With proper care and storage, your cherished Bridal Gown will remain
beautiful for years. Our exclusive service includes professional cleaning & preservation
and a special acid-free container.
We can also restore and preserve Christening gowns, Communion and Baptism
Gowns or any of your other family treasures. Our expert staff trained
in the restoration of these priceless garments will be pleased to assist
you with any information that you may require.
Call or visit our
435 Pleasant Street Fall River, MA location at 508-675-7451
between the hours of 7:30 am to 2:00 pm.
MARIE LECROY, our specialist, will be on hand to answer your questions
and schedule appointments.
Bridal Gown Preservation Gift Certificates are also available from Delken
and make great wedding or shower presents.
For more detailed information about our service, and tips on how to
store your gown, please read the information in the links below...
You've spent a lot of time, energy, and money looking for your wedding
gown; your cherished possession. It will remind you of that special,
joyous event in your lives together. Naturally, you want to preserve
your gown at its loveliest, as it was on your wedding day. This is best
accomplished by having it properly cleaned and prepared, and then preserved
in a special acid-free chest.
It is very important that your Bridal Memory Chest be kept in a cool,
dry place. Do not store it in the attic or basement. The attic heat could
promote yellowing and the basement dampness can cause mildew. When you
wish to inspect your gown, be sure your hands and the surrounding areas
are clean.
It's best to clean and preserve your gown right after the wedding. Over
time, stains become more difficult to remove. The sooner it's properly
cleaned and preserved, the better results you'll have. Unprotected, it
will fade and yellow, and eventually, it can deteriorate, and become
brittle in spots.
One thing you can do is to make arrangements before the wedding. Plan
to have someone (mom, friend, maid of honor, ...or us) bring in your
gown right after the wedding. Or, if that's not possible, we can arrange
to have a carton labeled and ready for mail service pick-up. Where will
you have your bridal gown cleaned and preserved? Come in and meet us,
we're always happy to show you around and explain our procedures.
We carefully inspect and prepare your bridal gown before cleaning. We
check for spots, age, wear areas, any and all needed repairs; loose buttons
or beads, open seams, tears, damaged zippers, etc., anything that should
be fixed. Beads and other trims are tested for “clean-ability”.
Some things should be done before cleaning, like removing or reinforcing & covering
buttons, so they don't become damaged during cleaning. Your gown is then
professionally spotted and gently cleaned alone in crystal-clear virgin
solution for a brief period. It's checked again, and if necessary, it's
post spotted, then skillfully hand finished. Any other finishing touches,
like re-sewing buttons or trims, more repairs, etc., are done at this
time.
We then perform another complete inspection of your gown to insure that
it is in perfect shape and ready for long-term storage.
Your gown is cushioned with a special acid-free tissue to help maintain
the designers' delicate shape and carefully folded before it's placed
in a museum quality acid-free storage box. You are invited to view this
step if you so desire. An appointment will be scheduled once your gown
has been carefully processed. You also receive a Bridal Gown Preservation
Certificate.
The type of packaging and the container is what preserves your gown
once it has been properly cleaned. Years ago, museum conservators met
with representatives of commercial paper companies out of a concern about
apparent deterioration (yellowing, brown spots, staining, streaking,
friability, etc.,) of their textiles stored in standard cardboard boxes.
After research and testing, they realized that those standard boxes had
become increasingly acidic over time, causing the degradation and discoloration
of the contents.
Experts in garment and textile analysis recommend against plastics and
vacuum sealing. An article in a dry cleaning trade paper, The National
Clothesline, reads “Plastic bags are not acid free. Being chemically
unstable, plastic gives off fumes as it decomposes with age. This also
hastens textile deterioration. Excessive humidity is the greatest danger
in storage, therefore plastic bags by their very nature are conducive
to mold and mildew formation.”
Katherine Dirks, a museum conservator in the Division of Textiles at
the Museum of American History in Washington D.C. notes “we've
found that vacuum sealing never helps in the preservation of clothing.”
Besides, Norman Oehlke, Director of Member Services at IFI states, “You
cannot vacuum seal a cardboard box. It requires a steel or glass container
that can't breathe.”
Dr. Nancy Kerr, a Professor of textile science at the University of
Alberta, in Edmonton states, “Vacuum sealing is not a good idea
because any moisture trapped inside leads to mildew.”
Dan Eisen, Chief Garment Analyst and Director of the N. Y. School of
Dry Cleaning states “when wedding gowns are stored, they should
be properly cleaned and free of stains. Use an acid free box with acid-free
tissue paper. Do not cover or seal with plastic since this type of storage
builds up an acid condition that hastens deterioration.”
Museum conservators now require long-term storage boxes to be acid free
and buffered to keep it acid free. They expect to extend the lifetime
of textiles for 200 years by storing them in an acid-free box with acid-free
tissue.
Drop in any time during our regular business hours at all locations.
Hours may vary so please refer to store locations. Call or visit our
435 Pleasant Street Fall River, MA location at 508-675-7451 between the
hours of 7:30 am to 2:00 pm.
MARIE LECROY, our specialist, will be on hand to answer your questions
and schedule appointments.
If that's not possible, and you're in our local , Delken Cleaners will
pick up & deliver your bridal gown free of charge. Residents outside
the local area will have a minimum $20.00 service charge for pick up & delivery
added.
Delken accepts bridal gowns from anywhere. If you're outside the greater
Southern New England area, we offer reliable, safe shipping. We can supply
you with a package containing what you need to ship your gown safely
to us.
Your Gown has been professionally cleaned and processed with the best
available techniques and carefully inspected . It has been meticulously
prepared and placed in a special museum quality storage container.
The materials used to fabricate the inner chamber of this product are
acid-free and sulfur-free. Future storage conditions could cause volatile
and migrating acids to form, but calcium carbonate, an alkaline buffer,
has been added the the paperboard to alleviate this deterioration.
In addition, lignin, a natural adhesive found in trees, has been removed
because of its acidic properties. Multi layered construction also locks
out moisture, mildew, moths, dirt, and dust. It is very important that
you store your gown packaged gown in a cool, dry place away from light.
Bridal Gown Preservation Gift Certificates are also available from
Delken and make great wedding or shower presents.
How soon after I wear my gown do I need to have it preserved?
Even though you can wait as long as six months before having your gown
cleaned and preserved, you should bring it in as soon as possible. Many
stains, especially oils from foods, become more difficult to remove if
they are allowed to remain on the garment for any length of time.
Will you package the gown without cleaning it?
....Your wedding gown should be carefully cleaned and inspected before
placing it in the "Special Acid-Free Container". We prefer to do the
entire cleaning & preservation service from start to finish ourselves,
to insure the best results.
What is involved in the preservation process?
After inspecting the gown to determine the best course of treatment(
including testing sequins, beads, and other trim), stains will be pre-spotted
some being completely removed prior to the overall cleaning. Based on
the fabric type and chemical stability tests, the gown will either be
dry cleaned or wet cleaned. Wet cleaning, a special water-based process
that uses special equipment and alkaline-free conditioning agents, is
recommended for polyester fabrics. Traditional silk gowns are usually
dry cleaned.
How long does the cleaning & preservation process take?
...We usually take 4-6 weeks. We take our time to make sure it will
be as perfect as it can be.
How much does it cost?
...Our prices for wedding gowns vary, as it depends on style and fabrics.
A traditional type Bridal Gown will start at $210.00. Simpler Gowns may
cost less. We consider our prices to be very reasonable, because of the
quality of knowledge and skill involved. The value of quality is the
end result of what you get in service and workmanship, and in the long
run, how your gown will look. Please e-mail for a quotation.
Wedding gowns and other formal dresses require special handling and
care. The following tips will help preserve these special items for future
enjoyment and use.
Selecting Your Wedding Gown
Keep these tips in mind when you are shopping for your wedding gown.
Allow yourself plenty of time to shop for your dress. At least six month
is recommended by most wedding consultants. This will give you plenty
of time to select the right dress, fabric, trims, etc., and allow enough
time for the ordering, sewing, and fitting of the garment.
It is important to obtain information, if possible in writing, concerning
the proper care of the fabric, as well as all of the trims and embellishments
attached to the dress. Since, more than likely, you will prefer to
have the gown dry cleaned, it is important to make sure that everything
can be safely dry cleaned, so that your dress can be properly preserved.
Be sure to look for the care label in all wedding gowns purchased in
the United States. Apparel manufacturers are required by the U. S. Federal
Trade Commission to attach a care label in all garments, which provides
a viable care method for cleaning all component parts of the garment,
including trims. Gowns that fail to withstand the care instructions on
the label should be returned to the retailer for an adjustment.
If you choose to wear an heirloom gown, be sure to allow plenty of time
for cleaning and altering. Since many fabrics naturally yellow as they
age, be sure to check the gown carefully for discolored areas. Be sure
to use a dry cleaner that specializes in the cleaning and restoration
of heirloom fabrics. Return to contents
Style, cut, texture, drape, and season are all-important factors in determining
the best fabric for a wedding gown. The same style dress can look and
feel quite different in a variety of fabrics, since each material is
designed to produce a distinct effect. Some fabrics cling to the body,
while others stand away. Some are cherished for their crispness, others
for being light-as-air. Silk -- a natural fiber that exudes an innate
quality of refinement -- is undoubtedly the most sought-after and cherished
wedding dress material, noted for its resiliency, elasticity, and strength.
Silk threads are woven to create various fabrics, including satin, a
densely-woven silk notable for its super-lustrous gloss; duchess satin,
a blend of silk and rayon that is lighter and more affordable than pure
silk satin; charmeuse, a lightweight silk satin with a more subdued luster;
and shantung, a low-sheen textured silk characterized by a rough, nubby
quality. Then there are the gauzier, textured silks like chiffon, tulle,
and organza -- all used in multiple layers for gown skirts since they
are transparent, but lightweight.
The Popular Fabric List
Batiste: A lightweight, soft, transparent
fabric.
Brocade: A Jacquard-woven
fabric with raised designs; traditionally popular for fall and winter,
now also worn in warmer weather.
Charmeuse: A lightweight, semi-lustrous soft
fabric, that is satin-like to the touch.
Chiffon: Delicate, sheer, and transparent
-- made from silk or rayon, with a soft finish; often layered because
of its transparency, making it popular for overskirts, sheer sleeves,
and wraps.
Crepe: A light, soft, and thin fabric with
a crinkled surface.
Damask: Similar to brocade with raised designs,
but woven in a much lighter weight.
Duchess Satin: A lightweight hybrid of silk
and rayon (or polyester) woven into a satin finish.
Dupioni: A finish similar to shantung, but
with thicker, coarser fibers, and a slight sheen.
Faille: A structured, ribbed finish like grosgrain
ribbon; usually quite substantial.
Gabardine: A tightly-woven, firm and durable
finish, with single diagonal lines on the face.
Georgette: A sheer, lightweight fabric often
made of polyester or silk with a crepe surface.
Illusion: A fine, sheer net fabric, generally
used on sleeves or necklines.
Jersey: A very elastic knit fabric; the face
has lengthwise ribs and the underside has crosswise ribs.
Moire: A heavy silk taffeta with a subtle,
wavy design.
Organdy: A stiff transparent fabric.
Organza: Crisp and sheer like chiffon, with
a stiffer texture similar in effect to tulle, but more flowing; popular
for skirts, sleeves, backs, and overlays.
Peau de Soie: A soft satin-faced, high-quality
cloth with a dull luster, fine ribs, and a grainy appearance.
Pique: A lengthwise rib weave in medium to
heavy weights; wrinkles badly unless given a wrinkle-free finish.
Satin: A heavy, smooth fabric with a high
sheen on one side; very common in bridal gowns.
Silk Gazar: A four-ply silk organza.
Silk Mikado: A brand of blended silk, usually
heavier than 100-percent silk.
Silk-Faced Satin: A smooth silk satin, with
a glossy front and matte back.
Shantung: Similar to a raw silk, shantung
is characterized by its slubbed texture.
Taffeta: Crisp and smooth, with a slight rib;
not frequently used.
Tulle: Netting made of silk, nylon, or rayon;
used primarily for skirts and veils (think ballerina tutus).
Velvet: A soft, thick fabric with a felted
face and plain underside.
FIBERS
Polyester: An inexpensive man-made fabric
that can be woven into just about anything, including duchess satin
Rayon: Similar to silk, but more elastic and
affordable.
Silk: The most sought-after, cherished fiber
for wedding dresses (and also the most expensive); there are several
types with different textures: raw silk and silk mikado are just two
examples.
To preserve your wedding gown, it should be dry cleaned prior to storage.
Permanent staining can occur from invisible food and beverage spills,
as well as body oils, left untreated. Identify any known stain areas
to your dry cleaner before cleaning.
The Care Label Rule clearly states that wearing apparel, such as wedding
gowns, must have a care label that provides a viable care method. The
care label should cover all parts of the gown including trim. If a gown
fails to withstand the care procedure on the label it should be returned
to the retailer for an appropriate adjustment.
Since may trims and embellishments may not withstand the chemicals or
the dry cleaning process, it is important to get the dry cleaners professional
opinion on treatment of decorative sequins, beads, laces, and glitter
attached to the dress. Many of these trims are made from plastics or
finished with coating materials that are not resistant to dry cleaning
solvents. Still other trims may be attached with glues that may become
separated from the garment in the dry cleaning process. Embellishments
may also oxidize and lose their color, and no longer match the color
of the gown. These changes of color are due to the non-colorfast dyes
used in the trims, and are not the fault of the dry cleaner. Be aware
of the issues.
Look for a cleaner who can dry clean or wet clean your wedding gown,
as required by the label. Many cleaners specialize in wedding gowns.
Ask our specialists for the best course of action for your gown. Return to contents
Yellowing and fabric deterioration are common problems that can occur
as white garments age. Although there is no way to completely guarantee
the prevention of this damage, there are things that can be done to keep
the deterioration to a minimum.
A wedding gown can be properly stored either in a box or on a hanger.
If you are boxing your gown for storage, have your dry cleaner pack
the gown in a special storage box that will help prevent contamination.
Insist on being present when your gown is packaged so that you can personally
observe your cleaned gown being folded and packed into the box. (There
have been reported cases of the fraudulent packaging of wedding gowns.)
Delken is proud to offer this service.
If you are hanging a long gown for storage, attach straps to the waistline
of the dress to reduce the stress of the long heavy skirt on the shoulders
of the gown, and reduce the possibility of distorting the neckline of
the dress. Then protect the gown by wrapping it in a white sheet or muslin
fabric.
Use Only Acid-Free and Archival-Safe Packing Materials - Acid-free boxes
and tissue paper can be purchased from office supply stores, Internet
resources, and dry cleaners that specialize in the cleaning and preserving
heirloom fabrics. Delken uses only high quality packing materials. Professional
cleaning is recommended to insure the highest level of protection for
your gown.
Wrap Fabrics in Acid-Free Tissue Before Folding - The tissue paper cushions
the fabric and helps guard against sharp creases, which can break and
damage individual fibers of the fabric. Bodices or other curved areas
of a garment should be stuffed with acid-free tissue paper to prevent
creasing.
Do Not Use Metal Clips or Pins - Safety pins and paper clips can rust
over time. Rust stains on fabrics can be impossible to remove.
Never Store in Plastic Bags - Plastic bags are petroleum-based products.
Plastic can break down over time giving off chemicals and fumes that
can discolor and destroy fabrics.
Do Not Use Plastic Storage Boxes - Plastic storage boxes are popular
today. While these may be great for storing seasonal clothes, they are
not appropriate for long-term storage of heirloom textiles.
The boxed or hung wedding gown should be stored in a cool, dry place.
Do not store in a damp basement or a hot, humid attic. Mildew and fabric
yellowing can result from storing a wedding gown in improper temperatures
and atmospheric conditions.
To prevent damage to the fabric, any fabric-covered buttons, pins, perspiration
shields, and foam padding should be removed from the gown and stored
separately.
Store all headpieces, veils, shoes, and accessories separately from
the wedding gown.
Check your gown occasionally for damage while in storage. Stains that
weren't apparent in the beginning, can appear at a later date and should
be treated immediately. Professional cleaning before storage will minimize
this possibility.
Labeling - Special care should be taken when labeling precious fabrics.
Use either an acid-free paper card or a cut piece of cotton fabric.
Write the information on the card or fabric using an indelible marking
pen. Do not use a felt-tip or ball-point pen, since the inks from these
pens can run, discolor, or fade onto the fabric. Attach these identification
labels to the appropriate items in an inconspicuous place, using a
needle and a strong cotton thread.
Protect From Sunlight and Artificial Light - Sunlight and artificial
light sources can cause degradation and fading of heirloom textiles.
If items are displayed on the wall or framed behind glass, keep them
away from sunlight and areas with direct artificial light.
We here at Delken know how stressful it can be to plan
your wedding. We have extensive experience in all aspects of wedding
planning so if you are having difficulties in any area of your scheduling
please feel free to contact us for some free expert advice. Chances are we will be able to point you
in the right direction.
