Post # 1
Member
352 posts
Helper bee
Well, it finally happened. We were married August 20, 2016 and returned from our honeymoon in Cabo on Sunday. The day came and went in a flash and now I am neck deep in the post-wedding to-do list. At the top of that list is cleaning and preserving my gown.
I knew I wanted to get my gown cleaned and preserved the moment I bought it and ended up buying the kit from David’s Bridal. I was never quite ok with the idea of my dress being folded (or stuffed) into a box for 30+ years (permanent creases!), nor did I like the idea of not being able to verify that the dress was cleaned properly. And now that it has come time for me to pull the trigger, I find myself looking for other options.
One option I found was Heritage Gown Preservation. They use the same methods that museums use to preserve textiles. Plus, the gown isn’t sealed and they encourage customers to inspect the gown. The service is $400. I already spent $100 on the DB kit. DB of course doesn’t do refunds. I feel guilty for essentially wasting $100 if I don’t use my DB kit but I also don’t want to never be able to touch my gown or ensure they did quality work.
Has anyone used Heritage Gown? What was your experience?
Has anyone used the DB kit? Did you open it and void the warranty to inspect their work? What was your experience?
http://www.heritagegown.com/
Post # 2
Member
299 posts
Helper bee
I used the DB kit for both my dresses (ceremony and reception). I opened the box with the reception dress in it because we ended up doing a portrait session with the photographer after the wedding, and it was honestly in amazing condition, just a bit wrinkled at the bottom from being folded up in the box. My dress got FILTHY at the reception and you could not tell at all. It looked like the day I got it from the salon (minus wrinkles).
Your point is valid about permanent creases, but I guess you could always just take it out of the box as soon as you get it, hang however you like, and then you still only paid $100. I left mine in the box for 2+ months before I took it out and was able to get the wrinkles out with a steamer with no problem.
Post # 3
Member
352 posts
Helper bee
kp2kc : That is good to know! I couldn’t find reviews from anyone who opend the box and voided the warranty so I am happy to hear your dress was in great condition! 🙂
Post # 4
Member
138 posts
Blushing bee
I’m thinking about going with heritage as well, I just really want to make sure my dress is perfect and I think I’m going to do the museum storage method. Â I’m interested to see what people think of them.
Post # 5
Member
200 posts
Helper bee
I have been wondering about Heritage Gown as well. My wedding was over a year ago so I really need to have my dress cleaned and preserved, but I can’t decide on the best method or where to take the dress. I read about Hertiage and the museum method and am still not sure what the best choice. I want the dress to be well preserved, yet it would be nice if I could take it out and look at it once in a while. Any advice and opinions would be appreciated. I hate that my dress is just hanging in a garmet bag!
Post # 6
Member
352 posts
Helper bee
Markinu : KYpinkandlace : Just an update- I ended up going with Heritage and I am very happy with their work. The quality of the garment bag is excellent and I was very pleased to have the ability to inspect their work. 🙂
Post # 7
Member
200 posts
Helper bee
spoilerssweetie : Thank you for the update! Did you choose the Heritage Essentials, Select, or Couture package?
Post # 8
Member
352 posts
Helper bee
I ended up going with the Select package because my gown had silk and I could also have my veil cleaned with that package. I added on the personalized label and it is a great touch.