Wedding Gown Service FAQ

These are the most common questions that we answer for our service. Remember you can email, call, text or live chat with us anytime. Let us know if there is a question that should be answered on this page and we will add it.

Thanks, Jeff & Greg

Do you ship to Hawaii and Alaska?

Yes, we will ship to Hawaii and Alaska. We will use the US Postal Service as the parcel carrier. You will still receive all the tracking emails. In most cases, there is no extra charge for the shipping. Same applies to other US territories and US Armed Service locations. We will need to verify the address and perform a few extra steps to make sure the service will work. Just email us your address and we can check it out before you order.

Are your materials acid free?

Yes, all materials that we use are of preservation quality.

Are there additional charges for heavily soiled gowns?

No, we charge one flat rate for servicing gowns. Minor repairs are also included.

Are there additional charges for beading or embellishments?

No, we charge one flat rate for servicing gowns. Removing delicate embellishments and reinstalling them post cleaning is also included. This includes after market added accessories like beaded belts, etc.

Are the gowns insured during transit by FedEx or other carriers?

Yes, the gowns are fully insured during transit and during service.

I lost my paperwork for the gown order, can I get it replaced?

Yes, we can email or snail mail you the paperwork and shipping labels. We can resend the mailer kit also. Just email or call us.

There is no package for Clean and Press, how do I find that?

Our Clean Only service includes pressing. Since we have to ship the finished gown back in the box, we do not feel we can call it cleaning and pressing. It is likely that the dress will need some light pressing and steaming when removed from the package. So we do not offer clean and press for that reason. If you come into our store locally, then we will press the gown for the wedding.

How long does the service typically take?

Service times for cleaning and preservation take approximately 4-6 weeks.

Clean Only normally is two weeks from when received, faster by request and, if available.

Locally to our store, one week for clean and press, two weeks for clean and preserve. We have the ability to do next day pressing for those weddings in a hurry, but you must request the service and it is subject to availability.

I have different addresses for the mailer kit and the return package, what do I do?

This is a very common question. We can send the mailer kit to one address and the finished gown to another. You will receive a Gown Detail Form in your mailer kit. Please indicate this request on that form in the area for the address. We will update your account when we receive the gown. You can also email us this information and we will take it from there.

Can I send the garment bag the gown came in?

We ask that you keep those at home.

I have more than two accessories?

We can accommodate more than two accessories. We can also package additional accessories in a separate smaller preservation box for $125.00 additional, if you would like your accessories separated from the dress.

Will I get tracking emails for the shipments?

Every time there is a shipment, you will get a tracking email. We will not send the the finished gown back until you are notified by email. We do not want you to be on vacation or unavailable for the return shipment. There will be a signature required for the return shipment. We can change the return shipping address. We recommend a business address if it is available to you at work.

This is our wedding gown box.

The box measurements.

The wedding gown box comes in two sizes, 30x20x8 and 30x20x10. We are able to accommodate 99% of gowns in these two different size boxes. From time to time, we will come across a gown, such as a ball style gown, that may not fit in the largest box. There options for preserving the gown. Please inquire with us or send a picture.

Tracking Emails

Tracking emails will be sent by our primary carrier. We use FedEx for almost all of our shipments. Tracking emails generated from our website will come as well, but the most feature rich emails for tracking purposes are the FedEx emails.

Repairs to Wedding Gowns

We offer repairs for gowns. Minor repairs are included in the service, such as sewing on buttons, tacking loose items, fixing beads. We also will make repairs prior to cleaning, if we feel that something needs to be done prior to cleaning.

We also will remove embellishments that we feel may damage the gown or be damaged in cleaning. The items are photographed, measured and inventoried. Then we the gown is complete from cleaning, we reinstall the items. This insures that any embellishment will not be damaged in cleaning.

Do you offer a warranty?  If the gown is found to be damaged after a certain number of years, does the company have a reimbursement option?
Yes we offer a Lifetime Warranty that guarantees your gown will not yellow over time once we have cleaned and preserved your gown. We note all stains that do not come out on the back of the warranty card, along with an itemized list of the gown box contents. Each gown box has a viewing window so you can see your gown. If your gown yellows over time our Lifetime Warranty guarantees, we will re- clean and preserve your gown at no charge.

Do you guarantee stain removal?
This is a very common question that we receive. Can we can guarantee stain removal? We do not feel that is professional or right to make a guarantee for stain removal. We are very highly trained and have every tool available for safe stain removal, but some stains will not come out. Anyone who makes a promise that they can remove every stain is not being honest. We have been doing this for more than 40 years combined and we try everything we can to safely clean gowns, but we will not take unnecessary risk. We will make a promise to try everything we can to remove stains that is safe for the gown.

Will mud come out of the hem of my wedding gown?
We can get most of it out. We answered some of this in the above question. Mud soaked hems will be scrubbed and soaked multiple times to attempt stain removal. Remember we can provide free evaluations of your gown. Send us photos via text message at 859.474.0034 or email them to info@happilyeverafterpreservation.com.

Customer Questions Section

Elizabeth asked:
I have had my wedding gown for almost 9 yrs it has some yellow stains from being in a box over the years and also small cake stains on some areas or the dress can I still get it preserved?

-- Response:  Dresses of all ages can be cleaned and preserved. Time can be a factor for some stains on certain fabrics, but in most cases the stains can be improved or removed entirely. We are happy to look at pictures and do a free evaluation. Text or email your images to us.  --- Thanks for the question, Jeff S

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