Preserving your wedding ensemble

How to look after your valuable outfit before, during and after the wedding...

After the wedding

• It is important to take your bridal attire to a specialist drycleaner for cleaning within a month after your wedding. The longer you wait the more likely it is that the stains will bond to the fabric.
• The dress should be given individually rather than in combination with other outfits.
• Alert the dry cleaners to any stains and delicate parts such as embroidery or sequins and get their assurance that a cleaning process will be used that does not damage these.
• Always ask to inspect your outfit personally after dry cleaning
• Avoid storing your outfit in the attic or basement where there are extreme changes in conditions. Ideally it should be stored in an area with an even temperature and low humidity, such as a dark, dry cupboard.
• Do not store your wedding outfit in plastic covering as this will prevent the fabric from breathing and will eventually cause a dulling of the fabric's colour.
• For storing it is best to fold rather than hang the outfit.  Wrap in a clean, white, all cotton sheet or muslin cover and place in a wooden chest or a large box lined with acid-free paper.
• A single duvet cover is ideal for covering the lehenga if it’s hanging in a cupboard – just fasten the poppers over the hanger. Do not use a wire hanger, instead a padded hanger will help the dress hold its shape.
• Add some lavender sachets or dried neem leaves to keep moths away, then seal the chest or box.
• Take the lehenga out of storage at least once a year, preferably in dry weather and hang it in the sun for a few hours. If you have a fabric cover, this should be washed and dried thoroughly before being put back on.
• Check your outfit for marks or damage and re-fold it to prevent the fabric from weakening at the creases.

Previous 1 2 Next