FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
We know that choosing the right company to look after your wedding gown is really important, so we want to make sure you have all your questions answered.
Here are several of the most commonly asked questions. If you still have any questions please contact us via our contact form or call us toll-free 1-800-887-0135 to speak to us in person.
1. Wedding Gown Cleaning and Preservation Services
What’s the difference between the preservation packages?
Traditional Line Celebrity Line
$2,000 Declared Insurance Value $3,000 Declared Insurance value
Steam pressing of gown (*if required) Hand pressing of gown (*if required)
White Preservation Chest Silver Preservation Chest
Note: The Celebrity Line is recommended for all silk, couture, or any gown valued over $500. * We only press your gown if it is required and recommended for your particular gown.
Are the cleaning processes different for the Traditional Line and Celebrity Line Packages?
No, the same of amount of cleaning and preservation go into both packages. See the response to the previous question for the differences between the Traditional Line and Celebrity Line packages.
Why/when would I need Wedding Dress Restoration services for my dress?
Wedding Dress Restoration service is a delicate process done completely by hand and is required for any gown over 20 years old. This service is perfect for wedding dresses that were originally purchased or worn over 20 years ago, or any dress less than 20 years old that is badly yellowed or stained. The Restoration Service can be added to either the Traditional Line or Celebrity Line packages, or is included in the Traditional Line Restoration or Celebrity Line Restoration packages. The total price will be the same whether you add it to a package or select a restoration package.
2. Sending in your gown / shipping
How do I send in my dress to be cleaned and preserved through the Affordable Preservation Company?
Do I need to have my wedding dress cleaned before sending it in?
I am concerned that my dress might be lost/stolen in the shipping process. How can I be assured that my gown will be safe?
Can I have the wedding dress preservation kit sent to one address and then have the cleaned and preserved dress sent to a different address?
Yes, the preservation package you order online will be sent to the address you specify. Once you receive your complimentary shipping kit there will be an order form that you can specify where you would like the dress returned to. The shipping address you specify for your gown is independent of your original order. Please note that if you change the return address for your gown and the new address is an Alaska, Hawaii, APO or FPQ address, there is a shipping surcharge of $100.00. If the new return address in is in the lower 48 states there is no additional shipping charge.
Can I change the shipping address once the kit or dress has already been picked up by UPS?
Yes, however, there will be a $40 charge that we pass on from UPS to change the address once the package is already out for delivery.
How can I be sure you’ve received my wedding dress for preservation?
Do you send my wedding dress somewhere else after I send it to your company?
3. Insurance
What does the insurance cover?
The insurance covers you in the highly unlikely event that your dress is lost, stolen or damaged from the point you send in your dress to the time it is received back by you. This includes both the shipping process, as well as the cleaning and preservation process. Additional insurance may be purchased at checkout in increments of $1,000 additional coverage for $50 each. Please note that insurance covers the price of the dress and any accessories sent in with your order. A receipt for the original purchase price of all items (wedding dress, veil, etc) will be required for any insurance claim.
If I want additional insurance to protect my wedding dress, what do I need to do?
The Traditional Line wedding dress cleaning and preservation includes $2,000 of declared value insurance. The Celebrity Line wedding dress cleaning and preservation includes $3,000 of declared value insurance. The Christening and Clean Only packages include $1,000 of insurance. If you would like additional insurance simply add insurance at checkout in increments of $1,000 more insurance for $50.
4. Cleaning and Preservation Process
What is the difference between ‘wedding dress cleaning’ and ‘wedding dress preservation’?
Dry cleaning provides a basic wedding dress cleaning of obvious dirt and stains. However, it does not protect against the long-term yellowing, fabric deterioration, or invisible stains that can surface over time and potentially ruin your precious gown.
What exactly is the process that you use during the wedding dress cleaning?
What stains are removed with your wedding dress cleaning process?
What kinds of repairs can be done to the gown?
Wedding Gown Preservation Company prides itself on having a large staff of tailors and seamstresses that handle most repairs for a nominal fee. If a repair is requested by you or recommended, you will be contacted with a quote prior to any repairs being made after your gown has been received and evaluated.
What does Wedding Gown Restoration entail?
5. Accessories and Packaging
What types of accessories can I include as a part of either package without any additional charge?
Accessories that can be included as part of the 5 complimentary accessories are your veil, detachable train, gloves, handkerchief, shawl, jacket, cape, duster, small purse, money bag, ring pillow, garter, scarf, bra/corset, and/or hat. If you would like to include 6 or more of any of these types of accessories the price is an additional $10 each, payable by check when you send in your gown (an order form will be included). Please note: All items placed in the preservation chest with your gown MUST be cleaned by Wedding Gown Preservation Company in order to be guaranteed. The exception would be a tiara, which can be included and placed inside the preservation chest with your gown upon request. Belts or sashes are considered as part of your gown and there is no charge for them nor do they count as 1 of the 5 complimentary accessories.
What items can be included for an additional charge and what are the prices?
Shoe cleaning, Slip Cleaning (crinoline/petticoat), and Silk Flower Bouquet cleaning are an additional $35 each. These items must be purchased with one of cleaning and preservation packages (Traditional Line, Celebrity Line or Clean Only) and are not sold separately.
Can I request to have an item boxed separately (not inside the preservation chest)?
Yes, you can have any accessory boxed separately for an additional $35 per item. This option is available at checkout. This service is not sold separately and must be combined with one of our cleaning and preservation services. This is a good option for your veil or shoes as an example.
What can be seen through the display window?
You will be able to see your gown (and veil if you included it) through the display window. Other items are positioned near the bottom of the window where possible or underneath the gown. The preservation chest display window in 25″ x 13″.
What are the dimensions of the preservation chest I will receive my dress in after it is cleaned and preserved?
There are 3 sizes of preservation chests available. Depending on the size of your gown and any additional accessories you may have included, a determination is made to ensure the best fit. The primary difference is the depth dimension. Below are the dimensions of each as measured in inches (Length x Width X Depth):
Standard: 33″ x 19″ x 7″
Large: 33″ x 19″ x 10″
Extra Large: 33″ x 19″ x 13″
The window on the front of the preservation chest is oval and the measrurements are 25″ by 13″
6. Timing
How long does it take to receive the kit after I place my order?
How long will it take to receive my wedding dress after I send it in?
Most gowns are processed within 20 – 30 days from the time they are received. Once complete, your gown will be shipped back to you by UPS Ground. On average, you should receive your gown within 4 – 10 weeks. For a more accurate estimated delivery time from the time your dress is completed, please refer to our delivery estimate page.
7. Guarantee
If I need to open up the preservation chest any time in the future will that jeopardize or void the guarantee?
The guarantee will not be voided for simply opening the preservation chest. However, it is not recommended that you remove the gown completely, as it has been specially secured to keep it from shifting in the chest to protect the dress. Please note that complete removal of the gown from the preservation chest will void the guarantee. For more information about inspecting your gown after it has been cleaned and preserved please see our guarantee page.
Is my gown guaranteed?
YES! Wedding Gown Preservation Company provides a 100% Guarantee for 100 years against yellowing of the gown. If at any time the gown is found to have yellowed, your gown will be restored at no extra charge. If processing is unsuccessful, we will refund the preservation cost.
Can I reseal the box myself if it was opened inadvertently but the gown was not handled?
Your wedding dress preservation chest is shipped to you sealed to protect it against dust and dirt, but is not air-tight as fabric needs to ‘breathe’. If the chest is opened, you will also receive sealing squares to place inside the seams of the preservation chest. Opening the chest will not void the guarantee. Only complete removal of the gown from the chest will void the 100 year guarantee.
8. Personalization
How do I find out more about my personalization options?
Please visit our Personalization page for all the information you need to customize your wedding dress preservation chest.
9. APO, FPO, Alaska and Hawaii Shipping Addresses
Do you ship to APO, FPO, Alaska and Hawaii addresses?
Yes! We now ship to APO, FPO, Alaska and Hawaii addresses. Please note that there is a $100 shipping surcharge for shipping to these addresses.
What are the delivery times to Alaska, Hawaii, APO and FPO addresses?
Delivery times to Alaska and Hawaii are approximately 7-10 business days. Delivery to an APO or FPO address typically takes between 10-21 days. These are estimates only. Delivery times may vary.
How is the complimentary shipping kit sent to me for Alaska, Hawaii, APO and FPO addresses?
For Alaska, Hawaii, APO and FPO addresses the shipping kit is mailed via the United States Postal Service (USPS). Included in the shipping kit you will find a secure, heavy duty, water resistant (Tyvek®) shipping bag (instead of a cardboard box) for sending us your dress. Your dress will be well protected from moisture, dirt, or damage in this very heavy duty shipping bag.
How do I send in my dress from an Alaska or Hawaii address?
After you place your order, we will send you a complimentary shipping kit with a pre-paid UPS shipping label included. There will be a sturdy, secure, water resistant shipping bag to place your dress into along with the multi-part form. You simply seal the bag and apply the pre-paid shipping label. You can then take it to any USP mailing center to be sent pre-paid, directly to the cleaning facility in Endicott, New York. Please note there is a $100 surcharge for shipping to/from Alaska and Hawaii.
How do I send in my dress from an APO or FPO address?
After you place your order, you will receive a complimentary shipping kit which includes a secure, sturdy, water resistant shipping bag and 3 part form. Please complete the multi-part form with your email address and make sure the return address for your dress is correct. Then place the white and yellow copies in the shipping bag with your dress and seal the bag. Keep the pink copy for your records.
You will need to send your wedding dress to us via the US Postal Service at your own expense, as shipping is not included for APO and FPO addresses. It is also recommended that you purchase insurance from the US Postal Service to cover your dress during transit. The insurance that comes with our service only covers the dress against loss or damage once it is received at the cleaning facility.
Once my dress has been cleaned and preserved, how is it returned to my APO or FPO address?
Once your dress has been cleaned and preserved, it will be sent back to you through the US Postal Service free of charge from Endicott, New York.
10. Additional Questions
Where should I direct any additional questions or concerns?
If you have questions prior to sending in your gown, please contact the Affordable Preservation Company (click here for our contact information). If you have questions after you have sent in your gown, you may call The Wedding Gown Preservation Company directly at (800) 305-3108 and a representative will gladly assist you. The Wedding Gown Preservation Company’s business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Eastern Standard Time.