without visiting a store in person.
You typically receive:
- A shipping box and prepaid label
- Acid-free tissue paper and a garment bag
- Instructions to carefully pack your dress
- Access to insured tracking and return
Once sent, preservation experts handle cleaning, stain removal, pressing, and pack your dress in an archival-quality preservation box before sending it back to you.
Best Cleaning and Preservation Service
Our service has helped millions of brides take their beautiful wedding gowns from the back of the closet and into family heirloom status.
This award-winning, delicate fabric cleaning technology and patented wedding dress preservation process is world-class and trusted by not only discerning brides desiring the best for their dress, but also by museum curators who demand perfection.
Kit Includes:
1. Cleaning Services
Many wedding dress preservation kits include access to professional cleaning services to prepare your gown for long-term storage. These services use gentle, fabric-safe methods to remove stains, dirt, and body oils without harming delicate lace, silk, or beading.
Proper cleaning before sealing ensures your dress remains pristine and prevents hidden damage from developing over time.
2. Acid-Free Packaging
Acid-free packaging is a key feature of any quality wedding dress preservation kit.
Using archival-grade boxes and tissue prevents yellowing, fabric breakdown, and chemical damage over time. This protective environment keeps delicate materials like lace, silk, and satin in pristine condition, ensuring your gown looks just as beautiful years later as it did on your wedding day.
3. Insured Shipping
Some wedding dress preservation kits include insured shipping to protect your gown during transit to and from the preservation facility.
This coverage provides peace of mind, ensuring that if your dress is lost or damaged in shipping, you’ll be compensated. It’s an essential feature for brides sending their gowns to trusted professionals outside their local area.
4. Long-Term Display Options
Some wedding dress preservation kits offer long-term display solutions, allowing you to showcase your gown while keeping it protected. Archival display boxes with clear viewing panels or framed shadow boxes let you admire your dress without exposing it to dust, moisture, or harmful light.
This way, you can enjoy its beauty every day while maintaining its preserved condition.
Why Brides Choose Preservation Kits?
- Convenience: No need to find local storage or cleaning services
- Protection from Chicago’s humidity and dust
- Safe shipping even during busy seasons
- Great for out-of-town brides who got married in Chicago
For delicate heirlooms, consider complete heirloom gown preservation by expert cleaners.
Stains Need to Be Addressed
When preserving a wedding dress, it’s essential to treat both evident and hidden stains. Makeup, wine, or dirt are easy to spot, but invisible marks—like sweat, body oils, or champagne—can oxidize over time and cause yellowing. Professional cleaning before preservation ensures every stain, seen or unseen, is removed to keep your gown flawless for decades.
Store in a Cool, Dark Place
Proper storage conditions are key to keeping your wedding dress in perfect shape. A cool, dark space helps prevent yellowing, fabric deterioration, and fading caused by light or heat.
1. Avoid Direct Sunlight
- Prevents discoloration and fabric weakening
- Keeps colors and embellishments vibrant
2. Maintain a Stable Temperature
- Reduces stress on delicate fabrics and stitching
- Protects against mold and moisture damage
Wear a Wedding Dress After Preservation
A preserved wedding dress can be worn again, but it must be handled with care. Whether for a vow renewal, anniversary photoshoot, or passing it down to a family member, proper steps ensure the gown stays beautiful.
1. Inspect Before Wearing
- Check for any fabric changes or loosened embellishments
- Have a professional make minor repairs if needed
2. Arrange Professional Cleaning After
* Removes any new stains or creases from wear
* Prepares the dress for safe re-storage
The Cost of Wedding Dress Preservation
The price of wedding dress preservation can vary based on the gown’s fabric, embellishments, and the services included. On average, Chicago brides can expect these price ranges.
- Basic preservation: $150–$300
- Mid-range with professional cleaning: $300–$500
- Premium services for delicate or designer gowns: $500+
- Add-ons like veil or accessory preservation may increase the total cost
Compact & Easy Storage
Many wedding dress preservation kits are designed to make storage simple without sacrificing protection. Their compact size allows you to keep your gown safe in a convenient space while maintaining its pristine condition.
1. Space-Saving Design
- Fits easily in closets, under beds, or on shelves
- Keeps the gown protected without taking up excessive room
2. Protective Yet Lightweight
- Easy to move if needed
- Maintains durability for long-term preservation
Advanced Preservation Technology
Untreated, invisible stains such as sweat, dirt, and oils from your wedding day can wreak havoc on the delicate fabrics of your wedding dress and cause staining, yellowing, and even fabric decay over time.
This is why more brides across the nation have trusted our professional wedding dress cleaning & preservation service with the care of their cherished wedding dress.
Keep It Beautiful For Years
Preserving your wedding dress is more than just storing it away—it’s about maintaining its elegance, structure, and sentiment for decades. With the proper care, your gown can remain a stunning reminder of your special day and even become a cherished family heirloom.
Adequate cleaning, acid-free packaging, and climate-controlled storage all work together to protect delicate fabrics and intricate details from damage over time.
1. Protect Against Environmental Damage
- Store in a cool, dark, and dry space
- Avoid exposure to sunlight, moisture, and fluctuating temperatures
2. Schedule Periodic Inspections
- Check for signs of yellowing or fabric stress
- Address any minor issues before they worsen
What Does Preservation Do?
Wedding gown preservation includes the cleaning process of removing any stains from even the most delicate materials (AKA your silk, satin, lace, or chiffon dress). The process is meticulous, and each gown is personally cared for to preserve your dress as a family heirloom.
Different from Dry Cleaning
Unlike standard dry cleaning, preservation kits are designed specifically for long-term garment care. They focus on:
- pH-neutral storage
- Yellowing prevention
- Fabric-specific cleaning methods
If you’re deciding between the two, check out this guide on how long a wedding dress stays white.
When to Use a Preservation Kit?
- After your wedding day
- Before passing it to a family member
- Before selling or donating
- After restoring a 30-year-old wedding dress
If your dress is yellowed or stored in a plastic bag, read about restoring yellowed gowns before packaging it.
Other Fabric-Specific Cleaning Guides You’ll Need
- Heirloom Gown Preservation in Chicago
- How to Clean a Wedding Dress at Home in Chicago
- Wedding Dress Wrinkling Tips
Resource Worth Exploring
This guide from David’s Bridal: How to Preserve Your Wedding Dress explains the importance of preservation kits, what typically comes inside, and how long preservation lasts.
FAQs
1. How much does a preservation kit cost in Chicago?
Prices typically range from $200 to $500, depending on the level of cleaning and return features.
2. Can I use a preservation kit for vintage or heirloom dresses?
Yes, but it’s best to consult with an expert first—delicate fabrics may need in-person inspection.
3. How long does the process take?
Most kits offer a 2 to 6-week turnaround, including shipping and processing time.
4. Is the shipping insured?
Reputable kits include full insurance coverage during transit both ways.
5. Will the dress stay white forever?
If stored correctly, your dress can remain white for decades. But always avoid heat, light, and humidity.
6. Can I preserve a dress with wine or makeup stains?
Yes, most kits offer stain-specific treatment before packing them for storage.
7. Can I open the preservation box later?
Yes, but once opened, it may need to be resealed by professionals to maintain preservation.
8. Is this service only for wedding dresses?
No! You can also preserve veils, christening gowns, or other sentimental garments.
9. What kind of box does the kit come with?
Most provide acid-free, windowed display boxes that are pH-balanced and dust-sealed.
10. Is this better than DIY storage?
Yes—preservation kits are specifically designed to avoid yellowing, damage, and aging, unlike standard storage options.
