The specialized process used to protect the delicate stitches, fabrics, and lace of a wedding dress is called wedding dress preservation—and it’s a whole lot more than just cleaning and boxing it up. Preservation is a meticulous, multi-step process designed to safeguard your dress from yellowing, fabric breakdown, and invisible stains that can surface years later.
If you’re keeping it for sentimental reasons, planning to pass it down, or even considering reselling it, preserving your dress is a worthwhile investment. But before you commit, it’s important to understand the costs involved—the factors that affect the price, how different services compare, and whether the expense is truly worth it.
For a complete guide, this post walks you through not only average price ranges but also what’s typically included in each package.
Basic Wedding Dress Cleaning (Price starts at $249)
If your goal is simply to freshen up your wedding dress after the big day, a basic wedding dress cleaning might be all you need. This is a good choice for brides who:
Want to sell their dress but need it cleaned first.
Plan to repurpose the dress for a reception, anniversary, or other event.
Want to store the dress short term before deciding on full preservation.
What’s Included in Basic Cleaning?
- Spot treatment for light stains (sweat, dirt, makeup).
- Professional dry cleaning for the dress’s fabric type.
- Steam pressing to restore the dress’s original shape.
- Packaging in a breathable garment bag for short-term storage.
Key Takeaway:
If your dress has no major stains and you’re unsure about long-term preservation, this is an affordable way to keep it looking fresh for now. Just keep in mind that without preservation, the fabric can still yellow over time, especially if stored improperly.
Standard Wedding Dress Cleaning and Preservation Package ($250–$400)
For brides who want to protect their dress for the long haul, a standard cleaning and preservation package is the best middle-ground option. This service includes:
Deep cleaning to remove invisible stains (like sweat and oils).
Acid-free packaging to prevent fabric discoloration.
Sealed storage box to keep out dust, humidity, and pests.
What’s Included in Standard Preservation?
- Comprehensive dry cleaning tailored to the fabric type of your dress.
- Hand-pressed finishing to restore its original shape.
- Acid-free tissue wrapping to prevent creasing and yellowing.
- Wedding dress preservation box for long-term storage.
Best for Brides Who:
Want to keep their dress looking pristine for sentimental reasons.
May pass down their dress to a future daughter or family member.
Are considering reselling their wedding dress later.
A trusted wedding dress preservation company uses archival-quality materials and expert techniques to ensure the dress remains in perfect condition for decades.
Premium (Museum-quality) Wedding Dress Cleaning and Preservation ($400–$800+)
If your wedding dress is designer, vintage, or heavily detailed, you’ll need museum-quality cleaning and preservation to protect it properly. This is the highest level of preservation available, designed for:
Dresses made of silk, lace, or delicate fabrics.
Dresses with heavy beading, intricate embroidery, or multiple layers.
Vintage or heirloom dresses that require extra care.
What’s Included in Premium Preservation?
- Hand-cleaning process to treat delicate textiles.
- Advanced stain removal for wine, dirt, or sweat stains.
- Archival-quality storage materials (museum-grade tissue paper, acid-free box).
- Custom-fitted preservation box to prevent fabric shifting.
- Lifetime warranty (offered by some high-end preservation companies).
Why It’s Worth the Cost
Premium preservation goes beyond standard techniques, ensuring that even the most fragile fabrics remain untouched by time. If you have an heirloom dress or spent thousands on a couture dress, this level of preservation ensures it remains as flawless as the day you wore it.
Preservation Cost for Accessories
Preserving your wedding dress isn’t just about the dress itself—many brides also choose to preserve veils, shoes, and other accessories. This adds to the total cost but ensures everything stays in perfect condition.
Typical Pricing for Accessory Preservation:
- Veil and Headpiece Preservation: $25–$75
- Bridal Shoes: $40–$100 (depends on material)
- Bridesmaid Dresses: $50–$150 (if included in the package)
- Gloves, Garter, and Jewelry: $20–$50 each
Why Preserve Accessories?
Veils are often made of delicate lace or tulle that can yellow quickly.
Bridal shoes (especially satin or dyed) can easily stain or fade.
Keeping all items together means you can relive the full look years later.
Some wedding dress preservation companies offer package deals that include multiple items, so be sure to ask if accessories can be included at a discounted rate.
Additional Cost Factors
Beyond the base cost of cleaning and preservation, a few extra factors might affect the final price.
Stain Removal Fees ($50–$150)
Some stains—like red wine, makeup, grass, or sweat—are tougher to remove and may require specialized treatment.
Custom Storage Options ($50–$200)
- Glass display wedding dress preservation boxes (for viewing without opening).
- Monogrammed or personalized storage boxes.
Shipping and Insurance Costs ($50–$100)
If you use a mail-in wedding dress preservation service, factor in shipping fees and insurance coverage to protect against loss or damage.
Rush Service Fees ($50–$300)
Need your dress cleaned and preserved ASAP? Some companies offer rush services, but they come with added costs.
Not Sure Which Preservation Option Is Right for You? Contact Great American Cleaners for the Best Solutions!
If you’re undecided on whether to have your wedding dress simply cleaned or fully preserved for long-term storage, our experts at Great American Cleaners can guide you through the best option for your dress. Visit us at 215 El Cerrito Plaza, El Cerrito, California, 94530, or give us a call at 510-526-6844—we’re happy to answer your questions and help you make the right choice.
You can also email us at help@greatamericandrycleaners.com. Stop by during our business hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.