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Frequently Asked Questions
About Wedding Dress Cleaning and Preservation from Affordable Preservation
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Wedding Gown Cleaning and Preservation Services
 What's the difference between the Traditional Line and Celebrity Line Packages?
How do I send in my dress to be cleaned and preserved through the Affordable Preservation Company?
After you have placed your order online though our website you will receive your prepaid package from us, which includes the shipping box to send in your gown, prepaid shipping label and other shipping materials. Just follow the simple step-by-step instructions that will be included in your package. To view step -by-step instructions click here >>
Do I need to have my wedding dress cleaned before sending it to your company?
No, we will handle all of the cleaning necessary to ensure a proper preservation.
I am concerned that my dress might be lost/stolen in the shipping process. How can I be assured that my gown will be safe?
This is a common concern, as we know how precious your gown is to you. However, since a wedding dress is such a personal item, your gown is usually much more valuable to you than anyone else. As a result, it is very uncommon that a gown is ever lost or stolen. We utilize UPS who provides tracking information for shipping of your gown both ways. This way you will always know exactly where your dress is at all times. Insurance is also included in each package.
Can I have the wedding dress preservation kit sent to one address and then have the cleaned and preserved dress sent to a
 different address?
Yes, the preservation package you order online will be sent to the address you specify. Once you receive your kit there will be an order form that you can specify where you would like the dress returned to. The shipping address you specify for your gown is independent of your original order.
Can I change the shipping address once the kit or dress has already been picked up by UPS?
Yes, however, there will be a $10 charge that we pass on from UPS to change the address once the package is already out for delivery.
How can I be sure you've received my wedding dress for preservation?
Please be sure to keep your UPS tracking number provided with the pre-paid shipping label you receive. The best way to confirm delivery is through UPS's tracking website. You will also receive an email confirmation (if you include your email address) once your gown has been entered into the tracking system, which can take several days after it has been received. Please do not be concerned if you have not received an email confirmation, as the best tracking method is directly via UPS's website. If UPS shows that your gown has been delivered, then it has safely arrived and is likely in queue for order entry. You may also call 1-800-305-3108 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM (EST) Monday through Friday, or you can send an e-mail to info@gownpreservation.com. Provide your pre-paid order number and your UPS tracking number and a customer service representative can tell you when your gown was received. If you include your email address on the form you send in with your gown, you will also be notified when your gown is complete and on the way back to you with a UPS tracking number.
Do you send my wedding dress somewhere else after I send it to your company?
No, all of the wedding dress cleaning and preservation is done at the same location you send your gown to which is located in Endicott, NY.
Insurance
What does the insurance cover?
The insurance covers you in the highly unlikely event that your dress is lost, stolen or damaged from the point you send in your dress to the time it is received by you. This includes both the shipping process, as well as the cleaning and preservation process.
If I want additional insurance to protect my wedding dress, what do I need to do?
The Traditional Line wedding dress cleaning and preservation includes $500 of declared value insurance. The Celebrity Line wedding dress cleaning and preservation includes $1,500 of declared value insurance. If you would like additional insurance simply enclose a check or money order after you receive your pre-paid kit (made payable to Wedding Gown Preservation Co.) for $2.00/per $100.00 of additional insurance.
Cleaning and Preservation Process
What is the difference between 'wedding dress cleaning' and 'wedding dress preservation'?
Dry cleaning provides a basic wedding dress cleaning of obvious dirt and stains. However, it does not protect against the long term yellowing, fabric deterioration, or invisible stains that can surface over time and potentially ruin your precious gown. (See related article.)
What exactly is the process that you use during the wedding dress cleaning?
The Wedding Gown Preservation Company has several different processes that are used for wedding dress cleaning. Each gown is carefully evaluated by an expert technician before cleaning and the best processes for that particular gown are used. Gowns are inspected under fluorescent light to identify stains not visible to the naked eye. All of the processes are safe, gentle, and environmentally safe. Your gown is then fitted onto an acid-free bust form and carefully packaged in an acid neutral preservation chest. To see a video about the process click here >>. Please note that shoulder pads and bust forms are removed, as leaving them in the gown could cause damage over time. They will be wrapped in acid free tissue paper then packed underneath your gown.
What stains are removed with your wedding dress cleaning process?
At least 95% of all stains can be removed during the wedding dress cleaning process. Those such as tar, blood, grass stains, mud, grease and food are the most common, and of course any sugar stains such as cake icing, wine or other types of beverages. Please note that while all stains will be attempted to be removed without compromising the fabric of your gown, we cannot guarantee that all stains will be able to be completely removed.
What kinds of repairs can be done to the gown?
Wedding Gown Preservation Company prides itself on having a large staff of tailors and seamstresses that handle most repairs for a nominal fee. If a repair is requested by you or recommended, you will be contacted with a quote prior to any repairs being made after your gown has been received and evaluated.
Accessories and Packaging
What types of accessories can I include as part of either package without any additional charge?
Accessories that can be included as part of the 3 complimentary accessories are your veil, detachable train, gloves, handkerchief, shawl, jacket, cape, duster, small purse, money bag, ring pillow, garter, scarf, bra/corset, and/or hat. If you would like to include 4 or more of any of these types of accessories the price is an additional $10 each, payable by check when you send in your gown (an order form will be included). Please note: All items placed in the preservation chest with your gown MUST be cleaned by Wedding Gown Preservation Company in order to be guaranteed. The exception would be a tiara, which can be included and placed inside the preservation chest with your gown upon request.
What items can be included for an additional charge and what are the prices?
You can have your shoes, crinoline (slip/petticoat), or silk bouquet cleaned for an additional $25 each. There will be an order form included with your package where you would note which, if any of these additional accessories you would like to add. You would simply include a check for the additional amount at the time you send in your gown (not at the time you order the package).
Can I request to have an item boxed separately (not inside the preservation chest)?
Yes, you can have any accessory boxed separately for an additional $25 per item. There will be an order form included with your package where you can request any item be boxed separately. You would simply include a check for the additional amount at the time you send in your gown (not at the time you order the package).
What can be seen through the display window?
You will be able to see your gown (and veil if you included it) through the display window. Other items are positioned near the bottom of the window where possible or underneath the gown.
What are the dimensions of the preservation chest I will receive my dress in after it is cleaned and preserved?
There are 3 sizes of preservation chests available. Depending on the size of your gown and any additional accessories you may have included, a determination is made to ensure the best fit. The primary difference is the depth dimension. Below are the dimensions of each as measured in inches (Length x Width X Depth):
Standard: 33" x 19" x 7"
Large: 33" x 19" x 10"
Extra Large: 33" x 19" x 13"
Timing
How long does it take to receive the kit after I place my order?
Your pre-paid kit will be sent to you via UPS Ground from Endicott, New York. Delivery time will vary to where your shipping address is located. For an estimated delivery time, please refer to our delivery estimate page.
How long will it take to receive my wedding dress after I send it in?
Most gowns are processed within 20 - 30 days from the time they are received. Once complete, your gown will be shipped back to you by UPS Ground. On average, you should receive your gown within 3 - 6 weeks. For a more accurate estimated delivery time from the time your dress is completed, please refer to our delivery estimate page.
Guarantee
Is my gown guaranteed?
YES! Wedding Gown Preservation Company provides a 100% Guarantee for 100 years against yellowing of the gown. If at any time the gown is found to have yellowed, your gown will be restored at no extra charge. If processing is unsuccessful, we will refund the preservation cost.
Can I reseal the box myself if it was opened inadvertently but the gown was not handled?
Your wedding dress preservation chest is shipped to you sealed to protect it against dust and dirt, but is not air-tight as fabric needs to 'breathe'. If the chest is opened, you will also receive sealing squares to place inside the seams of the preservation chest. Opening the chest will not void the guarantee.
If I need to open up the preservation chest any time in the future will that jeopardize or void the guarantee?
The guarantee will not be voided for simply opening the preservation chest. However, it is not recommended that you remove the gown completely, as it has been specially secured to keep it from shifting in the chest to protect the dress. Please note that complete removal of the gown from the preservation chest will void the guarantee. For more information about inspecting your gown after it has been cleaned and preserved please see our guarantee page.
Additional Questions
Where should I direct any additional questions or concerns?
If you have questions prior to sending in your gown, please contact the Affordable Preservation Company (click here for our contact information). If you have questions after you have sent in your gown, you may call The Wedding Gown Preservation Company directly at (800) 305-3108 and a representative will gladly assist you. The Wedding Gown Preservation Company's business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Eastern Standard Time.
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