Can I dye my wedding dress?

Question

I won't be getting married for a few more years, and my aunt gave me this antique Branson wedding dress that is in wonderful shape. The material is silky and somewhat thick. The only thing I don't like about it is that it's a cream color and I want it to be white. Anyone think this is possible without damaging it? If so, does it have to be proffesionally done?

Answer 1

I would call a local dry cleaners in your area & describe it to them.  See what they have to say about it, they're the professionals, we aren't.  Good luck to you...:)

Answer 2

Changing it to a darker or more dense color would be easy to do, but to lighten it may be very complicated, not to mention possibly damaging to the material.  

Answer 3

You can't "dye" anything white. You would have to bleach the dress, which will almost certainly yellow the fabric and will definitely weaken it (think of what happens when you bleach your hair - it breaks really easily).

So if you don't care if it ends up destroyed, take it to a professional and see if they can bleach it. But if you want to make sure it stays in good condition, leave it alone.

Answer 4

If you really like the design bring it to a dressmaker and have it done in white.

Or go to a drycleaners with the dress in hand and ask them their professional opinion. But beware, they might s***w up anyway.

I would not attempt to do this yourself. My mom once tried to bleach a yellowed tablecloth and it disintegrated in the tub in a matter of minutes. Be careful!  

Answer 5

You’re talking about lightening, not dying. I wouldn’t touch it myself. Contact some drycleaners and see if they have any suggestions.

The problem with bleach is that in the wrong strength, it will eat through fabric. When you’re talking about vintage fabric, bleach can bring to light stains & spots you couldn’t see before; different chemicals will react differently to the bleach. And of course, you have no idea exactly what fabric you’re dealing with so anyone who touches it takes a risk of ruining it because they’ll be guessing on how to best treat it.  

Answer 6

Making the color darker would be one thing but turning something with color white is another.  I don't think you are going to be able to.