Wedding season does not end with summer. If your fall calendar has a few invitations on it, your guest outfit needs a plan too. Formal pieces are worn once or twice a season, which makes them easy to forget until the night before. Here is how to get an outfit ready, what to do after the party, and how to store it.
Start a Week Out, Not the Night Before
Pull the outfit out a week or more ahead of the event. That gives you time to spot a stain from last time, a loose hem, a missing button, or a smell from storage. Fixing any of these takes longer than you think, and cleaning takes time, especially for delicate fabrics. For the turnaround on a specific piece, ask us when you drop it off.
Pressing and Steaming vs. Dry Cleaning
If the outfit is clean and just wrinkled, a professional press or steam is often all it needs. If it has been worn since its last cleaning, has any perspiration or makeup on it, or has been sitting in storage, dry cleaning is the better call. Body oils and sweat that do not show up yet will show up later, so it is worth cleaning before a long event, not after.
By Fabric
- Suits and blazers: a clean and press restores the shape and removes the day’s wear. Avoid cleaning a suit more often than it needs, since over-cleaning ages the fabric.
- Satin and silk: these show water spots and perspiration easily. Take them to a professional rather than spot cleaning at home. Our silk care guide explains why.
- Chiffon and lace: these are delicate and snag easily. They need gentle handling.
- Beaded and sequined pieces: these need to be cleaned by hand or with care, since beads can loosen or lose color.
After the Event: Spills and Makeup
Weddings mean champagne, food, and makeup. Blot spills right away with a clean white cloth, do not rub, and avoid hot water. Foundation and lipstick on a collar or neckline should be treated early and not left in a hamper. Mention any spills when you drop the outfit off so the right method is used. For wine, our red wine stain guide has the first steps.
Do Not Store It Dirty
This is the mistake that costs the most. An outfit put away with invisible sweat or a drop of champagne can come out yellowed or stained months later, when the stain has had time to set. Clean it before it goes into the closet, and store it on a proper hanger in a breathable garment bag.
When to Let Us Handle It
If you are the one in a wedding, planning for a gown instead, see our wedding gown cleaning guide. For everything else you wear as a guest, we can take care of the cleaning and the press, so you arrive looking good and relaxed.
Schedule a pickup or sign up for Vogue Valet today and enjoy expertly cared-for clothes without the hassle.
