Wedding Gown Preservation Cost

How Much Does Wedding Gown Preservation Cost?

Low: less than $200

Medium: $200-$400

High: $800

The goal of wedding gown preservation is to thoroughly clean the gown and protect it from dust, tearing and yellowing. Gown preservation usually is performed by a company specializing in the preservation of fine garments, by a bridal salon or by a specialist dry cleaner.

Typical costs:

Basic preservation for a simple gown with minimal stains starts at less than $200.
Preserving a traditional satin gown with some details and trim and some staining costs about $200 to $400.
An elaborate silk gown with large amounts of lace trim or beading, a long train and other details can cost as much as $800, especially if there is extensive staining.
Cost varies by region and tends to be more expensive on the coasts and in large metropolitan areas.

What should be included:

The gown preservation specialist inspects the gown by hand and treat any visible stains, such as blood, grass, dirt or wine. The gown sometimes will be treated for non-visible sugar stains, which can damage the fabric over time. Then it will be professionally cleaned and pressed.
The gown will be fitted onto a bust or folded, and stored on acid-free tissue paper or unbleached muslin inside an heirloom-quality, acid-free box -- sometimes with a viewing window -- or hung in a cotton bag.
TheKnot.com has an overview of the process.

Additional costs:

If the dress has minor rips, snags or tears, the preservation company will repair them, with cost depending on the amount of work needed.
Most preservation companies will clean and preserve the veil, gloves, handkerchief and other accessories for an additional fee of about $15 or more per item.

Discounts:

David's Bridal sometimes offers coupons for $60 off preservation to brides who purchase a gown there.
For those who decide not to pay for professional preservation, do-it-yourself gown preservation is possible for the cost of a professional cleaning, acid-free white tissue paper and an acid-free box. Gaylordmart.com offers preservation kits.

Shopping for wedding gown preservation:

Tip: Before having your gown preserved, hang it by the loops attached to the side seams and avoid storing it in vacuum-sealed containers, which can cause mildew, or plastic bags, which can emit fumes, according to The Association of Wedding Gown Specialists. After preservation, avoid storing it in temperature or humidity extremes, or in direct sunlight.
It is important to find a preservationist before the wedding, because cleaning and stain removal work best if done right after the dress has been worn. To find a gown preservation specialist, ask for a referral at the bridal salon where the dress was purchased.
Dry cleaners who preserve fewer than 100 wedding gowns per year probably do not have expertise.
Request the company's policy on mistakes or problems. If the gown is ruined or discolors, some companies guarantee their work;others refund only the cost of preservation.
Companies such as J. Scheer & Co. and HouseofBrides.com offer door-to-door service, so a bride can send in her dress and have it shipped back preserved. Or, TheKnot.com has a guide to local businesses that do gown preservation, as does the Association of Wedding Gown Specialists.

Article updated July 2007