PARKWAY | Wedding Gown (Cleaning & Preservation)

"The most reputable wedding-gown specialist in the D.C. area."
The Washingtonian

Your wedding is one of the most important occasions in your life. Why not preserve your gown for generations to come?

Parkway Custom Dry Cleaning is the one of North America's foremost authorities on bridal gown cleaning, preservation, and restoration. We have been gently hand-cleaning and air-drying gowns for over 75 years. Our dedication to excellence and experience serving many of the nations' leading bridal gown boutiques and department stores has prepared us to care for many types of styles and designs - from vintage to ultra-contemporary. Parkway's Bridal Gown service is a "hands-on, inspected and cherished experience", please enjoy this unique service. Click here to take advantage of our internet SPECIAL COUPON OFFER.

Drycleaning Gowns
Parkway uses a very gentle odorless petroleum solution that is especially effective on beads, sequins, lace, trims and vintage fabric. We have had excellent results through the years with very few exceptions. Even gowns with unserviceable embellishments and trims have cleaned well.

All gowns are hand cleaned, air-dried and hand ironed. The veil and headpiece are hand spotted and cleaned if needed.

Each gown is inspected four times. The condition of the fabric is studied, difficult stains are tested, nuances like bows, pleating and overlayers are noted and the customer is contacted if there are foreseen problems.

Many stains such as hem soil, yellow spillage, "invisible stains", and general discoloration are often not removable by drycleaning. It is only then that we consider wetcleaning as an option.

Wetcleaning Gowns
Wetcleaning is a water-based method of restoration. The gown is bathed by hand with a neutral soap designed specifically for fragile fabrics. The above-mentioned stains usually respond well to wetcleaning by this method. If the stains are very stubborn, we may use mild bleaching formulas for further restoration. The results can be delightful!

There are processing concerns that must be addressed when considering this method. Possible shrinkage, change of texture, hard wrinkles and loss of body sometimes occur when fabric is cleaned in a water-based solution. Occasionally there is limited success with difficult stains. We try to anticipate these situations and we will keep you informed, as we are able. The occurrences of these problems are minimized due to our considerable skills and the equipment available to us.

Second and Third Generation Gowns

Restoring gowns to their original state is part of the magic we perform. Weakness of fibers due to age, improper storage, staining, perspiration and light exposure are concerns that need to be recognized.

With mutual understanding and our ability, we may be able to resurrect a gem for the next generation.

Restyling & Alterations
Whether it is a new bustle, added lace, new beading, minor alterations to fit the next bride in the family or complete restyling, Parkway can do it. Xenia and Marina have extensive experience and they will personally tend to your needs. It may be a basting, a fitting and final appointment, whatever is needed . . . Just make sure to allow enough time!

Cost of Cleaning & Preservation
Wedding gown prices are based on the length of the train, the fabric, the method used and the design. The heavily beaded and ornate gowns are more difficult to process and are priced accordingly. The general range is typically from $350.00 - $750.00 for the cleaning and restoration and $85.00 for the preservation.

Viewing Gown Before Preservation
If you wish, you may view your gown before preserving. You will receive a phone call from our customer service department when your gown is ready to view. Please view your gown within two weeks of the call date. If you are unable to come within that time frame, please give us a call so that we will hold your gown from boxing. If we do not hear from you, we will proceed with preservation and call you when your gown is ready. If you live in our delivery area, we are happy to deliver your gown to you at no charge.

Preservation & Boxing
During our final inspection, loose threads and beading or trims are noted and corrected. Your gown is then hand folded into a pH-neutral preservation box and surrounded with acid-free tissue.

A picture is taken, a checklist is filled in to assure that all the accessories are included and information is attached for care through the years. The preservation box is not sealed. You may open it, remove and replace your gown at any time. We suggest that your hands be clean and free of oils.

Normal maintenance on a preserved gown includes opening your box once a year, checking to see if any new stains appear and every five years, you must get the box re-tissued. This service is provided for an additional $65.00 at Parkway.

We hope that you will call with any questions or concerns that may arise.