Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding dresses are often prone to wrinkling and creasing, and steaming is usually the best way to smooth out these imperfections. However, there may be times when a steamer is not available, and an iron must be used instead. This paragraph will discuss the steps to press a wedding dress with an iron to achieve a flawless look for the big day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ironing wedding dress at home | Turn the dress inside out, especially if it is white. Place a soft towel over the ironing board to avoid wrinkles on the other side. Use a dry iron with medium to low heat. |
| Ironing wedding dress fabric made of silk or satin | Iron without steam. |
| Ironing wedding dress fabric made of tulle | Place a washcloth or towel over the fabric before ironing to prevent the tulle from melting or burning. |
| Using a steamer | Hang the dress and carefully go through each layer to ensure the entire dress is wrinkle-free. |
| Using a steamer on a wedding dress made of silk or satin | Do not let the steamer head touch the fabric directly. Steam 'around' the gown to avoid leaving marks. |
| Using a steamer on a wedding dress made of tulle | Hang the dress in a bathroom and turn on the shower to the highest temperature to create steam. |
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What You'll Learn
Ironing a wedding dress at home
Ironing a wedding dress can be a stressful task, but it is pretty straightforward. Here are some tips to help you iron your wedding dress at home like a professional.
Firstly, check the fabric of your gown and ask your designer or store owner if you have any questions concerning your dress. Some fabrics like shantung, dupioni, and taffeta are more prone to wrinkles if not ironed correctly. If your dress is made of silk or satin, it is better not to iron with steam. Iron without steam if you are uncertain about the fabric type, but it is best to consult the store owner or designer.
To be on the safe side, especially if your dress is white, turn the dress out so you iron from the inside. This method is most effective when your dress has many decorations and embellishments. Don't forget to place a soft towel over the ironing board to avoid wrinkles on the other side. Then, start with the bodice, followed by the sleeves. After ironing, you can stuff the sleeves with tissues to prevent them from wrinkling again. If there are any bows on your dress, press and stuff them with tissues as well.
Once you have finished ironing the top half of the dress, it's time for the train. Hang your dress with the hemline at least 5 inches off the ground, start at the side seam, iron down to the waistline, and then towards the hem. Then use a skirt hanger to hold the bottom of the train.
If you are looking for an alternative to ironing, steaming is a popular option for wedding dresses. Handheld steamers are ideal for convenience and portability, especially if you need to travel with your dress. You can also use a full-size stand-up wedding dress steamer, which can be useful if you plan on using it for other garments as well. Steaming your dress the night before is recommended, as it gives the fabric time to settle and smooth out any lingering wrinkles.
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Using a professional steam and press service
Professional steaming and pressing services will carefully hang your gown and work through each layer to ensure every piece is wrinkle-free. This is especially important if your gown has multiple layers of tulle or chiffon, or if it has volume, like a ball gown. They will also be able to advise on the best way to handle different fabrics, such as silk, tulle, lace, crepe, and satin, which all require a gentle approach.
It is recommended to have your gown professionally steamed and pressed as close to your wedding date as possible, allowing a minimum of a week for the process. This will give the fabric time to settle and ensure any last-minute wrinkles can be addressed. The cost of professional steaming can vary, ranging from $75 to $250, but it is a worthwhile investment to ensure your dress is in pristine condition.
When choosing a professional steaming service, it is important to select a reputable company with experience in handling wedding gowns. You can ask your bridal boutique or seamstress for recommendations, or reach out to companies that specialize in gown steaming, such as those offered by Charlotte's Weddings or The Bridal Finery.
By using a professional steam and press service, you can rest assured that your wedding dress will look flawless as you walk down the aisle, and you can focus on enjoying the lead-up to your special day.
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How to steam a satin wedding dress
Steaming is generally considered a safer and more effective option for delicate fabrics like silk, tulle, lace, crepe, and satin. Satin is a luxe fabric with a beautiful glossy finish that is fairly crease-resistant. However, creasing is always a possibility if the dress is not stored and cared for properly.
- Prepare the steamer: Fill the steamer with distilled water and turn it on to a low setting. Allow it to heat up for a few seconds, and ensure that any initial water droplets have evaporated before proceeding.
- Test on a small area: Before steaming the entire dress, test the steamer on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric to ensure that it does not cause any damage or leave marks.
- Hang the dress: Hang the dress on a padded hanger to protect the shoulders. Ensure that the hanging location allows you to freely move the steamer around the dress.
- Start steaming: Gently pull the fabric in one direction and begin steaming. Hold the steamer about 6 to 10 inches away from the fabric for a few minutes. Work in sections, starting from the top or sleeves, and use long downward strokes or small circles, depending on the fabric. For delicate veils, set the steamer to a lower setting.
- Avoid direct contact: Do not let the steamer head touch the fabric directly. Instead, steam "around" the gown to avoid leaving marks, especially on delicate satin fabric.
- Allow to cool: After steaming, allow the dress to cool completely before folding or hanging it. This will prevent the fabric from remaining damp, which can cause mold formation.
- Store properly: Store the dress in soft covers that allow some air circulation. Lay it flat to prevent wrinkling, and keep it in a dry, cool, and dark place, preferably inside an airtight container to protect it from direct sunlight, which can affect the colour.
If you do not have access to a steamer, there are alternative methods to unwrinkle a satin wedding dress:
- Iron: Use a dry iron on a low heat setting without steam. Place a clean, white cloth between the iron and the dress to avoid water stains.
- Hot shower: Hang the dress in the bathroom while running a hot shower, allowing the steam to accumulate and relax the fabric.
- Wrinkle-release spray: Spray the fabric with a wrinkle-release spray containing fabric softeners, testing on a small area first.
- Hairdryer: Run a hairdryer on a low setting over the fabric to smooth out minor wrinkles.
- Hanging: Hang the dress on a hanger in a cool, dark place and allow a few days for the wrinkles to fall out.
Remember, it is always best to consult a professional seamstress or the designer/store owner for advice on handling your specific wedding dress fabric.
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What to do if you don't have access to a steamer
If you don't have access to a steamer, there are a few alternative methods you can use to press a wedding dress. It's important to note that the best method will depend on the fabric of the dress, as certain fabrics react better to different pressing methods. For example, silk, taffeta, and silk faille are fabrics that should be ironed rather than steamed, as they tend to get bubbly when steamed. Other fabrics, like tulle, are very lightweight and can be steamed using the shower method (more on that later).
If you don't have a steamer, one option is to use an iron. However, it's important to be very careful when ironing a wedding dress, as direct contact with the iron can damage the fabric. Always use the proper setting for the fabric you're pressing, and consider using a washcloth or towel between the iron and the fabric to protect the dress. This method is particularly important for fabrics like tulle, which can melt or burn if an iron is applied directly.
Another option for pressing a wedding dress without a steamer is to hang the dress in the bathroom and run a hot shower, creating a steam room effect. This method works well for minor wrinkles and lightweight fabrics like tulle. Just be sure not to close the bathroom door to prevent the dress from getting overly damp. You can also try using a hairdryer on its lowest warm setting to direct heat at any creases.
If you have access to a hotel, bridal shop, or store like Walmart or Target, you may be able to borrow or rent a steamer. Alternatively, you can hire a professional gown steaming company or ask the bridal shop where you purchased your gown to press it for you. This option may be more expensive, but it can provide peace of mind and ensure your dress is pressed correctly.
Finally, consider the fabric of your dress and whether it truly needs to be steamed. Some fabrics, like shantung, dupioni, and taffeta, can actually look more wrinkled after steaming. In this case, you may want to opt for a dry iron and a clean, thin-weave press cloth instead of steaming.
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How to avoid damaging delicate fabrics
Wedding dresses are often made of delicate fabrics such as silk, tulle, lace, crepe, chiffon, satin, and jersey. When pressing a wedding dress, it is important to take extra care to avoid damaging these delicate fabrics. Here are some tips to help you avoid damaging delicate fabrics:
Steaming vs Ironing
In most cases, steaming is recommended over ironing for delicate fabrics. Steaming gently doesn't flatten the texture and minimises the risk of heat damage or shiny marks. If you do need to iron, make sure the iron never directly touches the fabric. Always use a clean, white cloth between the iron and the fabric, and keep the iron on the lowest setting. Additionally, silk and satin are prone to water spots, so it is important to avoid letting the steamer head touch the fabric directly and instead steam 'around' the gown.
Prepare the Fabric
Before pressing or steaming, it is important to test your settings on a scrap of the same fabric to ensure you do not damage the dress. Additionally, when sewing delicate fabrics, basting every seam by hand before machine sewing can save time and headaches. Stay stitching curves like necklines and armholes can prevent the fabric from stretching. However, do not starch silk fabric as it is not made to be washed in water.
Ironing Technique
If you are ironing a wedding dress, it is recommended to turn the dress inside out and start with the bodice. Place a soft towel over the ironing board to avoid wrinkles on the other side. After ironing the bodice, move on to the sleeves, which can then be stuffed with tissue to prevent wrinkling. If there are any bows, press and stuff them with tissue as well. Finally, hang the dress with the hemline at least 5 inches off the ground and use a skirt hanger to hold the bottom of the train.
Timing
Steaming the night before the wedding gives the fabric time to settle and cool, allowing gravity to naturally smooth out any lingering wrinkles. It also avoids last-minute rushing or accidental water spots. If you are travelling with your dress, it is recommended to steam or press it once you arrive at your destination to avoid wrinkles from transport.
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Frequently asked questions
If you want to press a wedding dress at home, it is recommended to use a dry iron on medium to low heat, with a white press cloth placed between the iron and the dress to avoid any water stains. It is also important to avoid direct contact between the iron and the dress, especially if the dress is made of delicate fabric such as tulle, silk or satin.
Steaming is often considered a safer and more effective option for delicate fabrics. When steaming, it is important to hang the dress and go through each layer carefully to ensure that all parts of the dress are wrinkle-free.
It is recommended to schedule a professional steam and press service close to your wedding date to ensure that your dress is in pristine condition. This service is offered by many bridal shops and can be done after alterations are completed.
When ironing a wedding dress, it is recommended to start with the bodice, using the inside-out method if the dress has many decorations. Place a soft towel over the ironing board to avoid wrinkles on the other side. After ironing the sleeves, stuff them with tissue to prevent new wrinkles from forming.
