advice for the day-of
GETTING READY PREP
Transit + Storage
When loading your dress in the car, lay the dress in the backseat, placing the hanger on the small hook near the top of the car door. When you get home (and to your venue), Immediately hang your dress upright on a tall surface (like over a door) and keep the dress in the garment bag, keeping away from pets and nosy partners. If you have a long train, consider letting the train out of the bag to release some of the wrinkles and placing a clean white sheet underneath it on protect it from the ground.
If you have some time between your last fitting and your wedding date, we would not recommend handling your dress more than you need to. This will keep the dress *nice and clean* and also make sure that it looks just as fab as it did today at your actual wedding!
Steaming + Pressing
To keep your dress fresh and picture perfect, consider having your dress professionally pressed and steamed. That is the only way to guarantee a perfect press or steam.
If you cannot have your dress professionally pressed when you arrive at your location, make sure you use a white, flat sheet or a clean white microfiber cloth as a pressing cloth between the clean sole plate of your iron/steaming nozzle and your gown. Make sure you are using a clean (preferably new iron) or steamer. If you don’t have a steamer, you can easily and quickly acquire one on Amazon or a local department store.
Read the tag of your dress to determine what measure of pressing/steaming should be used. These are our recommendations, but defer to the designer’s guidance first.
Low Heat, No Steam
Chiffon, organza, crepe, georgette, taffeta, dupioni, shantung, and chantilly lace
Medium Heat
Satin, mikado, alencon lace, and stretch fabrics
High Heat
Cotton and linen (rare)
When steaming your dress, remember to use distilled water (tap water contains mineral deposits), and never to apply the steamer directly onto your dress (hold it 3-6 inches away). Sometimes water droplets can leave spots, so steam your dress through a clean white pressing cloth (as mentioned above) to prevent any direct moisture transfer.
Steam from the inside of the lining and outwards as a precaution against damaging the fabric. Steam each layer of the skirt separately and stack layers of tulle as appropriate to get a cleaner final look!
Don’t forget your veil! Veils get wrinkly really easily steaming + pressing To keep your dress fresh and picture perfect, and usually come out of the package on the wedding day.
Day-of Dressing
As you plan for your big day, there are a couple of dress considerations you’ll want to keep in mind. Wearing white takes a lot of carefulness and caution!! On the big day, apply perfume and hairspray BEFORE putting your dress to prevent any staining. Make sure make-up is set before you decide to slip on the dress. Use the bathroom before you change!
When you’re ready, carefully step into your dress, avoiding contact with your face if possible to prevent make-up stains (your make-up artist may have a face cover for you). Have someone help you. After you have the dress on, if you are touching up make-up and hair, cover your dress in a clean white towel while doing so to keep it protected.
Stain Care
Always wash your hands prior to handling your dress, including before it is bustled. Prevent the stain from happening if possible. If you get a small spot on your dress, take a clean white towel (microfiber preferred) and lightly moisten it to dab out the stain. Do not rub it in. If the stain is oil or grease, you may use a little bit of vinegar or dish soap. Peroxide works well with blood. Dry and steam immediately to avoid water spots.
If you get a stain on a dress, do not rub or scrub the blemish. If the stain is liquid, use a cotton towel both on top and under the layer to blot away as much moisture as possible. For solid residue, use a credit card to gently lift/pull it off. Test any cleaning products (including Tide pens and Shout wipes!) on an unseen part of the dress first. Keep heat from drying away from any beading, mesh, or lace.
Dress Tape
Dress tape is the fashion industry’s best-kept secret. To use the tape, place a strip where you’d like on the dress and press down firmly on your skin. Strategically place the tape in well-concealed areas, using only the amount needed (remember: whatever you put on, you will have to take off!). Do not pull on delicate materials like lace, mesh, or chiffon. You can also purchase dress tape online or in most lingerie boutique.
Aftercare
After the wedding, you may want to get your wedding dress cleaned and preserved. We can help with all of that! It is inevitable that someone will accidentally step on your dress (remember to use that bustle during the reception!) and that you may notice some miscellaneous stains and stray marks on your dress. Hang your dress upright by the hanging straps, and return it into its garment bag once you’ve retired for the evening.
Stains set over time, so you’ll want to get your dress cleaned as soon as possible to prevent permanent setting. Visit our booking portal at www.befittedtailoringco.com/book to have your dress restored to its original beauty after the party is over!
The Last Word 🤍
At the end of the day, we (being Michelle and Diane) never get sick of what we do. Getting to be a part of your big day - this moment where love is celebrated, family is created, and commitments are shared in front of friends and community - is such an incredible and humbling privilege. Your dress is just one piece of your wedding day, and we’ll do whatever we can to make sure that you look and feel as beautiful as you are, and that all are captivated by you and this next chapter of life you are beginning.
That being said, BeFitted is here for you. We are selective about who we take on each wedding season, ensuring that we are able to give each client our undivided attention and a personalized experience. We’ve taken your measurements, gotten intimate by getting to know all your nooks and crannies, have laughed and gotten to hear your story along the way.
Now, go get married! And don’t forget to send us a couple of photos too. Text or call us at (202) 780-7619 or email us at hello@befittedtailoringco.com.
This tip page and all provided materials are our best recommendations for you provided in the spirit of being helpful; we cannot be held responsible for any damages related to following the provided guidance.
Any action you take upon the information provided here and in other documents is strictly at your own risk. Please always exercise good judgment and conduct additional research if you are unsure!