Vintage wedding gown restoration requires an extra level of attention and expertise. 

As you may have guessed, heirloom and antique dresses arrive at Hallak with their own unique needs. A garment’s condition typically is dependent on the last cleaning, any cleaning, its storage, etc.

While some bridal gowns require a little love, others may require a more extensive care treatment. However, almost all vintage garments require a restoration aka wet cleaning. Items in need of love will be carefully agitated using a gentle solvent. If there is heavy discoloration, extra time may be needed. This allows our team to provide the perfect level of care without further disturbing any fabric or ornamentation.

Throughout our fifty plus years of fabric care, we have seen many beautiful dresses. Wedding gown cleaning is a specialized service. However, vintage dress restoration is hard-to-match skill. 

Interested in a vintage wedding gown restoration?

We encourage you visit either of our two store locations: Hackensack and Manhattan. However, we understand that some clients prefer to have an estimate prior to visiting. For an estimate, please email bridal@hallak.com with as much information as possible (see below):

• Age of bridal wear?
• Fabric(s)
• Obvious stains and repairs?
• Previously cleaned?
• Current storage location?
• Images (full front, full back, trouble areas)

After emailing, a Hallak team member will send an starting estimate. Please keep in mind that without inspecting in-person, we are unable to provide actual pricing.

It is also important to note that sometime a vintage wedding gown will require both  restoration and repairs. Older bridal dresses often arrive with torn lace, missing buttons or ripped seams. During restoration, the process may even cause further ripping. (At the time of inspection, Hallak is able to provide you an expected outcome and any possible future work. No surprises.)

Our team prides ourselves on providing the very best experience for each client. Therefore, we think it is important to have a consultation or discussion prior to any work being done. This way, you are able to make an informative decision. If we believe an item would not be able to withstand a restoration, you would be advised prior to any care.

Considering a family’s passed-down wedding dress? We strongly encourage you to view it as soon as possible.  Even if the gown has been stored, this does not mean you are free of any issues.  In the past, dry cleaners used different methods and preservation boxes that may no longer be ‘the best’.  Thus, dresses can yellow or worse.  Nobody likes surprises – especially when it comes to their big day!

My Vintage Wedding Gown is Yellow?

Before panicking, please know that many dresses (and other items) yellow over time. At times, it is simple oxidation. In this case, a wet cleaning lifts the ‘yellowing’.  If there are darker stains, this is a sign of stains that have set. While we can still care for your item, please be aware that stains may only lift a percentage.  During your evaluation, your customer service representative explains these risks and potential outcome.

What is a ‘wet cleaning’?

Heirloom and vintage fashion normally requires a ‘restoration’ or a wet cleaning.  First, your garment is placed in a bath with a very gentle solvent. Then, we allow the solvent to do its ‘job’. By gently agitating and allowing the dress to soak, stains and yellowing are given time to break-down.  (This may take several soaks.) With this in mind, please allow a few weeks for a proper restoration.

If interested in a restoration, please call (201) 343-7333 to speak with one of our wedding consultants.  With any restoration, a gown would need to be evaluated in-person for actual pricing.  However, please feel free to email images to bridal@hallak.com for an estimate.  Hallak also offers complimentary evaluations in which we pick up your gown to be evaluated. No commitment. No pressure. If you are in our delivery area, this may be the ideal solution! Of course, we have restored many garments from out-of-state friends so give us a call or contact us today!

Along with bridal restoration, we offer other wedding services such as alterations, tailoring, cleaning, finishing, destination wedding services and preservation. And remember Hallak is a full service couture dry cleaner including home furnishings!  For wedding fashion inspiration, find us on Pinterest and Facebook