Julian’s Dry Cleaners Issues Post-Wedding Dress Aftercare Guide
Rochester, NY – Julian’s Dry Cleaners, the city’s trusted bridal-care authority for more than 60 years, outlined the exact steps every newlywed should take—and avoid—to safeguard a wedding gown after the celebration.
Wedding Dress Aftercare: What to Do (and Not to Do) After the Big Day
The whirlwind of tears, laughter, champagne toasts, and outdoor dancing often leaves unmistakable traces on a bride’s dress. Julian’s Dry Cleaners cautions that invisible sugars and perspiration can oxidize into yellow stains and that swift, professional action is critical for long-term preservation.
1 | Do Clean the Dress ASAP
Even a seemingly spotless gown hides sweat, sugar, and champagne residues that darken over time.
Don’ts
Leave the dress hanging for weeks.
Attempt DIY spot cleaning with bleach or household chemicals.
Assume invisible stains will remain invisible.
2 | Do Use a Professional Wedding-Dress Cleaning & Preservation Service
Specialized bridal cleaners employ gentle solvents, precision stain mapping, and museum-grade materials to protect lace, silk, hems, and underarms.
Don’ts
Drop the gown at a generic cleaner lacking bridal expertise.
Choose the cheapest quote over proven credentials.
Neglect to ask about warranties, certifications, or methods.
3 | Do Choose an Acid-Free Preservation Box
Archival, lignin-free boxes shield fabric from light, moisture, and air; clear windows allow safe viewing.
Don’ts
Store the dress in its original plastic garment bag.
Use ordinary cardboard or colored tissue.
Wrap the gown in newspaper or other acidic paper.
4 | Do Store the Dress in a Cool, Dark, Dry Place
A bedroom closet with stable temperatures is ideal.
Don’ts
Place the box near vents, windows, attics, garages, or basements.
Stack heavy items on top of the gown.
5 | Do Handle the Dress with Clean, Dry Hands—or Gloves
Oil-free handling prevents latent fingerprints and stains.
Don’ts
Touch fabric with bare, unwashed hands.
Allow pets or children near the gown.
Wear lotion or perfume while handling.
6 | Do Include Accessories in Preservation
Veil, sash, shawl, garter, and keepsake handkerchiefs belong in the same acid-free environment, individually wrapped and labeled.
Don’ts
Toss accessories into plastic bags.
Store pieces in non-archival boxes.
Forget to list extras when arranging preservation.
7 | Do Read the Dress Label Before Cleaning
Fiber content and construction determine safe solvents and temperatures. Custom or tag-less gowns require full fabric disclosure to the cleaner.
Don’ts
Ignore the care label.
Permit cleaning that contradicts instructions.
Assume all gowns tolerate standard dry-clean cycles.
8 | Do Insure and Track Shipments
When mailing a gown, request full-value insurance and end-to-end tracking; keep every receipt and email.
Don’ts
Ship without tracking or insurance.
Use flimsy packaging or ship during weather extremes.
Assume liability coverage without written proof.
Protect the Dress That Celebrated Your Love—Trust Julian’s Dry Cleaners
Julian’s Dry Cleaners offers two bridal aftercare tiers:
Clean & Steam – $220* – meticulous stain removal, gentle steaming, hanger return.
Clean & Preserve – $260* – full cleaning plus acid-free boxed preservation for decades of safe storage.
Brides may call 585-648-5251 to schedule service and ensure the memories woven into their gowns endure for generations.
