Your wedding dress will be the most precious dress you will ever own. Regardless of what you want to do with it after the wedding, it really pays to treat your wedding dress with the same level of care and attention after the wedding as you did before.

Whilst the vast majority of brides and grooms go on their honeymoon immediately after their wedding and therefore the issue of cleaning the dress tends to fall between the cracks, it is vital that your wedding dress gets cleaned as soon as possible after your wedding.

Try not to leave it for more than a few days especially if your dress got wet on the big day because it was raining, you walked through wet grass or you had photos taken at the beach. Dampness on your dress will lead to mildew if it is not treated promptly. Mildew cannot be removed. It will result in permanent damage to your dress.

Some fabrics such as silk are much harder to get stains out of, particularly perspiration, as the stain oxidises over time causing discolouration which is also permanent if not treated promptly. Similarly other stains such as red wine, tea or coffee and lipstick risk getting set in if your gown is not cleaned promptly after your wedding.

If you are not sure where to get your dress cleaned, you should choose a  specialist who is experienced in cleaning wedding dresses. They will have experience in treating delicate fabrics and beading such as Swarovski crystals. They are not necessarily more expensive than a regular dry cleaner and the results will be markedly different.

Some of the specialists offer a free collection and drop off service so you don’t have to put yourself or anyone else out to get your dress cleaned.

How much will a specialist bridal cleaner cost?

You should expect to pay anywhere between $300 and $1000 depending on the size, fabric, style and complexity of your dress. If your dress is extremely intricate, you may pay more. It may seem like a lot of money but it really is worth it to ensure that your valuable dress is properly looked after. Here are some before and after photos that should have you convinced that cleaning your wedding dress by a professional is worth it! What a difference!

 Swirl divider2 When A Bridal Boutique Closes

Ms Gingham says: Eeeek…. it sure isn’t pretty but what an outstanding result! Never fear… jump that fence and take those photos in the middle of that muddy paddock for help is at hand!

About Nicole of A Bride To Be: I am often seen as the “go to” person when it comes to uncovering bargains or offering advice. I love shopping and uncovering bargains. I have been happily married for 12 years to Graeme and together we run A Bride To Be!