Junior Rasmussen
A wedding dress is a once-in-a-lifetime purchase, and you'll want it to be pristine for your big day. After spending time and money finding the perfect dress and having it expertly altered, you don't want to walk down the aisle in a gown that's wrinkled or creased. Many brides opt for a professional steaming and pressing service, which can be an expensive but worthwhile investment. If you're steaming and pressing your wedding dress yourself, you'll need to be extra careful to avoid heat damage, water spots, and shiny marks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ironing/pressing | Should be done professionally by the seamstress handling the gown during alterations. If ironing is the only option, ensure the iron never directly touches the gown. |
| Steaming | A gentler alternative to ironing that minimises the risk of heat damage or shiny marks. |
| Handheld steamers | Ideal for convenience and portability when travelling with your wedding dress. |
| Full-size stand-up steamers | Worth investing in if you plan to use a steamer in your everyday life. |
| Professional steaming and pressing services | Recommended for a perfect-looking wedding dress. |
| Timing | Schedule the steaming and pressing service close to the wedding date, but not too last minute that the gown is still damp on the big day. |
| Storage | After steaming and pressing, follow guidance on how to store the gown properly to minimise the chance of new wrinkles forming. |
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What You'll Learn
Using a steamer
Steaming is generally considered a safer and more effective option for removing wrinkles from wedding dresses, especially for delicate fabrics like silk, tulle, lace, and crepe. It is also possible to iron a wedding dress, but this should be done professionally, as ironing can flatten the texture and cause heat damage or shiny marks.
If you plan to use a steamer on your wedding dress, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you have a high-quality steamer that is suitable for the fabric of your dress. Handheld steamers are ideal for convenience and portability, but if you plan to use a steamer regularly, a full-size stand-up model may be a better option.
Before steaming your wedding dress, always clean the steamer head with an alcohol wipe to remove any dirt or grease, and then run a dry washcloth over the surface to remove any remaining moisture. Fill the steamer with fresh water to prevent musty smells, turn it on, and let it run for a few minutes.
When steaming your wedding dress, it is important to work quickly and in a circular motion. Do not focus too much heat on one particular part of the dress for too long. For stubborn wrinkles, move on to another area and come back to it later. If your dress has multiple layers, steam each layer individually, working from the inside out, to ensure a smooth appearance.
If your steamer leaves a water ring, don't panic. It will dry, but if you need it to disappear quickly, dab it with a washcloth, then steam over the spot. The additional steam will help dissipate any moisture in the fabric. You can also use a hairdryer on its lowest warm setting to speed up the drying process.
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Ironing
First and foremost, it is crucial to understand the fabric of your wedding dress. Different materials require varying levels of heat and handling. If you are unsure about the fabric type, consult the designer or store owner. Some fabrics, like shantung, dupioni, and taffeta, are prone to more wrinkles if not ironed correctly. Silk, satin, and tulle are delicate fabrics that require extra care and are prone to water spots and heat damage.
When ironing, always use the lowest heat setting to avoid damaging the fabric. Place a clean, white cloth or towel between the iron and the dress to prevent stains, burns, and direct contact with the iron. Keep the iron moving and avoid ironing the edges of the towel to prevent unwanted wrinkles.
If your dress has decorations or intricate details, use a white towel to cover these areas while ironing. This will help prevent any burns or damage to the embellishments. It is also important to avoid using colourful towels, as they can transfer colour onto the dress.
Before ironing, test the iron on a small, inconspicuous area of the dress to ensure that it does not cause any damage. Start with a practice garment, such as a t-shirt, to ensure there is no leakage of water from the iron, as water droplets can stain the dress.
For delicate fabrics like tulle, which is a lightweight netting, it is recommended to use an alternative method such as steaming or the shower method. Tulle is prone to heat damage and can melt if exposed to direct heat. Instead, use a garment steamer held at a safe distance from the fabric or hang the dress in the bathroom while running a hot shower to create a steamy environment that relaxes the wrinkles.
By following these instructions and taking your time, you can safely iron your wedding dress at home and achieve a smooth and wrinkle-free finish. Remember to always handle your dress with care and consider practising on a similar fabric beforehand to gain confidence.
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When to steam your dress
Steaming your wedding dress is an important step to ensure your gown looks flawless on your big day. Here are some detailed tips on when to steam your dress:
Schedule in Advance:
It is recommended to schedule a professional steaming and pressing service for your wedding dress ahead of time, especially if your wedding is during busy seasons like summer. This ensures that the service has the time and space to care for your dress. Ideally, you should schedule the service for a week before your wedding day to allow for any last-minute touch-ups and to prevent new wrinkles from forming.
Steam Before the Wedding Day:
Steaming your dress the day or night before the wedding is a good idea. This gives the gown enough time to dry and hang, helping to relax any remaining creases or wrinkles. It is also a good time to appoint someone to be responsible for steaming the entire wedding party's attire, including dresses, suits, shirts, ties, and veils.
Avoid Last-Minute Steaming:
While it is possible to steam your gown on the wedding day, it is not recommended, especially for gowns with multiple layers or volume in the skirt. Steaming on the day may result in a damp dress, which can be stressful and detract from the overall appearance.
Test the Steamer:
If you plan to steam your dress yourself, it is crucial to test the steamer on similar fabric beforehand. This is especially important for delicate fabrics like tulle, which can be easily damaged by heat. Testing the steamer will help you determine the appropriate distance to hold the steamer from the fabric.
Steam Each Layer:
For dresses with multiple layers, it is important to steam each layer individually, working from the inside out. This ensures that the skirt falls as it should and creates a smooth, flawless look.
By following these tips and guidelines, you can ensure that your wedding dress is steamed at the right time and looks perfect for your special day.
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How to store your dress
To store your wedding dress at home, you should first get it professionally cleaned by a trusted bridal dry cleaner. They will use specialised techniques to remove any stains and ensure that your wedding gown is in mint condition before being stored away.
After cleaning, be careful when handling the dress. It is recommended to wear white gloves to prevent any oils from getting on the gown. Before storing, look over the wedding gown for any loose threads, embellishments, or missing buttons, and fix these issues to prevent further damage.
When storing your wedding dress, do not use plastic dress covers or regular cardboard boxes, as these can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to damage. Instead, store your gown in a breathable garment bag or box specifically designed for wedding dress storage. Use acid-free tissue paper to prevent any beads, sequins, or embroidery from snagging or scratching the fabric and to cushion and protect the dress during storage.
Store your wedding dress box in a cool, dry, and dark place away from humidity, sunlight, heat, and direct sunlight. Avoid storing it in areas prone to temperature fluctuations, such as attics, basements, or garages, as these areas can be damp and are more susceptible to water leaks, pest damage, and drastic temperature and humidity swings. Keep your wedding dress away from cooking or smoking odours, as they can permeate the fabric over time.
It is essential to check on your dress regularly, ideally every six months, to ensure nothing untoward has happened. During these check-ups, inspect the dress for any signs of damage or pests and refold the dress along different lines to prevent permanent creases.
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What to do if your dress is prone to wrinkling
If your wedding dress is prone to wrinkling, there are several things you can do to prevent and treat wrinkles. Firstly, when travelling with your dress, keep it in its garment bag to prevent the bodice form from shifting or folding. Place plastic over the dress before putting it into the bag to prevent it from rubbing against the veil and bag, which could cause wrinkling. During travel, avoid dragging or folding the bag; instead, lay it flat or use the overhead bin or closet in a plane. Once you arrive, remove the dress from the bag and hang it up in a cool, dry spot.
If your dress does become wrinkled, it is best to address this before your wedding day to avoid extra stress. You can use a hand steamer to gently steam out the wrinkles, being careful not to let the steamer head touch the fabric directly. If you are using an iron, place a clean, white cloth between the iron and the gown, and keep the iron on the lowest setting. Make sure to keep the iron moving at all times.
For chiffon wedding dresses, you can use a garment steamer, iron, or the shower method to remove wrinkles. Hang the dress on a fabric hanger and use the steamer to lightly add heat and moisture. If using an iron, set it to the lowest temperature and iron the dress from the backside of the fabric, placing a clean towel over the chiffon to create a barrier. Do not use the steam feature on your iron, and keep the iron moving to avoid burning the fabric.
If you are unsure about how to treat wrinkles in your dress, it is best to consult a professional. Bridal shops and dry cleaners offer steaming and pressing services to ensure your gown is perfectly cared for. They can also provide guidance on how to properly store and transport your dress to minimise the formation of new wrinkles.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a handheld steamer or a full-size stand-up steamer to steam your wedding dress at home. It is recommended to steam your dress the night before the wedding to give the fabric time to settle and avoid last-minute rushing. If you are using an iron, it is best to use a dry iron on medium to low heat and iron from the inside of the dress, especially if your dress is white.
You will need quality fabric scissors, an adjustable dress form that can be set to your measurements, different sizes of needles and sewing feet, and time and patience. You will also need to select a fabric and style and purchase a sewing pattern or make your own.
Use your measurements to make your pattern, adding 1.5” for seam allowance. You can combine multiple sizes to get the pattern as close to your measurements as possible.
Leave yourself plenty of time, especially to develop your sewing skills before starting on your dress. Making a toile (or muslin) is a good way to check how the pattern fits your body before cutting into your fabric. Don't be scared—it's not rocket science!
