Preserving or Restoring a Wedding Gown: Leading Couture Cleaner Provides Information that Every Bride Needs to Know

Paramus, NJ (PRWEB) August 1, 2007

The big day has come and gone but a lifetime of memories begins as soon as the wedding photographs are reviewed. Bridal gowns--selected painstakingly to reflect personal style and taste--should also be given the care it deserves to live on, not only in memories, but for future generations as well.

Hallak Cleaners (http://www.hallakcleaners.com), one of the leading couture cleaners in the United States and a specialist in the preservation and restoration of bridal gowns, has compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help brides understand the complex, yet necessary gown preservation process. As members of American Wedding Gown Specialists, Hallak Cleaners stands behind its work with a lifetime guarantee.

Here are answers to some of the most frequent questions Hallak Cleaners is asked regarding wedding gown cleaning and preservation:

Q: What does the process consist of?
A: Wedding gown preservation is a three-part process that ensures the gown is there for future generations. Essentially it consists of professional cleaning, hand finishing and museum
quality storage and preservation. The procedure incorporates methods used by museums such as the Smithsonian Institution when preserving historic garments.

Q: The dress is extremely delicate. Will Hallak Cleaners be able to take care of the fine beading and lace that covers my gown?
A: The first step in the cleaning process is thorough inspection. The gown's trim is tested for strength and durability and examined for loose materials, which is all repaired before the gown is cleaned. Unique and distinctive fabrics, laces, embroideries and appliqués require special care, as do pearls, beads, sequins and droplets. Seamstresses and tailors are trained to handle a wide assortment of repairs, from torn hems to ripped seams and lace. Clients are always advised ahead of time if a major repair is needed.

Q: How will spots on the delicate wedding gown be cared for?
A: Spotting specialists carefully pre-treat stains before gently cleaning the gown. After it is cleaned, it is treated with a trademarked anti-sugar process trademarked which helps to prevent sugar stains, such as those from wine or cake, from yellowing over the years. Other common stains that are frequently treated come from other foods, grass, mud, blood, tar and grease.

Q: How long will it take?
A: Normally, the entire process is completed three to four weeks from the time the gown is received.

Q: How will the gown be stored?
A: After cleaning, every wedding gown is hand-finished to perfection following the designer's line and drape. Only truly dedicated and experienced artisans have the ability to properly hand-finish a wedding gown. After this process is completed, the gown undergoes rigorous inspection, storage and preservation procedures before being carefully folded and positioned. Then, the finest museum-quality box available is used to provide archival protection.

Q: How does the process begin?
A: The most important thing to remember is to begin the cleaning process as soon as possible after the wedding. The gown can be brought in in person to retail locations (in Manhattan and Hackensack, NJ), or pick-up can be arranged at the home or place of business if it is in the vicinity of the delivery service. If outside the delivery area, the gown can be shipped to by FedEx or UPS. When the gown is fully cleaned and inspected, it will be shipped it back in a specially designed box we provide for storage. Return shipping of the gown is free.

For more than half a century, Hallak Cleaners has served a discriminating customer base and clientele with extraordinary fabric care for fine garments. Specializing in cleaning and preserving wedding and other fine gowns, the company is recognized worldwide as one of the industry's leading couture cleaners. Hallak Cleaners has retail locations on New York's Upper East Side and in Hackensack, NJ. For more information, visit the company's website at http://www.hallakcleaners.com or call Barbara Moss at (201) 843-5600.

# # #