Hello, lovelies! 

Throughout my career, I’ve had the joy of designing gowns that make women feel like the most beautiful version of themselves. Whether it’s an intricate lace design from my boutique collections or a grand, structured ballgown with hand-stitched embellishments, I always tell my brides: the dress is more than fabric; it is an investment in a memory.

A wedding gown is a delicate masterpiece of craftsmanship. To keep that art looking as pristine as the day you first saw your reflection in the boutique mirror, you must treat it with the love it deserves. Here is my comprehensive guide on how to care for your gown through every stage of your bridal journey.

Phase 1: The Arrival & Pre-Wedding Storage

The moment your dress arrives is thrilling, but it is also when it is most vulnerable to the "hidden" enemies of bridal wear: light, dust, and moisture.

• Breathability is Non-Negotiable: When you bring your gown home, remove it from the plastic "transit" bag immediately. Plastic traps moisture and can emit gases that cause delicate silks and polyesters to yellow. Always use a breathable cotton or non-woven garment bag.

• Support the Weight: If your gown features heavy beading, a long train, or a dramatic "V" neckline, the weight can actually stretch the shoulder seams over time. Use the internal ribbons (the hanger loops) to ensure the weight is supported by the hanger, not the delicate lace of the bodice.

• The "Shadow" Rule: Store your gown in a cool, dark wardrobe. Direct sunlight—even through a window—can fade ivory tones or weaken the structural fibres of the lace in just a few weeks.

• Mastering the Steam: Most bridal fabrics, especially fine tulle and organza, react poorly to direct heat. Use a professional-grade steamer. If you encounter a stubborn wrinkle, place a clean white silk cloth between the iron and the dress on the lowest possible setting. Never steam the veil while it is attached to your hair!

Phase 2: The Big Day (The Art of Damage Control)

The wedding day is a whirlwind of champagne, hugs, and dancing. While I want you to enjoy every second, a little mindfulness goes a long way.

• The "Beauty First" Sequence: This is my golden rule. Apply your perfume, hairspray, and makeup at least 20 minutes before putting on the dress. The alcohol and oils in these products are the leading causes of "invisible stains" that appear months later.

• Step In, Don’t Pull Over: To protect your hair and makeup—and to avoid stretching the neckline—always step into your gown rather than pulling it over your head. Have your Maid of Honour hold the gown open for you.

• The "Bridal Lift": When walking through grass or gravel for those dreamy outdoor photos, do not let the hem drag. Your hemline is a magnet for dirt and grass stains. Enlist your bridesmaids to help you "bustle" or carry the train manually between shots.

• The Emergency Kit: Every bride should have a "Veni-approved" kit:

  • White Chalk: To mask small grease marks.

  • Baby Powder: To absorb any liquid spills.

  • Cotton Swabs: For precision cleaning.

  • Safety Pins: For a "fashion emergency" bustle repair.

Phase 3: The Afterglow & Professional Cleaning

The celebration is over, but the care isn't. The first 48 hours after the wedding are the most critical for the longevity of the fabric.

• Don't Delay the Clean: Even if the dress looks clean to the naked eye, perspiration and clear soda or white wine spills can oxidize over time. What looks like nothing today could be a permanent brown spot in six months. Get it to a specialist bridal cleaner (not just a standard dry cleaner) within two weeks.- check out our page on Aftercare. 

• Inspection: Before the cleaning process begins, point out any specific stains to the professional—makeup on the neckline or "dance floor dirt" on the hem. This ensures they use the correct solvents for each specific area.

Phase 4: Museum-Grade Preservation

If you intend to keep your gown for a future daughter, or simply as a cherished heirloom, "cleaning" is only half the battle. You must preserve it.

• Acid-Free is Mandatory: Standard cardboard boxes contain acids that will turn your dress yellow. Ensure your gown is wrapped in acid-free, pH-neutral tissue paper and placed in a dedicated preservation chest.

• The "Living Environment" Rule: Do not store your gown in a damp basement or a scorching attic. If the room is uncomfortable for you to sit in, it is a bad environment for your dress. Keep it in a climate-controlled room (like under a bed or in a guest room closet) where the temperature remains steady.

• The Five-Year Check: Every few years, I recommend opening the box with clean white gloves, gently refolding the gown to prevent permanent creases, and ensuring no moisture has entered the box.

"A wedding gown isn't just fabric; it's the silhouette of your happiest day. It carries the laughter, the tears, and the promises of your union. Treat it with grace, and it will stay as beautiful as your memories."-Veni Infantino 

Your gown is a piece of your history, and caring for it is an act of love. If you follow these steps, you’ll be able to open that box decades from now and feel that same spark of magic you felt the very first time you stepped into it.