Before the Wedding
Arrival & storage.
—Steam on arrival — never iron directly on the fabric. A hand steamer held 15 cm from the surface will release travel creases without heat damage.
—Hang on a padded hanger — never a wire hanger, which will distort shoulder seams and bodice boning over time.
—Breathable cover only — use the garment bag provided, or a cotton muslin cover. Never plastic — it traps humidity and accelerates yellowing.
—Away from direct sunlight — UV exposure yellows ivory fabrics within weeks. Store in a dark wardrobe or spare room.
—No perfume directly on fabric — spray fragrance on your skin and hair, not your gown. Alcohol in perfume leaves permanent stains on silk and organza.
The Day Of
Emergency kit.
Ask your maid of honour to carry a small kit — these items solve 90 % of wedding-day dress emergencies.
—White chalk — rub gently on a grease stain before it sets; absorbs the oil without smearing.
—Safety pins — the original emergency alteration tool. Three sizes: small for fine fabric, medium for seams, large for straps.
—Clear double-sided tape — holds a slipping strap, a wayward neckline, or a hem that has come undone on one side.
—Tide-to-Go or stain stick — for water-based stains only (juice, wine, food). Never use on silk without testing first.
—Spare hook-and-eye — the most common mid-ceremony failure. A single hook sewn on at the right moment saves the day.
After the Wedding
Preservation.
—Do not delay cleaning — stains that are invisible on the day (champagne, sweat, natural oils) oxidise and turn brown over months. Have the gown cleaned within four weeks.
—Specialist bridal cleaners only — do not use a general dry cleaner. Ask us for a recommended specialist — bridal cleaning requires different solvents and hand-finishing.
—Acid-free tissue paper — once clean, the gown is stored lying flat in an archival box with acid-free tissue between each layer of fabric.
—Check every two years — even in perfect storage, open the box and air the gown. Refold along different lines to prevent permanent creases.