Choose Your Cleaner
If you haven't already, choose your wedding dress cleaner now. It's best to do this in advance of the wedding. Do your research; you only have one chance to have your special dress cleaned and stored properly. You might want to ask friends and family who they used for this service. Or you can call a few cleaners in your area and ask for referrals.
If you already have a dry cleaning establishment that you frequent for other clothes, ask whether they can clean your dress for you. Almost all professional cleaners offer this service.
Don't go for the priciest place, but steer clear of "bargain" locations, too. A simple rule of thumb: If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Look for a well-established cleaner who has been in the area for at least a few years. Also see whether any kind of guarantee can be made. It's not likely that you will be able to strike this kind of a deal for stain cleaning, since some materials are simply more fragile or more stainable than others. However, you might be able to get a guarantee on the preservation process.
Leave It to the Professionals
If you get a stain on your dress during the wedding or reception, don't panic -- and DON'T try any "home remedies" for the stain. Leave the cleaning to the professionals. Cold water, hair spray and other home methods of stain treatment could potentially ruin the dress's material or, at least, set the stain in deeper.
When you turn your dress in at the dry cleaners, let him or her know what stains occurred, and where they are located on the dress. The cleaner will probably mark the areas with pins for spot cleaning. Don't be afraid if he or she misses any spots; point them out rather than having to deal with it later.
The Sooner the Better
You should try to bring your dress in for cleaning immediately after the wedding. If you're not too exhausted from the festivities, run it over within the next few days. This isn't something you want to put off; some stains and smudges will set in deeper over time.
If you can't get there yourself (for instance, if you are leaving directly for your honeymoon from the reception), arrange in advance for your maid of honor or your mother to drop the dress off for you.
Hotel Help
Some couples choose a wedding and reception out of town, or even out of the country. If this is you, check to see whether the hotel you're staying at offers a dress-cleaning service. If there is any hesitation or if the person sounds confused and needs to check, don't pursue it. Thank him or her kindly and plan to store your dress in your room until you can get back home and to your regular cleaner.
Be sure to keep your dress in a bag, preferably the one that came with your original purchase. This will protect the material and will also prevent it from getting any dirtier.
Storing Your Dress Properly
Request that your dress be enclosed in an airtight bag once it has been properly cleaned. (Note: Be sure to check the dress out yourself before this step!) Place the dress in a cool, dry location. Be careful with your precious heirloom. Remember, your own daughter might want to wear it one day.