34 Essential Questions Every Bride Should Ask a Dress Preservation Company Before Preserving Her Wedding Dress

all the emotions like love, excitement, and memories of the big day. Naturally, the idea of keeping it safe for years to come feels really important. 

And, for that, preserving your dress seems to be the best idea. But it isn’t as simple as it looks. 

For example, one Quora user asked: “When preserving your wedding dress, what questions do you have about the preservation process itself? Are you curious about the materials used, the storage conditions, or the long-term effectiveness?” 

This shows how common these concerns are among brides. Such confusion might even pop up in your minds. 

And that’s exactly why it is so important to ask the questions before sending your gown off for preservation. We have created a detailed guide to help brides answer some of the most important questions and clear their doubts. 

Read now to know more!

Section 1: The Company & Its Expertise

Before you trust anyone with your wedding dress, it’s important to know “who” you’re handing it over to and “how much experience they really have.” Asking about these can save you both stress and money in the long run. 

1. Where will my gown actually be cleaned and preserved? Is it done in-house or outsourced?

Why ask this?

Many brides don’t realize that most local dress cleaners don’t do the work themselves. Instead, they send the wedding dresses to specialist companies. The problem? This outsourcing means you’ll be paying extra since the local cleaners have to cover their own costs on top of what the experts charge. 

2. Can I see before-and-after photos or read real bride reviews?

Why ask this?

Before and after photos give you a real idea of how well they remove stains, fix discoloration, and restore the damaged fabric. Also, reading the reviews from other brides helps build trust and confidence that your precious gown is in good hands. 

Section 2: Cleaning & Fabric Care – What Brides Don’t Ask (But Should)

Most brides are too caught up in just “preserving” that they do not realize that not all wedding dress cleaning companies have the right skills! Some can literally ruin your dress trying to “save” it.

3. What cleaning method do you use?

Why ask this?

The cleaning method for tulle wedding dresses might differ from the lace one! So, knowing the cleaning method ensures that your gown is cleaned using a safe technique for its fabric. If your wedding dress cleaner uses a one-size-fits-all approach, they’re already cutting corners.

4. Do you use PERC or other harmful chemicals?

Why ask this?

PERC (Perchloroethylene) is a toxic little secret that most dry cleaners rely on! So, asking about the chemicals used while cleaning the wedding dress is absolutely important. Knowing that the chemicals used are gentle, eco-friendly, and safe for your gown’s fabric will automatically give you a feeling of satisfaction that your dress is in safe hands.

5. How are invisible stains like sugar, sweat, or wine handled?

Why ask this?

Just because you can’t see doesn’t mean stains are not there! This is again a crucial question to ask, as it will showcase that you have trusted the right dry cleaner who understands how to treat these kinds of stains and is prepared to tackle them the correct way.

6. Will my dress be cleaned alone or with others?

Why ask this?

When cleaning your gown, it must be done individually. Cleaning it with other items might expose your dress to other chemicals, contaminants, or even fabric damage. This question ensures that your dress receives the exclusive care and attention it deserves, free from any risk of cross-contamination.

7. Will you inspect and document pre-existing stains or damage?

Why ask this?

Transparency = trust! A good dry cleaner will inspect every corner of your wedding dress before beginning the cleaning process. If they document everything, there will be a written record of your gown’s original state. This way, you’ll be aware of what was there before, and no new issues will be introduced while it's being cleaned.

8. Do you offer minor repairs before cleaning?

Why ask this?

Most professional dry cleaners offer minor repairs, like fixing a loose bead or stitching a tear, that might come to their attention while inspecting the dress. This is crucial to ask because once the cleaning happens, those flaws can worsen over time. And, you don’t want that, right?

9. What does photo documentation include?

Why ask this?

This will give an idea about what the company actually did to your gown. It will help you to see how well stains were removed, how discoloration was treated, and how the overall gown was restored. 

Section 3: Kits, Preservation Process & Packaging

Sticking your dress in the box and calling it a day – is that what preservation means to you? Well, not quite!

Behind the scenes, preservation undergoes a list of things, and knowing about each is essential if you want to keep your gown in legendary condition. So, here are some questions to help you understand the process better: 

10. What’s the difference between the Celebrity (Couture) & Traditional Kits?

Why ask this?

Not all the preservation kits are the same. The Celebrity (Couture) Kit is specially designed for dresses that are under 20 years old and are valued at $3,000. On the other hand, the Traditional kit is ideal for dresses that are older than 20 years and valued under $3000. By asking about these differences, you can make sure you’re choosing the kit that fits your gown’s age, value, and condition. 

11. What does the Restoration Package include?

Why ask this?

The restoration package is designed to bring yellowed or aged gowns back to life with all-natural, museum-quality cleaning to preserve their beauty for generations. 

By asking exactly what the restoration package includes, you’ll know what kind of cleaning, repairs, personalization, and extra protection options are available. This way, you can choose the right services that match your gown’s condition and make sure it’s carefully restored and preserved to stay beautiful for many years.

12. What accessories can be included with the package?

Why ask this?

Many preservation packages allow you to include several accessories like veil, shoes, slip, bouquet, and others along with your gown, sometimes at an additional cost. Knowing what accessories can be preserved and how they’re cared for helps ensure your entire wedding look stays intact and beautiful over time.

13. Do you offer shipping or delivery options for the preservation service?

Why ask this?

Knowing that your preservation expert offers secure shipping or delivery of your wedding gown is crucial. Think once- it would be a nightmare if your wedding gown gets damaged or lost in transit! So, to relieve this stress, don’t hesitate!

14. What materials do you use?

Why ask this?

The materials used to preserve the gown are key to ensuring it stays pristine for decades. So, ask the wedding dress cleaning and preservation expert if they use acid-free, lignin-free materials to prevent discoloration, yellowing, or fabric deterioration.

15. Will my gown be sealed? Can I open it later?

Why ask this?

A sealed box keeps out moisture, dust, air, and light and protects your dress in the long run. But what if, one day, you get that irresistible urge to peek at it? Hence, it's better to ask the service experts if they offer resealable boxes or let you see or access your gown without ruining the seal completely.

16. What is the process for handling any repairs or alterations if needed?

Why ask this?

Sometimes small fixes — like a missing bead or a tiny tear — are easier to handle before full preservation. If the company doesn’t have an in-house repair process, you could end up shuttling your dress between different services.

17. Will the preservation box have a viewing window?

Why ask this?

Who doesn’t get the urge to see their wedding dress, even if they have been married for about 20 years? So, ask the preservation professionals if their procedure allows you to admire the gown without opening the box and risking any damage.

18. How long does the preservation last?

Why ask this?

The goal of preservation is to keep your wedding gown in perfect condition for decades, even centuries. So, it is essential that you ask this question right away. Also, don’t forget to ask what factors influence its longevity, which can give you peace of mind in the long run.

19. How do you handle embellishments like sequins or lace during boxing?

Why ask this?

Beads, sequins, lace, and embroidery — these are the magic touches that make wedding dresses feel alive. Ask how these delicate embellishments are handled during preservation. The right service will take extra care to ensure that nothing gets crushed, bent, or damaged, preserving every tiny detail of your gown.

20. Will the packaging prevent damage from light, humidity, and insects?

Why ask this?

That is the point of whole preservation, right? Light, humidity, and insects are your gown’s biggest enemies. The right preservation service will provide packaging that shields your dress from these elements. So, take all the info and choose wisely!

Section 4: Shipping, Aftercare & Storage – What Happens After You Get the Box

21. How do I ship my dress if the shipping box is too small for my gown?

Why ask this?

The wedding dresses are often bulky due to long trains and heavy layers. If the shipping box provided isn’t big enough, forcing your gown to fit could lead to unnecessary wrinkles, creases, or even damage before the cleaning and preservation process begins. 

22. Can I ship my preserved dress to an alternate address? What’s the procedure?

Why ask this?

Sometimes, you might want your preserved gown sent somewhere other than your own home. It could be your parents’ house, your new address, or even as a gift to someone else. Most preservation companies allow you to specify an alternate return address on the paperwork in your shipping kit, but it’s always important to ask them in advance. 

23. Where should I store the preserved gown?

Why ask this?

After you receive your preserved gown, ask the experts about ideal storage conditions to give your dress the best chance to stay safe and pristine. It is because your gown is prone to risks if kept in places like a hot attic or a damp basement.

24. What are the optimal temperature and humidity levels?

Why ask this?

Your bridal dress is delicate, and even if it's sealed inside a premium preservation box, it can still react to its environment. By asking your preservation expert about the exact conditions needed for long-term storage, you ensure that you create the right environment for your dress.

25. Can the box be safely opened? If so, how often?

Why ask this?

You may want to open the box from time to time, but it's key to ask about the safety of doing so. Frequent opening could expose your gown to light, air, and dust, which can cause yellowing or fabric deterioration. Your expert can guide you on the best way to handle it and how often it’s safe to open the box.

26. Will you provide gloves or instructions for safe handling?

Why ask this?

Handling your wedding attire correctly is essential to maintaining its condition. Ask if gloves and instructions are provided, as this ensures you know exactly how to safely handle your gown without transferring oils or dirt from your hands to the delicate fabric.

27. Can I wear the dress again (e.g., vow renewal) and re-preserve it?

Why ask this?

If you plan on wearing your dress again, it’s important to ask whether it can be re-preserved. Your preservation expert will tell you how to handle it afterward and whether it needs to be cleaned and preserved again.

Section 5:  Cost, Timeline, & Guarantee

When it comes to preserving your wedding dress, money and time are two things you don’t want to get blindsided by. You already had one big day — the last thing you need is a post-wedding surprise that makes you want to pull your hair out. 

So, here are a few questions to your rescue:

28. What’s the total cleaning and preservation cost, and what’s included?

Why ask this?

It’s easy to get lured in by a low price tag until you realize it doesn’t include half the stuff you actually need. So, it's essential to ask and understand the wedding gown dry cleaning and preservation cost from the very beginning. You don’t want any additional surprise costs later!

29. What is the service’s policy regarding returns or cancellations?

Why ask this?

Life happens, and plans can change. Asking about the return or cancellation policy will clarify what happens if you need to alter or cancel your preservation order.

30. Are there any surprise charges?

Why ask this?

There’s nothing worse than being in the middle of the process, and some unexpected expense shows up unannounced. Ask your expert to be straightforward and transparent. This way, you’ll be clear on whether there are any additional costs—like rush fees or special handling charges—that could pop up later.

31. How long does the process take from start to finish?

Why ask this?

Be clear on the timelines. Don’t assume from what the website says — ask for the full schedule, start to finish, so there are no surprises waiting where your wedding dress should be.

32. Do you offer a warranty or guarantee? What does it cover?

Why ask this?

This is exactly what we call peace of mind. If something goes wrong, you must be aware of the warranty and guarantee offered by the preservation service expert. Asking this will give you a sense of security and confidence in your decision.

33. What is your liability if the dress is lost or damaged?

Why ask this?

While it’s rare, accidents can happen. Asking about the service’s liability ensures you understand what happens if your gown is lost, damaged, or not returned in its original condition.

34. Will the guarantee be lost if I open the preserved wedding dress?

Why ask this?

Many preservation companies offer long-term guarantees, but sometimes these guarantees might become void if you open the sealed preservation box. So, if you’re planning to rewear your bridal gown again, it’s important to know the company’s specific policies to avoid accidentally losing your coverage.

Red Flags to Avoid When Choosing the Preservation Service

Here are a few “What NOT to Ignore” essentials when picking a preservation professional:

❌ Vague pricing or hidden fees

❌ No timeline guarantees

❌ No mention of materials used

❌ No warranty or guarantee

❌ One-size-fits-all cleaning approach

❌ No liability policy

❌ No gloves or handling instructions

❌ Excessive “trust us” vibes

❌ No reviews or testimonials online

❌ Using plastic wrap instead of archival boxes

❌ No customer support

❌ Lack of professional certification

❌ Vague or unrealistic promises

❌ No mention of eco-friendly practices

Wrapping It Up – Your Dress Deserves Better Than a Guess

Okay, that’s a wrap! Don’t settle for anything less than the best, ladies, because it's your wedding dress after all!  

You’ve already spent so much time choosing the perfect gown for your big day, so why leave its preservation to chance?

Asking the right questions isn’t about being picky—it’s about being informed and making sure your gown is treated with the utmost care. So, don’t guess, take your time, and make an informed decision! 

And, when it comes to picking the right service, trust our skilled experts at DressPreservation.com. Get in touch with us today!