Pros and Cons of a Spring Wedding

My husband and I wanted a small, intimate, outdoor wedding, so we got married in May.  You would think that an evening wedding in May would be a lovely occasion, but unfortunately it was incredibly hot.  We got married in front of a lovely gazebo which sat beside a stream while our guests baked in the hot sun.  In my mind, I pictured it very differently.  An outdoor wedding can be risky in any season, but I wish I’d thought the time of year through a bit more before we set the date. 

If you’re thinking of a spring wedding, here are some things you might want to keep in mind:

Pros

1. Spring is a beautiful time of year.  There are so many flowers to choose from, and if you are having an outdoor wedding, the backdrop of everything in bloom will make for lovely photos. 
2. Weather.  Depending on what part of the country you live in, you could have an outdoor wedding.  But at the very least, you don’t have to worry about snow storms and frigid temperatures.   
3. Scheduling.  You are past the holidays but before summer vacations, so a spring date might be a safer choice for attenders and the bridal party. 

Cons

1. Weather.  The weather can be unpredictable.  For instance, we were worried about rain and didn’t even consider that the temperatures could be unseasonably high.  Plus, with everything in bloom, you have to bear in mind folks allergies. 
2. Most popular time of year to get married.  As a result, vendors typically charge higher prices, and it can be difficult to book popular locations.
3. Scheduling.  While you may be safe from some events, there are still others to consider like Easter, spring break, and graduation. 
   

Truly, there are pros and cons of getting married any time of the year, so as you consider your date, think about what is important to you and your fiancé and plan accordingly.  While I found with our wedding that a few little things go wrong, it all really works out in the end.  Of course, if Shores can be of assistance with your wedding gown or tuxedo rental, please feel free to ask.  We are here to help.

Invisible (or Mystery) Stains

Have you ever gotten a garment back from the cleaners, tried to wear it thinking it was clean, only to discover a stain that wasn’t there before?  Before we get into what that might be, let’s discuss the types of stains knowing that each type of stain requires its own method of removal.

1. Protein stains come from things like eggs, dairy, blood, and glue.
2. Oil-based stains come from things like olive oil, butter, suntan lotion, and makeup.
3. Water-based stains come from things like soda, wine, coffee, and tea.
4. Dye-based stains come from things like mustard, grass, and ink.
5. Combination stains are just what they sound like – any combination from above, think honey mustard dressing, coffee with cream and sugar, or crayons which contain dye and wax.

Most of time when you spill something on a garment, you immediately know it.  But there are times when you might dribble a little vinaigrette or some clear soda on a shirt or blouse and not realize it.  The spill then dries clear, and you are never the wiser.  At the end of the evening, you throw the item in with the rest of your dry-cleaning, and a week and a half later, you drop everything off at your cleaners.  During that week or so, your spill has had the time to absorb oxygen from the air and to develop into something more.
 
When you drop off your clothes, you don’t mention any stains because you don’t realize you have any, and your cleaner doesn’t see anything when preparing clothes for cleaning.  The age of the stain as well as the heat produced during the dry-cleaning process can cause the substance to develop and ultimately reveal a stain, and when stains are invisible and then revealed after dry-cleaning or pressing, it typically means the stain is oxidized.

The best way to avoid all of this is to pay attention and make note of whenever you spill something on a garment.  To guarantee stain removal and prevent ‘mystery stains’ is to know the type of stain, it’s age, and the type of fabric.  The more you can share with the CSR at drop off, the greater chance your dry-cleaner will have in removing stains you both can and cannot see.

Shores Cleaning for Charity 2018

Shores Fine Dry Cleaning is once again offering our Cleaning for Charity program to help give an extra boost to the fundraising efforts of two local charities we are partnered with.  Our partner charities for 2018 are:

• Winterlark, a Cancer Patient Support Program that helps patients and their families manage the distress and symptoms, navigate treatments, and develop and maintain a positive and healing outlook from diagnosis through survivorship.
• JDRF – Piedmont Triad Chapter, an organization that seeks life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat Type 1 Diabetes and its complications.

The way it works is very simple.

• New and current customers assign a charity to their account.  To set up a new account or assign a charity to an existing account, please email us at CleaningForCharity@ShoresCleaners.com, call, or speak to a customer service rep any of our 3 locations and clearly state which charity to assign to your account.
• During the Cleaning for Charity season, January 1 - February 28, 2018, 15% of the gross cleaning charges will be donated to the charity of choice.  Gift cards redeemed during the program period will be included as purchases and eligible for the 15% donation.

Reporting and monetary disbursements will be made at the close of the business month following the conclusion of the program.  All customer information including purchases made during this program will be handled by our point of sales system.  Amounts raised will be shared on our social media outlets after the program concludes.

Our Cleaning for Charity program has the potential to raise thousands of dollars for two fantastic organizations that do so much to help those in our community.  Please consider getting in touch with us to get started raising money for your favorite charity.  If you don't already, please follow Shores on our social media outlets for updates and share information with your friends and family regarding these worthwhile causes.

Facebook @ShoresFineDryCleaning
Twitter @ShoresCleaners
Instagram @Shores_Cleaners
Include the hashtag #CleaningforCharity

The Difference Between Storing Your Clothes at Home vs. Storing them at Shores

While I’m not a big fan of winter, I do like the fact that we have different seasons, and if I’m going to be completely honest, much of it has to do with clothing.  My style varies with each season, and just as I’m getting bored with the things in my closet, the weather changes and so do my outfits.  I love the wardrobe change; I don’t love the work involved.

Sometimes when I’m trying to decide something, I like to list the pros and cons first.  I thought this might be a great way to show the benefits of using Shores for out-of-season storage.

Storing Clothes at Home	Storing Clothes at Shores
Before cleaning all my clothes, I first must check to see if any buttons, hems, or seams need to be repaired.  Then I actually have to do the repairs.	Point out any clothing repairs, and Shores will take care of them for me.
I have to make sure all garments are clean before putting them away.	Shores cleans all items dropped off for storage.
I must find proper containers, pack my clothes away, and then find a temperature appropriate, dry place to put my clothes for the season.	Shores folds and boxes all my clothes for one season free of charge.  All I have to do is pay for the cost of the cleaning.
If moths or insects attack my clothes, I have to pay for repairs, if possible, or more likely replacements.	Shores will insure all my items, based on my declared value.
When I pull my items out of storage, I may have to rewash some items, but I will definitely have to press and freshen them up.	If I call Shores a week before I want my things, they will freshen, steam, press, and have them ready for pick up.

Storing clothes and household items is a chore and can be a challenge, especially if you are short on storage space.  Most basements and attics, unless they are finished, temperature controlled, and free from moisture, are not appropriates spaces for clothing storage.  Storing items in these areas could lead to mold and mildew problems or issues with insects.
 
If you find yourself struggling with clothing storage, call one of our three locations, and we will be happy to schedule an appointment for you to come by and drop off your things.