Alter before cleaning or Clean before altering

val&will

I bought a sample dress. After purchase, I realized it is very dirty and needs a full cleaning. The professional wedding dress cleaners stated that the dress should be cleaned first then altered for reason followed:
1. Thread color to alter maybe inaccurate on a soiled dress
2. Dress alterations before cleaning are made on an already streteched dress once cleaned the dress may not fit properly
3. Also the dress has not been pressed so hems maybe inaccurate

Ideal turn around time for cleaning is about 4 weeks. I only have 8 weeks til wedding (procrastinated smh)

Has anyone done this before. Any opinions?

AurorasEnvy

I agree with them, I'd have it cleaned first.  Brides that buy new dresses don't have them cleaned after alterations, so I don't see why'd you have a problem.  Plus, I'd want to be 100% positive they could clean it to my standards before I would spend the money on alterations,

Maggie0829

I would listen to the cleaners because they are professionals and have most likely done this many times before.

QueerFemme

I agree with cleaning before altering, but I don't understand why it takes 4 weeks to clean!?  that seems excessive.

kd.joseph

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_alter-before-cleaning-or-clean-before-altering?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:15Discussion:edf650f9-8d47-4329-849f-4a62d40d3a08Post:784d0895-1711-4480-8c65-df5b05ce319a">Re: Alter before cleaning or Clean before altering</a>:
[QUOTE]I agree with cleaning before altering, but I don't understand why it takes<strong> 4 weeks to clean!?  that seems excessive.
</strong>Posted by cmgilpin[/QUOTE]

This was my first thought.

I agree you should clean it first, but maybe you can ask a few more cleaners. Check your local for recs in your area.

Maggie0829

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_alter-before-cleaning-or-clean-before-altering?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:15Discussion:edf650f9-8d47-4329-849f-4a62d40d3a08Post:784d0895-1711-4480-8c65-df5b05ce319a">Re: Alter before cleaning or Clean before altering</a>:
[QUOTE]I agree with cleaning before altering, but I don't understand why it takes <strong>4 weeks to clean!?</strong>  that seems excessive.
Posted by cmgilpin[/QUOTE]

I do have to agree that the length of time maybe a bit excessive but I am getting my dress cleaned right now and it is going to take two weeks before I can make sure it is cleaned well enough before I have it placed into its box.  So the place may just be really busy at the moment or they like to give an increased timeline just to cover their butts.

val&will

Thanks everyone for the input. I am getting it cleaned. They said they would try to have it ready by the end of this months. Fingers crossed.