HOW TO PRESERVE YOUR GOWN
                        You should have your gown properly preserved as soon as
                        possible after the big day has passed.  Then, years from
                        now, you'll be able to take it out without fear of
                        discovering stains or fade spots-and possibly pass it on
                        to your daughter for her wedding.  To ensure that your
                        dress stays as crisp and clean as the day you wore it
                        down the aisle, follow these guidelines.

                          1. Have your gown professionally cleaned.  Even if
                          your dress looks perfectly spotless after the wedding,
                          it's important to have it professionally cleaned,
                          since invisible substances like perspiration or oil
                          could turn into stains later on.  Look for a
                          professional who specializes in wedding gowns.  Make
                          sure he cleans the gown using stain pretreatments,
                          fresh dry-cleaning fluid and a mesh bag for
                          protection.  The gown should also be hand-pressed
                          afterward.

                          Most bridal fabrics can be safely dry-cleaned, but
                          some will need to be professionally hand-washed.  When
                          you bring your gown to the cleaner, be sure to point
                          out any visible spots to him and identify what caused
                          them, if you can.  Examine the hem and train of your
                          dress for spots first, since they're bound to be the
                          most soiled parts, and be sure to mend any tears and
                          reinforce loose attachments beforehand.
                          2. Store your gown properly.  Keep your gown in a
                          cool, dry area, such as under your bed or at the top
                          of your linen closet (the temperature changes are too
                          extreme to store it in an attic or basement), to
                          protect it from light, dust and insects that might
                          damage the fabric.  If you have your gown cleaned,
                          preserved, and boxed professionally, simply store the
                          box away.

                          If you're packing the gown yourself, first remove the
                          plastic cleaner's bag, then line the container you
                          will use with a fresh, white bedsheet to keep the gown
                          from touching the sides of the container directly. 
                          Remove fabric-covered metal buttons, metal fasteners,
                          pins, and sponge or foam shoulder pads ahead of time,
                          and store them separately, since they deteriorate with
                          time.  Fold the gown as little as possible, rounding
                          out poufed sleeves and other shaped areas with
                          crumpled up, acid-free tissue paper, and lay tissue in
                          the gown's folds to keep them from setting.  Finally,
                          cover the dress with another white sheet, pack it in a
                          white-cloth garment bag, and store.
                          3. Check up on your gown.  To make sure there's no
                          discoloration, mildew or pest infestation, peek at
                          your gown a couple times a year.  If you do find a
                          problem, contact your dry cleaner or bridal salon for
                          advice.