Your Vera Wang wedding dress is one of the most cherished pieces of clothing you will ever own. After spending countless hours choosing the perfect gown, you’ll want to preserve it for years to come. Whether you plan to pass it down, keep it as a memento, or even reuse it for a future occasion, proper care is essential. This guide will walk you through the best practices for preserving your Vera Wang wedding dress after your big day, ensuring that it remains as stunning as the day you first wore it.
1. Start with Immediate Action: Protect Your Dress Right After the Wedding
The first step in caring for your wedding dress is ensuring that it’s handled correctly as soon as the ceremony is over. It’s easy to get caught up in the celebration, but the sooner you can begin caring for your gown, the better it will be preserved.
- Avoid Stains: If there are any stains (e.g., food, makeup, wine), try to blot them gently with a clean, dry cloth to avoid spreading the stain. If possible, avoid touching the dress with oily hands or letting it come into contact with anything that could soil it.
- Hang It Properly: If you’re unable to take it straight to the cleaners, hang the dress by the hanging loop inside the bodice, or use a wide, padded hanger to prevent the fabric from stretching. Avoid hanging it by the straps, as this can cause the fabric to distort.
2. Choose a Trusted Dry Cleaner Specializing in Wedding Dresses
Wedding dresses, especially high-end gowns like those by Vera Wang, require specialized care. The delicate fabrics, intricate beading, and unique designs necessitate a professional touch. Look for a dry cleaner that specializes in wedding dresses or high-end garment care.
- Research and Reviews: Take the time to research dry cleaners in your area. Read reviews and ask for recommendations from friends, family, or bridal boutiques to ensure you’re choosing a reputable cleaner.
- Ask About Preservation Services: Vera Wang dresses often come with intricate details like lace, satin, and tulle. Make sure the dry cleaner has experience cleaning delicate fabrics and offers wedding dress preservation services, which include careful cleaning and storage.
3. The Cleaning Process: Preserving Your Dress for the Future
Once you’ve entrusted your dress to a professional cleaner, it’s essential to understand the cleaning process. Wedding dress cleaning involves more than just a simple wash—it’s a delicate procedure that ensures your gown is restored to its original beauty without causing damage.
- Hand Cleaning: Most wedding dress cleaners will hand clean your dress using gentle solvents that are safe for delicate fabrics. This is the preferred method for preserving the integrity of your gown.
- Spot Treatment for Stains: Any visible stains or discoloration will be addressed with spot treatment before the dress is cleaned in its entirety.
- Beading and Embellishments: Vera Wang wedding dresses often feature intricate beadwork, embroidery, or lace. Professional cleaners will carefully handle these details to ensure they are not damaged during the cleaning process.
4. Storage: Keep Your Dress Safe for Years to Come
Once your dress has been cleaned, proper storage is crucial for maintaining its pristine condition. The way you store your wedding gown can greatly affect its longevity, so it’s essential to follow these tips:
- Preservation Box: The best way to store your Vera Wang wedding dress is in a preservation box, which is acid-free and designed to protect the fabric from yellowing, dust, and other contaminants. This box will also keep the dress from being exposed to light, which can cause fading over time.
- Avoid Plastic Garment Bags: While it may seem like a simple solution, plastic garment bags can trap moisture and lead to mildew or yellowing. Instead, opt for a fabric garment bag designed for wedding dress storage.
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Keep the preservation box in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or under the bed, away from sunlight, heat, and humidity. Avoid storing the dress in the attic, basement, or any area with extreme temperature fluctuations.
5. Regularly Check on Your Wedding Dress
Even after your Vera Wang wedding dress is properly stored, it’s important to periodically check on it to ensure it remains in good condition.
- Annual Checkup: Every year or so, open the preservation box and inspect your dress. Look for any signs of damage, like yellowing or mold. If you notice anything concerning, take the dress back to the dry cleaner for a quick evaluation.
- Keep Your Dress Covered: Whenever you take the dress out for inspection or a special event (like an anniversary photo shoot), always make sure it’s covered with a breathable garment bag to protect it from dust and dirt.
6. Reuse or Repurpose Your Vera Wang Wedding Dress
Some brides choose to repurpose their wedding dress for a future occasion, or even turn it into something new. While this can be a meaningful way to breathe new life into your Vera Wang gown, make sure it’s still in excellent condition before attempting any alterations.
- Turn It Into a Keepsake: If you don’t want to keep the dress as-is, consider transforming it into a special keepsake, like a christening gown for a future child or a piece of jewelry made from the fabric or beadwork.
- Reworking the Gown: If you plan to alter the dress for another event, work with a bridal tailor who specializes in wedding gown alterations to ensure the dress maintains its beauty while being reworked for a different look.
7. Avoid Common Mistakes: What Not to Do With Your Wedding Dress
While it’s essential to care for your Vera Wang wedding dress, there are a few mistakes you should avoid to prevent damage:
- Don’t Store the Dress in a Damp Environment: Humidity can ruin delicate fabrics and lead to mildew or mold growth. Make sure the storage area is cool, dry, and well-ventilated.
- Don’t Attempt to Clean It Yourself: Wedding dresses require professional care, so attempting to clean it yourself can lead to irreversible damage. Always trust a professional to handle the cleaning and preservation process.
- Don’t Leave Stains Untreated: Stains can become permanent if not treated quickly and properly. Be proactive in having your dress cleaned soon after the wedding to avoid long-term damage.
Conclusion
Caring for your Vera Wang wedding dress after your big day is an essential step in ensuring that it remains as beautiful as the day you first wore it. Whether you want to preserve it for sentimental reasons or pass it down to future generations, proper cleaning, storage, and periodic checks are key to maintaining its pristine condition. By following the tips in this guide, you can protect your dress and cherish it for years to come—keeping the memory of your special day alive every time you open that preservation box.