You’re married! You’ve celebrated one of the biggest events of your life, completing months and months of preparation, and are now ready to run off on your honeymoon. Before you leave however, it is important to know that one of your cherished keepsakes of that special day - your wedding gown - is well looked after. Designate a family member to take your gown immediately to a dry cleaner specializing in the dry cleaning of wedding gowns. With your gown being a large investment, you will want to ensure it is cleaned and preserved for the years ahead as it may be requested to be worn again some twenty years from now.

Make note of any stains on the gown and the source of the stains. When purchasing your wedding gown, check to see that the gown has a care label, or that you are given written cleaning instructions. Careful attention must be given to pearl beads or sequins, which have been known to break down in the cleaning process.

There are variations in the cleaning and preservation of gowns. Once cleaned, the gown can be hung in plastic or wrapped in tissue paper and boxed. Your choice of treatment will depend on whether you intend to keep the gown or to sell it.