Bridal Gown

Bridal Gown

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Instructions

Step1
Send your gown to a dry cleaner that specializes in bridal wear. Do this immediately after the wedding–perspiration or a teeny splash of champagne can yellow and set quickly. Point out and identify visible stains for treating.
Step2
Invest in a dust-proof heirloom box if you must store your dress even briefly. Some dry cleaners can hermetically seal it. Avoid plastic bags and hangers–they seal in humidity and can damage or stretch delicate fabrics.
Step3
Go to a consignment store that sells once-worn and never-worn bridal wear. Expect it to turn away any dress that isn’t cleaned, pressed, with buttons intact and in near-mint condition.
Step4
Agree on a selling price. The store will take into account its styling (a fading fad or timeless statement), condition and age.
Step5
Sign a contract, usually for three months. Often you will receive 50 percent of the sale price. If it remains unsold at the end of the agreed-upon time frame, you or the store can extend the arrangement or end it.
Step6
Advertise your dress online. You’ll need a full-length color photograph that really shows it off and a full description right down to the beading, condition, price paid and size.
Step7
Give your gown to a charity thrift shop if you don’t need the cash. You will be doing a really nice deed for a bride on a budget (some say it’s good luck to pass along your happiness), and you’ll get a tax write-off. See How to Sell Used Clothing.