I haven't personally used anyone because I plan to donate to Brides Against Breast Cancer (who take them "unclean" with an optional donation for cleaning)....
But this was saved in my wedding notes: if you've ever seen that gorgeous local ad of the groom "dipping" his bride in the Reflecting Pool in front of the Washington Monument, this is from that bride's Knot profile. Seemed like a great review, considering the cleaning challenge!
"My dress was super dirty and gross after going in the reflecting pool at the Lincoln Memorial! I took it to Wedding Gown Specialists Restoration Labs to tackle this project! They were amazing, and my dress came out SPOTLESS!!! …and only cost $100! I highly recommend using them!3008 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204 ~ TEL: (703) 521-2400"
This is not exactly in the area, but I used JScheer in New York to clean a dress which I purchased from a sample sale, and they were excellent. They came highly recommended from Saks. They clean all kinds of gowns - not just wedding dresses, including couture gowns (or so the website says).
From DC, you probably have to pay a shipping fee to ship the dress there. I think it cost me around $250-$300 or so for the actual cleaning. The cleaning is not done in Manhattan, they send it up to their facilities in upstate NY, and the gown is cleaned by hand so it takes about 2 months minimum.
If you cannot find anyone in the local area, this may be a good option.
I am SO relieved to have found this thread! I just bought a Monique Lhuillier that was purported to be brand new and upon its arrival to me it is clearly not. Personal tears and drama aside I am looking for an expert who can not only inspect the gown for me, but properly clean the alcenon lace carefully. I will look into the cleaner in Arlington that was mentioned, but would love if anyone has any further input.
Please let us know what happens with your dress! I'm so sorry to hear about your disappointing experience.
I have 2 lace dresses that need cleaning... my own lace dress and I wore my mom's lace wedding dress (circa 1968!) to our rehearsal dinner. I'm looking for a reasonably priced local establishment to clean both.
Also check out Imperial Gown restoration -- I think their office is in Fairfax, and you can find their website on google. I haven't used them, but they are very reputable.
I am so happy to be posting again with some (hopefully) good news! I called Hannelore's bridal in Old Town after seeing they carried Monique Lhuillier and they (like blushing audrey!) recommended Imperial Bridal in Fairfax...from my first time calling I knew I was in the best hands possible. Steve Saidman listened carefully to my tale and offered to see me right away to evaluate my dress. He spent over an hour with me and gave me tons of great advice, he clearly has a lot of experience with high end and delicate vintage gowns and was completely confident in working with my alcenon lace and silk lined dress. After resolving the issue with my seller and requiring her to pay for the restoration of my dress I am pleased to say it's now in Steve's capable hands and I am hoping for the best...I am expecting a call at the end of August to come 'visit' my dress and see what sort of magic he's performed! He truly turned around what was a truly horrifying experience and based on customer service alone I would recommend him to all brides - DC area and nationwide. I promise to post when I see the dress again, I am thinking it will be an ecstatic one. : )
Any suggestions????
Thanks :)
posted by nyemamaria 2 months agoI haven't personally used anyone because I plan to donate to Brides Against Breast Cancer (who take them "unclean" with an optional donation for cleaning)....
But this was saved in my wedding notes: if you've ever seen that gorgeous local ad of the groom "dipping" his bride in the Reflecting Pool in front of the Washington Monument, this is from that bride's Knot profile. Seemed like a great review, considering the cleaning challenge!
"My dress was super dirty and gross after going in the reflecting pool at the Lincoln Memorial! I took it to Wedding Gown Specialists Restoration Labs to tackle this project! They were amazing, and my dress came out SPOTLESS!!! …and only cost $100! I highly recommend using them!3008 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204 ~ TEL: (703) 521-2400"
posted by tulip 1 month agoThis is not exactly in the area, but I used JScheer in New York to clean a dress which I purchased from a sample sale, and they were excellent. They came highly recommended from Saks. They clean all kinds of gowns - not just wedding dresses, including couture gowns (or so the website says).
From DC, you probably have to pay a shipping fee to ship the dress there. I think it cost me around $250-$300 or so for the actual cleaning. The cleaning is not done in Manhattan, they send it up to their facilities in upstate NY, and the gown is cleaned by hand so it takes about 2 months minimum.
If you cannot find anyone in the local area, this may be a good option.
posted by missdino 1 month agoI am SO relieved to have found this thread! I just bought a Monique Lhuillier that was purported to be brand new and upon its arrival to me it is clearly not. Personal tears and drama aside I am looking for an expert who can not only inspect the gown for me, but properly clean the alcenon lace carefully. I will look into the cleaner in Arlington that was mentioned, but would love if anyone has any further input.
Thanks so much!
posted by calebsbride 1 month agoCalebsbride,
Please let us know what happens with your dress! I'm so sorry to hear about your disappointing experience.
I have 2 lace dresses that need cleaning... my own lace dress and I wore my mom's lace wedding dress (circa 1968!) to our rehearsal dinner. I'm looking for a reasonably priced local establishment to clean both.
posted by MrsPomegranate 1 month agoAlso check out Imperial Gown restoration -- I think their office is in Fairfax, and you can find their website on google. I haven't used them, but they are very reputable.
posted by blushingaudrey 1 month agoI am so happy to be posting again with some (hopefully) good news! I called Hannelore's bridal in Old Town after seeing they carried Monique Lhuillier and they (like blushing audrey!) recommended Imperial Bridal in Fairfax...from my first time calling I knew I was in the best hands possible. Steve Saidman listened carefully to my tale and offered to see me right away to evaluate my dress. He spent over an hour with me and gave me tons of great advice, he clearly has a lot of experience with high end and delicate vintage gowns and was completely confident in working with my alcenon lace and silk lined dress. After resolving the issue with my seller and requiring her to pay for the restoration of my dress I am pleased to say it's now in Steve's capable hands and I am hoping for the best...I am expecting a call at the end of August to come 'visit' my dress and see what sort of magic he's performed! He truly turned around what was a truly horrifying experience and based on customer service alone I would recommend him to all brides - DC area and nationwide. I promise to post when I see the dress again, I am thinking it will be an ecstatic one. : )
posted by calebsbride 3 weeks ago