You spend countless months looking for the right gown to wear on your wedding day so it is but a foregone conclusion that you would want your wedding gown to last- either because of how it made you feel on your wedding day or because you dream of passing it down to any of the future bride-to-be’s in your family. Due to these reasons, you might opt to have your wedding dress preserved. However, European Cleaners which has 94 years in the family business of restoring and preserving garments here in Orange County, will answer all your questions about wedding dress preservation and wedding dress restoration first before you decide to give your gown its own “happily-ever-after.”
What is Wedding Dress Restoration and How Much Does it Cost?
Wedding dress restoration is a process by which we clean and rejuvenate heirloom gowns passed down by your grandmother or mother that way it will look like new and bright for your own wedding. European Cleaners restoration price depends on the number of gown layers, the intricacy of ornamentation as well as the length of the wedding dress train. The condition of the gown as well as the complexity of the restoration process we need to perform also affects the price of restoration as there are greater risks and liability on our part when we do so. European Cleaners is very transparent with customers so we will let you know the price of the restoration as soon as we see the condition of the dress.
Alteration, Stain Removal or Color Restoration: Which Should Come First?
If there are stains, especially if its yellow or brown regardless of how small it is, then stain removal should come first before we alter your dress. Never buy any ornamentation based on the current color of your gown as it will change during one of the color restoration process we will perform.
There are other customers who would prefer to retain the original color of the wedding dress over the removal of stains. If this is the case, please specify whether color preservation is more important to you over stain removal, or vise versa.
How Soon Can I Go To European Cleaners to Have my Wedding Dress Cleaned?
For every week that you delay in having your wedding dress cleaned, you lose 10% chance of getting it recovered to its original state and color; and the percentage increases depending on the fragility and delicacy of the fabric.
What is Wedding Dress Preservation and How Much Does It Cost?
Wedding dress preservation is the process by which we clean and box your gown so that it would still look like new for years to come. Same as with wedding dress restoration, the preservation cost depends on the complexity of the work, the condition of the gown, its layers, ornamentation as well as the length of its train.
How Long Does the Entire Process Take and How Do I Know It’s My Gown?
We will stick the ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures of your gown outside of the box for you to know that it is indeed yours. The entire process usually take about 2 weeks so you will be able to see the result of the restoration or preservation (or both) after that time.
If you do so wish, we can provide you with a pair of gloves for you to look at your gown after it has been cleaned and boxed. If you wish to place your gown in a special memory box, remember that we charge extra for that.
Any Other Tips and Recommendations You Can Impart?
We advise all our customers on the proper cleaning process for their wedding gown but if they go against our advise, we will waive responsibility on the outcome.
There’s only less than 3% of dry cleaners in Orange County that are properly trained, educated, tested and licensed; and European Cleaners is proud to represent that group. We use the latest technology and products in the cleaning industry to ensure that our wedding dress restoration and wedding dress preservation exceeds your expectations.
For any other queries and requests for expert wedding dress restoration and preservation advise, please call us at 1(800) 810-0010.