The 411 On Wedding Dress Preservation

Last Updated on October 15, 2025 by Alterations Express Staff

There’s not much thought of what happens to a wedding dress after you say, ‘I Do!’. The truth is most wedding dresses end up shoved in the back of closets, as part of the wedding post-mortem. Then, before you know it, months have gone by, and your wedding dress is still sitting there. So, what should you do with your wedding dress after the wedding, if you indeed are holding onto it? Do you need to get your wedding dress preserved? What does wedding gown preservation entail? Is it necessary? And most importantly, how much does it cost? Check out our blog post to find out the 411 on wedding dress preservation.

Quick Links:

• Why opt for preservation?
• Consequences of NOT preserving your gown
• What does gown preservation include?
• How much does bridal gown preservation cost?
• I got married a year ago, can I still get my gown preserved?

Why opt for preservation?

So, why opt for wedding gown preservation in the first place? I mean, it’s expensive for one. And a hassle to find a provider. And then, you have to lug your dress all the way there to drop it off. Finally, typically months later, you’ll be called to pick it up and lug it back home. Seems like a bit of a headache, right? Here’s the bottom line: 📢 YOU’LL NEVER REGRET GETTING YOUR WEDDING GOWN PRESERVED! 📢

Bridal gown preservation ensures that your wedding dress will look the same as it did on your wedding day. It’ll help maintain the integrity of the dress and fight against discoloration of the fabrics. The many benefits of gown preservation will also allow you to pass down the dress or repurpose it for ‘something borrowed’ down the road. Overall, you’ll love that you have a plan for what to do with your dress after your wedding day.

Image via Wedding Gown Preservation Kit

Consequences of NOT Preserving Your Gown

What will happen if you don’t preserve your gown? In some cases as soon as six months after the wedding day, the fabric will begin to yellow and discolor. Any stains that aren’t treated become more difficult to get out. And, the form and shape of the gown will be compromised if it is not reinforced properly.

What Does Gown Preservation Include?

What’s included in gown preservation is typically determined by which provider you choose to help with your wedding dress preservation. In addition to thoroughly cleaning your wedding dress, some providers will also include the veil, train, shoes, and ring pillow as part of the preservation package. Some providers will even repair your wedding dress as part of the preservation process. Other preservationists keep it simple by meticulously cleaning your wedding dress and then packaging your gown in a museum-quality archival box with a bust-form and acid-free tissue paper. Our advice: Make sure to shop around and research to find an affordable provider that can include what you’re looking for regarding your bridal gown preservation.

How Much Does Bridal Gown Preservation Cost?

Bridal gown preservation can vary greatly depending on the provider that you choose, add-on services available, and location. On average, brides can expect to spend anywhere from $200 to $550 on gown preservation. Bridal gown preservation makes a PERFECT shower or wedding gift as well.

At Alterations Express, we charge $299 to clean & box wedding dresses for our customers. We do not offer any additional add-on services as part of our gown preservation. You can learn more about bridal gown preservation at Alterations Express.

I Got Married a Year Ago, Can I Still Get My Gown Preserved?

YES! It’s safe to say that it’s never too late to preserve your wedding dress. Although the results may vary depending on the dress’s fabric, stains, and the age of the dress, it’s still worth the investment. Especially if you’re considering passing down your dress in the future.