Can I handwash a dry clean only bridesmaid dress?

[RobberBride]

I've had a 100% polyester Dessy bridesmaid dress sitting on a kitchen chair for way too long. It says dry clean only. Can I handwash it or put it in the machine on a gentle wash? It doesn't have a corset or anything, but it does have some kind of 'structure' in the seams.

Dry cleaning it will be about £30. In theory I might wear it again...maybe... It looks a bit like this: uk.dessy.com/dresses/bridesmaid/jy516/#.V1LuMPkrLIU

I can't see why not. Would try handwash first, roll in towels then on hanger, line dry if poss to give it a good blow. If it's ok then after that would do machine delicates next time. I wash everything- velvet curtains, wool, etc.

I did my wedding dress after the bridal shop owner said that's what she did with the shop dresses. Fold it into a wash bag and hang up to dry on a clothes hanger in a doorway.

I just put one like this:

www.davidsbridal.com/Product_crystal-embellished-v-plunge-neckline-prom-dress-db01db_sale-prom-dresses

in the washing machine on a gentle wash and hung it over the banister to dry.

It all turned out fine.

My wedding dress was similar - I washed it in the machine on a gentle wash. Popped in a duvet cover for protection. Dried on a hanger.

It came out looking gorgeous - I wish I had washed it before wearing actually.

I put my (quite big, lace) wedding dress inside a pillow case on a gentle wash. It was fine.

That is a lovely bridesmaid dress!

Sorry everyone for my slow reply, I've only just seen your helpful answers. I think I might risk it. Thank you!

I handwashed my wedding dress - polyester - in the bath. Apparently it's actually better than dry cleaning for some fabrics.