FAQs
Appointments
Does a client need to schedule an appointment? How do the client appointments work?
Clients are welcome to drop off their gown at anytime as all of our team members have been trained to inspect your and register your gown. Alternatively, you can arrange to have it picked up by our valet service. You will be asked to fill out a form that briefly describes your gown and together with the team member, you will inspect the gown for any stains or damage or delicate details that need to be carefully addressed.
Turn around
What is the typical turn-around time for a dress?
Preservation takes about two weeks.
Price
What does it cost to have my gown cleaned and preserved?
All pricing “starts” at a basic rate. That is to say, the rate for a simple, delicate gown, with little “embellishments”, a bustle or a simple petticoat. Since almost our entire process is done by hand, more intricate wedding gowns require more attention, and therefore are subject to a higher price. Gowns with beading, buttons or intricate and delicate lace patterns, as well as silk gowns tend to have a higher cost. Please telephone or email for additional questions or for a preliminary quote.
Process
How do you clean my gown?
Our Certified Wedding Gown Specialists™ carefully hand clean every gown with gentle solutions that dissolve the different kinds of stains on your gown. Then your gown is rinsed in pure solvent, the one best for your gown, until it is completely clean.
What is preservation?
Your completely clean and expertly pressed gown is carefully packed with acid-free tissue in a museum-quality wedding chest that protects your gown from the air and light that cause unprotected gowns to yellow.
Why is your process different from others?
Spills such as soda, wine and cake (many times caused by a guest and unnoticed by the bride) contain sugar and often dry without leaving a visible mark. Sugar is not dissolved during ordinary drycleaning and caramelizes over time into ugly brown stains. We take an extra step to be sure all stains, both seen and unseen, are removed.
Repairs and Alterations
Do you have a seamstress onsite?
Our in house seamstress works out of our Mission Street location.
Will you make repairs to my gown?
We can make any needed repairs. Please call for consultation.
Guarantees
What is the guarantee?
100% international guarantee against caramelized sugar stains or yellowing of your gown backed by Certified Wedding Gown Specialists™ in more than 500 cities around the world.
Wedding Chest
Is your wedding chest different from others?
Our trademarked MuseumCareTM wedding chest is completely acid-free, not just pH neutral. Boxes that are only pH-neutral are not as safe for your gown, and ordinary boxes and tissue are heavy in acid, which damages fabric. Ordinary boxes and tissue cause yellowing and “burn” gowns leaving dark brown streaks wherever the fabric touches the box.
Can I see my gown when it is in the wedding chest?
You can see your gown through an oval window made of polypropylene, an inert plastic that will not yellow or damage your gown.
What else can I preserve with my gown?
Such things as a headpiece and veil, petticoat, gloves, garter, and handkerchief may be stored with your gown. There may be an additional charge. You may also choose to store your things in more than one chest. Shoes should not be stored with the gown because fumes from the leather and glue may cause damage. We can also preserve other special garments such as christening gowns, communion dresses, quinceaneros gowns, military uniforms, etc.
What if I open my gown?
The guarantee is not voided, but improper handling of the gown may cause damage, and it should be resealed. If your gown is handled excessively or soiled it should be cleaned and preserved again.
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