Cleaning the dress! Advice!

talgirl84

So I bought from dress from Running of the Brides and my seamstress gave me a fabric bag and sheets and said I should clean it before she alters it. She recommended a dry cleaning service and they said they would have to see the dress but cleaning runs from $130 and up.Another place said they would have to see the dress to estimate the price. I don't want to preserve it, just clean it.My dress isn't very big. It's Bienal by San Patrick.What did people do to clean their dress? And did you do it before or after alterations?

cmk1215

I wanted to clean my dress because I bought a sample dress but I don't have time to.  I will instead get it steamed and pressed.Is yours a sample dress or did they order it?  If they ordered it you probably don't need it cleaned - just pressed.But if you do get it cleaned you should do it before alterations - there is a chance it could shrink a little.  Hope that helps!

talgirl84

I got my dress at Running of the Brides so god knows how many girls tried it on before me!

cmk1215

Mine has probably been tried on a ton too but it looks clean.  If I had time to clean it I would have - just to make sure.   But since my wedding is in 13 days and I just bought it 2 days ago and need alterations that really isn't an option!!The lady at the store just told me it needs to be cleaned before the alterations.  You would not want it to shrink after it is altered to fit you.  I think she also told me it takes 5 days to clean properly.  Also make sure you go somewhere that specializes in wedding dresses.