This will be my last Thursday wedding post for the season. I might resume it next year in the spring of 2010 when wedding season is at it’s peak. So I will conclude this season with preserving your wedding dress. When you big bay has come to an end you need to have your dress cleaned and stored.

Step 1
Save the bag your dress came in, or bring along a plastic bag to protect the dress en route to the cleaner.

Step 2
Select a professional dry cleaner, preferably one that specializes in formal gowns. Ask for recommendations from friends and your bridal shop or seamstress.

Step 3
Get the dress to the cleaner as soon as possible after your wedding.

Step 4
Alert the cleaner to any stains – a drop of bubbly, a smudge of lipstick from that first kiss – as well as to any ornaments that were glued rather than sewn on (these pieces are prone to fall off during the cleaning process) and to loose stitches. This information will ensure that your cleaner can give your dress the best care possible.

Step 5
Ask your cleaner for a special acid-free box to store your dress in, and pack it in acid-free tissue paper. You can also hang the dress by the bodice by sewing straps that are a bit shorter than the bodice onto the waist, placing on a padded hanger and wrapping in a clean white cotton sheet.

Step 6
Store the dress in a temperate, dry place, out of direct sunlight.

Step 7
Inspect your dress on each anniversary to check for any discolored areas or missed stains and to allow your dress to “breathe.”

I have to admit this tip comes directly from Wendy Williams herself from Thursdays show. To add a pop of color to the lining of your pea coat find either a bright color fabric or a wonderful pattern you love and take it to your local seamstress and have them add it to the inside of your coat. This added boost of color transforms a plain jacket to a jacket that says WOW and will look very chic. I wouldn’t recommend doing this big task yourself because you don’t want to risk ruining your jacket. So take it to the professionals.