HELP CENTRE
Need help? Check out our FAQs
Cleaning & Repair Services
Can you remove all stains?
While we cannot guarantee the removal of every stain, we use our 30+ years of expertise to achieve the best possible results without compromising the integrity of your gown’s delicate fabric. Any residual staining we cannot remove will be documented and photographed, and you will be informed of these prior to your dress being returned to you.
Can you clean all wedding dresses?
Yes. It is extremely rare that we encounter a dress we cannot clean, including those labelled "Specialist Care”.
If you are unsure, please submit a Quote Request Form, which can be found below the FAQs, and we’ll be in touch to confirm.
What if I'm unsure what package to choose?
If you're unsure what package is best suited for your garment, don't worry! Head to our Quote Request submission form, fill it in and include some images. The team will be in touch in 2-3 working days with a bespoke quote.
Can you clean a pre-loved dress for my wedding?
Absolutely! We can clean any wedding dress - if you plan on wearing your dress after the cleaning process, we recommend opting for a Dual-Occasion package. With a Dual-Occasion package, you will receive one cleaning service before your big day with your dress returned in a garment bag ready to wear, and a second clean (complete with a pH-neutral keepsake and preservation box) after your wedding.
Simply let us know when you require the dress back to you when you're booking in - you can tell us this in your order notes or email us at info@thedresscleaningcompany.co.uk.
We recommend leaving around ten weeks from sending off your dress to receiving the dress back - but if you need a quicker turnaround time, please let us know.
Can you clean my veil and accessories?
Yes - we can clean many different accessories as part of your service. Head over to our Guide to find a complete list of accessories we can accept alongside your dress for an addditional cost.
Can you repair damage to my garment?
Absolutely. Our skilled bridal technicians can handle almost any repair. If your dress requires extensive work, we will contact you with a bespoke quote to be approved before proceeding.
If, during our assessment, we find that certain damage cannot be fully repaired, this will be clearly explained in your diagnostic report. In some cases - such as very small holes in tulle or fabric pulls - complete restoration may not be possible. We will never add visible or unnecessary seams to disguise damage, and while pulls can often be reduced, they cannot always be removed entirely.
If you decide not to proceed with recommended repairs, but our team believes action is needed to prevent further damage, we will carefully secure the affected area to protect the integrity of your garment. Your garment’s safety and longevity are always our highest priority.
How much will repairs cost?
Our repair quotes are all bespoke and can vary based on a number of factors such as severity, location and garment composition.
While we're unable to provide an accurate quote, we are able to provide an estimated cost. Please fill in our Quote Submission form to receive this, adding close-up and images of the location of the repair as well as dress material to the form.
Collection, Delivery & Courier Services
How do I send my garment to you?
Once you order your package, we’ll mail you a delivery pack with an inner packing bag, a mailing sack, two labels and instructions. Once packed, contact us and we will arrange a DPD Local courier collection from your doorstep.
Please refer to our Shipping and Transit Policy for more information.
Can I drop off in-store?
While our facility does not allow for drop-off and collection of orders, we can arrange for orders to be dropped and collected at our Sister company, Elizabeth Wallace Bridal, based at 16 Portland Road, Kilmarnock, KA1 2BS.
If you've placed an order already, please contact us to arrange your drop-off or collection appointment, or let us know you'd like use this service when you request a quote.
Can I choose my collection or delivery window?
We are able to schedule a delivery or collection for a certain day, however we are unable to request or specify an exact time window for our collections or dispatches.
Our courier, DPD, assign you an hour-long timeslot on the day they will arrive to you (normally assigned by 11am), however we are unable to influence this. This slot is based on your collecting/delivering depot's routes and availability. You will, however, be able to track the driver as they make their way to you during this hour-long timeslot.
We recommend you choose your collection or delivery day to be a day that you are able to be at home at any time of day. We are also able to collect from a secondary address - please email us after you place your order to request this.
Can I leave my order in a 'safe place'?
No - please do not leave your garment outwith yourselves or a representative's care. DPD will not collect or leave a dress in a 'safe place' and you may be charged a supplementary £8.99 charge to schedule a second collection.
Can I use a DPD Parcelshop?
No - please do not leave your garment at a DPD parcelshop. Our process calls for a collection to be organised so we can track your order on the way to us. Failure to follow our collection protocol means we would not be able to ensure your dress is safely received in-house.
How long does an order take to get to you?
Any order - either on the way in to us or on the way back to you - will be shipped using a premium By 12 service for next day delivery. However, there may occasionally be delays within the DPD system at peak times or during bad weather, which may mean orders take 2-3 days to get to us. Please know that we are constantly monitoring all orders in the system, and this delay is nothing to worry about.
Please note: Due to courier restrictions, orders to-and-from the Highlands and Islands are shipped using a Two Day service.
Can I track my order while it's with the courier?
Absolutely - you can track your order as it both comes in to us and comes back to you. Head to track.dpd.co.uk and enter your tracking information as below:
COLLECTIONS (Orders coming into us): Track your parcel using the tracking number listed on your DPD label provided in your pack, and take note of the listed delivery address.
DISPATCHES (Orders being returned to you): You'll receive an email from DPD on or before your agreed dispatch date with a link to track your order. This will include your tracking number.
Will you let me know when my garment arrives?
Absolutely - we'll let you know when your order arrives in for your peace of mind. We'll also then let you know when to expect your diagnostics results.
Do you ship internationally?
Currently, our services are only available for collection and delivery within the UK mainland. We are able to carry out orders outwith the UK, provided you supply and manage your own courier services – please contact us directly and refer to our Shipping and Transit Policy for more information.
Process & Turnaround
How long does the process take?
Our standard turnaround is 6–8 weeks from receiving your dress to issuing your After Images and proposed dispatch date. This ensures we have ample time to clean and repair your dress to the highest standard. This may change slightly depending on our peak seasons, but we'll keep you updated on this during the process. Proposed dispatch dates may range from 7-14 days from receiving your After Images.
If you opt for a priority package, your garment will be completed within ten working days of receiving your dress in to receiving your proposed dispatch date and After Images. Proposed dispatch dates may range from 7-14 days from receiving your After Images, however Priority orders will be allocated the first available date.
What happens if my dispatch date doesn't suit?
If your proposed dispatch date doesn't suit, please don't worry. We allocate a proposed dispatch date based on your dress' timeline, but we can change this to fit your availability.
We will not send your dress without first confirming you're able to accept delivery that day.
Can you rush my order?
Yes! Our Priority option (available for Clean Only packages) aims for a 10-working-day turnaround from when we receive your garment. Please note that Priority and Clean Only packages do not include a luxury keepsake box. Priority orders are based on availability and may not be available at peak times – email us at info@thedresscleaningcompany.co.uk for requests if this is unavailable online and we’ll do our best to make it happen.
If you'd like to upgrade your Clean & Box package to a priority turnaround, please contact us by emailing info@thedresscleaningcompany.co.uk.
Will you stay in contact with me?
We’ll email you when your garment arrives safely, with your diagnostics and again once it's finished our process. We only contact you in between if we need to discuss major repairs or residual marking. Finally, we’ll send your After Images and coordinate a convenient delivery date. If you have any questions at any point, please do get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
Can I see my garment before it is returned?
Yes! We provide professional "after" images of your garment on a mannequin. This allows you to see the results without needing to unpack the gown once it has been expertly preserved in its box. We'll also notify you at this point if there is any residual marking that remains after our process.
Can I pre-book my package?
Looking to tick dress cleaning off your to-do list even before the big day? You can pre-book your cleaning package as far in advance as you like - simply let us know you'd like to pre-book by ticking the box on your required service listing and let us know when to send your shipping materials. We'll take it from there and send your materials out accordingly.
Insurance & Add-Ons
why do you need to know my dress value?
We need to know the exact price you paid for your dress in order to ensure the correct courier insurance is applied for transit.
All garments valued up to £999 are automatically insured. For garments valued at £1,000 or more, additional coverage can be added for a small fee on each wedding dress listing.
If your garment is NOT a wedding dress but is valued at over £999, please email us.
Is my garment insured while it's with you?
Yes - all garments are fully insured at all times while in our care. Courier insurance covers up to £999 as a complimentary service, and additional insurance based n dress value can be added if applicable via each wedding dress listing.
If your garment is NOT a wedding dress but is valued at over £999, please email us.
What is your Clean to Sell service?
Our Clean to Sell service is a bespoke restoration and presentation package add-on designed to make your dress stand out on pre-loved platforms like Stillwhite, Vinted, or Facebook Marketplace. Each Clean to Sell add-on includes additional photos of your dress, highlighting your dress' finer details and selling points like embroidery, beadwork or lace. You'll also receive a handcrafted selling description highlighting your dress' details to make your ad stand out.
To truly capture a buyer's attention, you can also add on a video of your dress' features for an additional cost of £10.00.
To find out more about our Clean to Sell services, click here.
Do you clean suits?
We do not clean suits or tuxedos. However, staying true to our Scottish heritage, we offer a full Kilt Ensemble cleaning service which includes waistcoats and suit jackets.
Do you clean shoes?
No - we do not clean any form of shoes, as this involves different techniques to garment care.
You can, however, purchase a pH-neutral keepsake and preservation shoebox here.
Still need help?
Request a custom quote or submit an enquiry using the below links.
Wedding Packages
Shop our range of garment cleaning and preservation services for the whole wedding party.
Specialist Packages
Our expert team specialise in fragile garment care including vintage dresses and Christening gowns.
Storage Options
Take a look at our handmade, pH-neutral keepsake and preservation box listings for elegant storage solutions.