There’s a lot to love about a hand-beaded wedding dress. It’s one-of-a-kind, striking as could be, and turns your gown into a literal sparkling treasure to keep as a family heirloom.

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However, wearing a beaded wedding gown comes with some extra responsibility to ensure it stays pristine in the days leading up to your big day, and after. 

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In this post, we share our best tips to properly care for a beaded wedding dress.

Start with the instructions

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Generally, beaded wedding gowns can’t be dry cleaned, which is why it’s important to read the label or inquire about whether this is OK for your dress. 

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If your beaded gown can be dry cleaned, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. At LOVE, we recommend going to Oceanside Cleaners if you’re a Jacksonville bride. They will carefully examine and hand-wash your dress, protecting any beading, lace, and embroidery.

Be gentle

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Sharp edges and rough surfaces are a beaded gown’s worst enemies. It’s important to be gentle with your dress and protect it as much as possible. 

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Always keep it sealed in a garment bag, away from dust, sunlight, and accidental spills. It’s normal if some beads come off, and you might notice a few strays in the box your dress arrives in. Some designers include an extra packet of beads, just in case.

Store with care

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The way you store your dress is essential for preserving its beauty, and that doesn’t mean hanging it up in your closet with your other dresses!

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Keep your beaded gown in its garment bag, stored in a separate room or area of the home that doesn’t get much traffic (think pets and children). Exposure to sunlight can damage a dress, so aim for a spot that’s cool and dark, laying the dress flat, if possible.

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If traveling with your wedding dress, don’t forget your trusty garment bag! Lay it flat in the backseat of a vehicle or if you’re flying, inquire about whether the plane has a closet in the cabin where you can hang your dress during the flight.

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