Caring for your gown : The Complete Guide
You’ve found the one and after weeks of alterations, fabrics and fittings your dream dress is coming home with you, ready for your wedding day. It’s left the safety of our FDB Boutique and you’re thinking eeek, how on earth to a keep her safe? Fear not, we have some fool proof steps to ensure that your dress remains exactly how you’ve envisioned by the time your big day arrives and you’re walking down that aisle.
Miss to Mrs
1. Perfect Timing. We recommend collecting your gown no less than two days before your wedding date.
2. Departing in style. Ideally you need to transport your gown in a vehicle where you can lay down the back seats, or front passenger seat so that your gown and train can be horizontal, with all the space she requires (Diva)!
3. You’re home safe. Hang your gown as high as possible, perhaps a wardrobe front or door frame. Leave her in our dress bag to prevent any dust or bugs from landing. Chances are your dress has a train, lay a clean sheet onto the floor and open the bottom of the bag. Placing your finger behind the zip (so as not to catch it in the fabric) release your train to avoid wrinkling. Avoid hanging in direct sunlight or from a light fixture or ceiling fan, although high, we don’t want any accidental damages or burns!
The Big Day
4. To steam or not to steam. That is the question we get asked a lot. Only steam your gown again if really necessary and if your chosen fabric can handle it. If you have a fair distance to go with your gown, you may need a few touch ups. If your venue doesn’t have a professional service, make sure you use a clean white flat sheet as a barrier between your dress and the iron plate. Ensure you use the correct heat setting depending on your fabric.
5. Potions and Lotions. Perfume, hairspray, moisturiser and deodorants must all be applied before putting on your dress. Mists from such products can cause staining to your gown.
6. Girl Gang Assemble. Your girls are there for a reason, get them to help you step into your gown (ensuring you all have your little white gloves on) and ask one of them to help you into your shoes too.
7. Of course there will be touch ups. Cover your dress with a clean white towel before applying any lipstick or other such final finishing touches. Top Tip, apply any nail or toe polish at least the day before your wedding. Wet polish can cause permanent damage to your fabric.
8. A few too many. There’s a small chance there could be some spillages as you dance the night away. Do not apply water or other cleaning liquids as this could increase the stained area. Blot dry with a clean towel and enjoy the rest of your celebration.
Tied the Knot
9. O Dress Where Art Thou? Remember where you took your dress off and hang her back up! You might also need to consider that where you’re getting ready, won’t be where you end up. Task a bridesmaid with ensuring your dress bag or carrier ends up at your wedding night accommodation. Avoid storing her in any plastic for a long period of time, we don’t want any yellowing or moisture traps.
10. Send her to the Spa! We do not offer an in house drying cleaning service but we can highly recommend ‘Terrington Burchett’ a local family run dry cleaners, the best in all the land. The sooner your gown is cleaned the more chance you have of avoiding any permanent discolouration or staining. Once you’ve had you gown cleaned - store in a cool dry place like under your bed or a wardrobe floor. Avoid keeping in the loft or cellar, these rooms are prone to temperature changes, damp, humidity and leaks!
Need anything clarifying? We are always at the end of the phone, for a natter and or important things…
Much Love, Team FDB x
