My answers would depend on the condition of the dress. If it has a stain, say, red wine, get it to the professional dress worthy dry cleaners right away following the wedding. In Seattle I’d recommend Prestige Cleaners & LeatherCare. http://www.prestigeseattle.com
If this entails finding a trusted friend or family member, I’m sure they’d be more than happy to oblige. In most cases, however, you can rest assured it’s ok to hang the dress up in your closet until you return from your honeymoon.

In the moment, I believe you should enjoy your reception, and not worry about the dress. Most likely by the time you’re eating and drinking all of the photos have been taken! If you do spill wine, or something else, gently blot (not rub) with a white cloth to try to lift the liquid out.

As I wanted my sisters to be able to borrow my dress, I was determined not to have a red wine incident; it wasn’t much of a sacrifice to drink champagne instead!

If your dress is intended to be worn again vs being preserved in a box for years to come, you might want to consult with the dress salon or designer. In the case of a silk dress, it may be best to have it “spot-cleaned” rather than running the risk of it getting a little battered in the entire process. It’s worth discussing with the salon or dry cleaners to find the best solution for you.

I hope that helps!

If you can’t drop the dress off on a Sunday to be cleaned, and then leave early Monday for your honeymoon, what do you do with your dress in the interim?

Can it stay in a sheet in a safe place? Is it appropriate to appoint someone to take it to the cleaners for you?

What if a well-meaning guest should spill something on your dress (or more likely, if I spill) at the reception? Is this just completely unforgivable or are there any quick fixes, especially if there is a chance someone else may want to wear the dress?
Or should I just wear a bib and drink only water?