Wedding Gown Maintenance

After the big event, what will you do with your gown?


No matter if you intend to keep your gown for your daughter in the future or have it merely because of sentimental reasons, it is important more than anything else to have it cleaned first. Of course, before you keep it, you should have it cleaned the soonest. As much as possible, do it within the first thirty days after the reception. It is a common knowledge that the longer the stains remain on the gown, the harder it is to be removed thus creating a big mess on the color and fabric. Stains like cake, grease, food, soil, champagne and grass must be discussed properly to the cleaner.

The beads should be secured on their proper place and in case something is damaged, it should be sewn first before cleaning. Using Stoddard solvents are usually used to clean the gown properly as it eliminates damage on the gown.

After the cleaning process, inspect the gown properly. Stains that were not removed must be inspected as well. In case additional cleaning is necessary, bear in mind that it may mean an additional risk on the garment hence be sure that you know the possible consequence to prevent regrets later.

Keep the gown in a box that is free from moist and dust. Put it in a cool and dry place like in the middle of a closet or beneath your bed. Prevent yourself from storing it within your attics since the temperature is so high. It is vital that air can still circulate inside the box to stop a consistent and stable environment where the gown can age in.

Nevertheless, make it a point to inspect the gown condition every 5 or 7 years. This will allow you to have quality control so you can catch any stains before they worsen. In case new stains are seen, it is possible to re-clean it. White cotton gloves must be used to handle the gown to prevent finger oil from coming in contact with the gown. Bear in mind that oil can oxidize hence it may leave ugly stains on the gown.

Bookmark this on Delicious

Yo' VIP, Let's kick it!

What kind of shoes are you planning on wearing at your wedding? (Yes, my corny title does fit. ha ha!) I have seen over and over again, both brides and bridesmaids taking their shoes off at the reception because of how uncomfortable they are.

Now, I love a great pair of heels, but unfortunately standing in them for more than an hour or so I can't really take it. (and to think I use to work 12 hour days in them working retail!) That's why I decided to wear sneakers to my wedding. (That, and I am already 3 inches taller than my hubby.) It was a huge battle with my mom and grandmother - "Oh, Erin, everyone will see those pink shoes. Why ruin such a beautiful dress?" My thought - whatever. First of all, my dress was floor length. No one saw them unless I was holding my skirt up to show them.

Next, we had a theme with our shoes. You see, my husband and I grew up together, and both played soccer for our high school and college teams. Even some of our groomsmen played soccer with us too. So we all decided to wear our Adidas kicks. I got pink ones, and since the guys wore blue suits, they had blue ones. My husband wore a white tux, so he wore our other color, grey. Finally, I was comfortable. I was able to not only stand around for long hours but also dance the night away. Perfect.

If you don't have shoes you want your party to wear, and only need a pair for yourself, consider this option: Zazzle. That's right - make your own. On a recent visit to Zazzle, I saw they now offer customizable Keds. They are really cool. I will be ordering a pair with our logo on it soon - and you can too. If you are interested in having your wedding logo or monogram on your own shoes, Be In Love Designs will upload it to Zazzle for you. In fact, we are working to get our standard designs on everything they offer, but we will also put custom designs there when requested.

Here's to happy feet!

Bookmark this on Delicious