Very importantly, we first do a careful inspection of the gown for fabric damage, such as tears in one or more layers, and visible stains. We ask that you mark any known damages and that you include a note telling us what caused the damage. Simply-designed gowns, with limited adornments, tend to be completed and returned quickly. More heavily decorated gowns may take a bit of additional time because of the complexity involved in maintaining the integrity of seed pearls, rhinestones, sequins, and combination fabrics (lace train anchored over peau de soie or silk organza over taffeta, for example).

With your authorization, we will repair fabrics, fasteners, and hems. Then, we clean the garment to remove food particles and beverage stains. We also remove hemline dirt and dust, bodily oils, perspiration, makeup and perfume. These steps are necessary to hinder or prevent garment discoloration as the fabric ages. Silk, a natural fabric, is particularly prone to discoloration over time.

The sleeves and bodice are carefully packed with acid-free tissue, and then hand-folded for packing. An acid-free bust is used to display the gown bodice while the skirt and train are folded with acid-free tissue to fit the dimension of the gown box. At this step, if you have other items to pack with the gown, they will be placed in the box according to your directions for display.

Q. How long will you have my bridal gown during preservation?

A. Typically, we have the gown for 2 to 3 weeks, not including shipping times. We can provide a more accurate timeline when we receive the gown. In most cases, local pickup means the time span will be shortened. However, if the cleaning reveals un-noted staining from sugar-bearing products such as white wine or other "clear" liquids, we may hold the gown for spot re-cleaning, which takes extra time.

Q. What is involved in "preserving" the gown?

A. First, before the gown box is closed and sealed, we add one or more desiccant packets to prevent moisture buildup. Second, the gown box is sealed and oxygen is removed and replaced by an inert gas. This aids in the preservation and long-term visual beauty of the gown. In the third and final step, the gown box is slipped into a protective cardboard sleeve. The gown box can be removed from the sleeve for viewing. Breaking the gown box seal compromises the long-term protection but resealing and re-preservation is available for a nominal fee.

Petticoats, shoes, veil and headpiece ­ can these be cleaned and preserved? Yes, we can preserve those items, too. Your wedding invitation or announcement also may be displayed in the gown box "window." These items need to accompany the original gown order.

Q. Can the 'little attendants' garments be preserved?

A. You may prefer to preserve, separate from the wedding gown, the flower girls' dresses, the ring-bearer pillow, and the ring-bearer formalwear. Perhaps you would like to display one or more photos of the attired child(ren) with the memory box as a special post-wedding gift idea. While these cannot be preserved, we can display the photos outside of the gown chamber. Just call us to handle the project!

Most out-of-town customers will send us their gowns via a commercial shipping company such as DHL, UPS, FEDEX or other. Arrow provides free pre-paid shipping labels and will send you a large-format shipping bag for incoming gown orders. Information and instructions are available at: www.arrow-care.com/shipcare.html. If your gown is valued at more than $500, we recommend that you secure the correct insurance amount. We ask that spots and spills be identified, if possible, so we can remove them without harming the garment. You can include your name, address, zip, email and/or telephone, special instructions and your credit card number with your gown. We will set up your account and bill your credit card for the preservation and shipping.

When we ship the gown back to you, the first box you open will be the protective sleeve so that the gown box does not sustain external damage.

If you are local to the metro Kansas City area (within 50 miles), we suggest that you bring your gown to our plant location at 3838 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri. Or you can call for free pickup and delivery at 816-931-2452 during business office hours.

Q. I have a question for which I don't see an answer here. Is there a telephone number where I could speak with a 'live person'? Or, where can I send an email?

A. We are happy to oblige. Our toll-free telephone number is 1-800-542-7769 and our office hours are 7AM to 5PM Central Time Zone - Monday through Friday. Or you may send an email to: Customer Service.

Do as thousand of Arrow customers have done.

Trust your garments and household items to the loving and protective care of Arrow Fabricare.

Every day...with every piece...Arrow cares.

FOR ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (click below):

• Leather & Suede Care
• Linen/Bedding/Down Care
• Dry Cleaning
• Fire Restoration
• Wedding Gowns

Arrow Testimonials

Photograph courtesy of Prestige Preservtion™ Program