You did it, girl!
You pulled off a show-stopping destination beach wedding – sunset vows, sandy toes, salty breezes, and maybe that much-needed poolside champagne.
But, now that the “just-married” bliss is slowly sinking in and your bags are unpacked, there’s one thing that probably didn’t make it to your to-do list: your wedding gown.
It’s likely hiding sand in places you don’t even know existed, plus traces of saltwater, makeup smudges, sunscreen, sweat, and maybe those possible champagne marks!
So, before your beautiful gown collects dust in the back of your closet, it’s time to show some post-wedding love.
Let’s walk through how to handle professional wedding dress cleaning after your dreamy destination wedding day, because your dress deserves a second glow-up. Let’s get into it!
1. Don’t Delay, Act Fast
Let’s start here: time matters.
As soon as your wedding day ends, your dress may be covered in salt, sweat, sand, or even makeup stains. The longer you wait to clean it, the more likely those stains will set into the fabric, making it harder to remove.
Aim to get it cleaned as soon as possible!
2. Avoid DIY Hacks at Home
We get it—you’re tempted to just “gently hand wash” the hem or throw some baking soda on a stain.
But destination wedding dresses have been exposed to elements that typical dresses haven’t. Sand particles can scratch delicate fabrics, and saltwater can weaken stitching.
Moreover, it can be challenging to remove these stains at home, which can ultimately damage the fabric. Instead of opting for DIY practices, consider hiring an expert specializing in professional wedding gown cleaning.
3. Find a Professional Service That Specializes in Wedding Gowns
Not every dry cleaner knows how to handle your wedding gown!
You want someone who specializes in bridal gown cleaning—someone who understands delicate fabrics, various embellishments, and, of course, all the beachy damage that comes with a destination wedding.
Trust us, your wedding gown will radiate flawlessly when handled by an experienced professional who knows all the intricacies of professional wedding dress cleaning.
4. Communicate All the Details
Don’t leave anything out.
Tell your dry-cleaning specialist everything—where you got married, what your dress went through (saltwater? sandstorms? wine?), and any stains you noticed.
The more details they have, the better they can work their magic. It’s like giving them a map to the treasure (aka your beautiful gown).
5. Pick Deep Clean Instead of Surface Clean
Destination wedding dresses have been through it—sand, sweat, and even salt from the ocean breeze.
So, you’re going to need more than a quick wash; you need a deep clean to get rid of all the stuff that’s settled in.
When you opt for a deep cleaning session over surface cleaning for your precious attire, you ensure that all traces of the elements are removed without damaging the dress’s structure or fabric.
6. Inspect the Dress Before You Pick It Up
Don’t just blindly trust that it’s perfect.
Instead of just grabbing your dress and making your way home, do a quick inspection. Carefully inspect every inch of the gown for any remaining stains, discoloration, or areas that might have been missed during the cleaning.
Also, never skip checking tricky areas, such as the hem, neckline, and underarms, where stains are most likely to appear.
It’s better to catch anything now than to notice something after you’ve stored it away for a year (or forever).
7. Once Cleaned, Store It Properly
Once it’s cleaned, make sure you store it properly.
Keep it in a cool, dry, dark place, and use a breathable garment bag, not plastic. You know, the kind of bag that doesn’t trap moisture and cause yellowing.
8. Consider Preserving the Beauty After Cleaning
If you want to keep your dress as fresh as the day you wore it, preservation is key.
Ask your cleaner about preservation options.
They’ll store it in acid-free materials, which helps avoid yellowing, fabric breakdown, or weird smells. Moreover, if you want to witness that epic, emotional moment where your daughter flaunts the same dress on her wedding day, preservation becomes a must!
Wrapping It Up
You’ve had your dream destination wedding, and now it’s time to make sure that gown gets the care it deserves.
Cleaning and preserving your dress after such an adventure isn’t just about getting rid of sand—it’s about keeping those memories fresh for years to come.
Trust the pros, take your time, and let your gown shine just as brightly as it did on your big day!
Written by: Meaghan Howe
