Q: Hi Carrie,

I've been reading up online about wedding gown preservation, and getting
confused about which method is safest to use for my dress.  Have you heard
from any of your past brides which company/method is best?

Please let me know when you get the chance.

Thanks,

elisa

A: Hi Elisa,

Well there are a couple options when is comes to cleaning and keeping your wedding gown.  If you are planning to get your dress dry-cleaned after your wedding day, make sure your dress can be dry-cleaned.  There are many dresses with special trim and adhesives that will not withstand the dry cleaning chemicals.  You can ask the designer or store where you purchased your dress if you don't know.  Every dress should come with Special Care Instructions.  It is very important to have your dress cleaned if you are planning on preserving it.  If stains aren't properly cleaned they can become permanent or invisible stains might appear later.  I found this website had useful information to remember before cleaning your gown (Gown Cleaning). 

The next choice is if you want to have your gown cleaned by traditional dry cleaners or a new trend of Organic dry cleaners.  Orange County has many options for dry cleaning and pricing can range from $100-$250 for gown cleaning and preservation.  Check out Pilago Organic Dry Cleaners in Irvine, they have multiple locations.  Because Organic Dry Cleaners are a newer trend you might want to opt for the tried and true dry cleaning of Norton's Dry Cleaners in Placentia or Margaret's Cleaners in Newport Beach.

Hope you can find the right place and price!

Thanks,

~ Kari Brooner  -www.weddingonthebrain.com-

Q: What are some nice lingerie boutiques to buy weddding lingerie and also corsets etc to wear under the wedding dress?

Thanks!
vicky

A: Hi Vicky,

There are lots of great places to buy lingerie in Orange County and there also many specialty boutiques with some great pieces for your honeymoon.  La Perla, an upscale boutique in South Coast Plaza offers tasteful european designer lingerie, but also carries a bigger price tag.  La Rouge, located in Laguna Beach on Pacific Coast Hwy is an intimate lingerie boutique with something different to offer than other local shops.  They have great new styles that follow all the lastest fashion trends and colors straight from Europe.

If you are looking for something a little more comfortable and functional to wear under your wedding gown I would check out the lingerie department at Macy's South Coast Plaza.  They carry a designer, Felina.  Her designs fit perfect, are comfortable for a whole day of wear and are also easy on your budget.  Nordstrom, Victoria's Secret and Frederick's of Hollywood also carry some great pieces that will be perfect for your Wedding Day or Honeymoon.

Hope you can find the perfect thing!

~Kari Brooner -www.weddingonthebrain.com-