Deborah Chan
Steaming a wedding dress is an important step in the lead-up to the big day, ensuring the bride looks and feels her best. While some dresses may not require much steaming, especially those with wrinkle-free fabrics or minimal skirts, others with multiple layers and delicate fabrics will need more attention. The question is, how far in advance of the wedding should the steaming take place to ensure the dress looks perfect?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken to steam a wedding dress | 1-3 hours, depending on the length of the train |
| Time to drop off the dress for steaming | A week to ten days before pick-up |
| Cost of steaming | $30-$40 for a steamer; $100-$300 for professional steaming services |
| When to steam the dress | The morning of the wedding, the night before, or the week before |
| Who should steam the dress | A designated friend or family member, or a professional steaming company |
| How to steam the dress | In a quick circular motion, without focusing too much heat on one area |
| Preparation | Check the fabric to see if steaming is required; use distilled water to avoid yellowing |
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What You'll Learn
Steaming the dress yourself vs. hiring a professional
Wedding dresses are made up of multiple layers with combinations of different fabrics, making them difficult to steam. The process can take up to two hours, and if you're steaming your dress on the morning of your wedding, you risk feeling rushed, sweaty, and stressed out.
Steaming the dress yourself
If you're thinking of steaming your wedding dress yourself, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you'll need to check the fabric of your dress to see if it's even suitable for steaming. Some fabrics, like Shantung, dupioni, and taffeta, can actually look more wrinkled after steaming, so it's best to use a dry iron and a clean white press cloth for these materials. If your dress is made from polyester or heavy lace with a minimal skirt and train, you may not even need a steamer—hanging it in a steamy bathroom the night before your wedding may be enough to get the wrinkles out.
If you do need to use a steamer, be sure to use distilled water to avoid spots on your dress, and keep the steamer at a distance to avoid damaging the fabric. You can buy a handheld steamer to use yourself, but be aware that it can be tricky to get every layer of the dress steamed properly, and you risk burning yourself.
Hiring a professional
Hiring a professional to steam your wedding dress can save you time and stress on your wedding day. They will come to your location and work in an area that's out of your way, leaving you with a perfectly steamed dress. Professionals know how to handle the different fabrics in your dress and will ensure that each layer is steamed individually. This option can cost anywhere from $50 to $300, depending on various factors, but it will ensure that your dress looks its best for your big day.
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When to steam the dress
Steaming a wedding dress can be stressful, especially if you are doing it yourself. Many brides opt to steam their dresses the morning of the wedding, but this is not always recommended, as it can cause unnecessary stress and certain fabrics, such as tulle, can be easily damaged by steam.
If you are planning to steam your own dress, it is a good idea to test the steamer on the fabric beforehand, especially if your dress is made from tulle or another delicate fabric. It is also important to use distilled water to avoid yellowing the fabric. Steaming your dress the day before the wedding can be a good option, especially if you are travelling to the wedding location. This will give the dress time to cool down and ensure that it looks fresh and smooth on the big day.
If you are short on time or want to avoid the hassle of steaming your own dress, you can hire a professional steamer. This option can be more expensive, but it will ensure that your dress is perfectly cared for. Some bridal boutiques offer steaming services, and they may even be able to steam your bridesmaids' dresses and other accessories, such as sashes and veils.
Another low-fuss option is to hang the dress in the bathroom and take a hot shower to fill the room with steam. This method works best for simpler dresses made from polyester or heavy lace with minimal skirts and trains.
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Transporting the dress after steaming
Transporting your wedding dress after steaming is a crucial aspect of keeping it in pristine condition for the big day. Here are some detailed tips and suggestions for safely transporting your steamed wedding dress:
Choosing the Right Steamer:
Before transporting your dress, it's essential to consider the type of steamer you'll be using. If you're travelling with your dress, a handheld steamer is a convenient option. Handheld steamers are compact and easy to carry, ensuring you can quickly refresh your dress on the go. Invest in a reputable brand, such as Jiffy Steamers, recommended by professionals.
Timing is Key:
The timing of steaming in relation to your travel plans is important. If you're travelling a long distance to your wedding venue, it may be wiser to steam your dress once you arrive rather than before you set off. This will help to prevent the dress from creasing during the journey. If possible, steam your dress the day before the wedding or a few hours ahead, allowing it to dry properly before you wear it.
Transporting the Dress:
When transporting your dress, it's crucial to handle it with care. Use a breathable cotton garment bag for storage and transportation. This will help keep the dress wrinkle-free and protect it from dirt and moisture. If you're travelling by car, lay the dress flat across the back seat to prevent it from being crushed or folded. If you're flying, pack the dress loosely in your suitcase to avoid deep creases, and hang it up as soon as you reach your destination.
Fabric Considerations:
Different fabrics require varied approaches to steaming. Check the fabric of your dress to determine if steaming is the best option. Some fabrics, like Shantung, dupioni, and taffeta, may become more wrinkled after steaming. For such fabrics, using a dry iron with a clean white press cloth is recommended. If your dress has multiple layers, steam each layer individually, working from the inside out, to achieve a smooth and flawless look.
Last-Minute Touch-ups:
Even after steaming, your dress may need some final touch-ups on the day of the wedding. Carry a small travel steamer with you for any last-minute wrinkles or creases. This is especially useful for delicate layers of tulle or other fabrics that tend to wrinkle easily.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your wedding dress remains in impeccable condition during transportation after steaming, allowing you to walk down the aisle with confidence and grace.
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What to do if the dress has ruffles or is made of tulle
It is recommended to steam a wedding dress a few hours before the wedding. However, if the dress has ruffles or is made of tulle, extra care is required to avoid damaging the delicate fabric. Tulle is a lightweight, sheer fabric often used in wedding dresses, veils, and formal attire. Its delicate structure makes it susceptible to wrinkling and creasing, especially during storage or transportation.
- Set up your workspace: Choose a spacious, well-ventilated area with enough room to manoeuvre around the dress. Ensure the workspace is clean and free from any contaminants that could damage the fabric.
- Prepare the dress: Hang the dress on a sturdy hanger in a garment bag to support its weight and keep it in place. Ensure the dress hangs freely without any folds or creases.
- Test the steamer: Before using the steamer on the dress, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the tulle to ensure it doesn't cause damage or leave water spots. Adjust the steamer settings according to the manufacturer's instructions for delicate fabrics.
- Fill the steamer with distilled water: Use distilled water in the steamer's reservoir to prevent mineral buildup that can clog the device and leave residue on the fabric.
- Begin steaming: Plug in the steamer and allow it to heat up according to the manufacturer's instructions. Start steaming at the top of the dress, working your way down. Hold the steamer a few inches away from the fabric to avoid direct contact, which can damage the tulle. Use slow, steady motions to prevent tearing and ensure even heating.
- Treat wrinkles: For stubborn wrinkles, gently pull the fabric taut while steaming. Work in sections to ensure control and even steaming.
- Allow the dress to dry: Tulle is prone to water spotting, so be sure to allow the dress to dry completely between steaming sessions.
- Portable steamer for touch-ups: On the wedding day, it is recommended to have a portable handheld steamer to smooth out any small wrinkles that may appear.
Remember, it is always best to consult a professional bridal boutique or alterations team for steaming advice or services. They can guide you on the best practices for your specific dress and fabric type.
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What to do if you're travelling for your wedding
If you're travelling for your wedding, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure that your dress arrives safely and looks its best. Firstly, when packing your dress, it's important to prevent wrinkles and creases. If you're driving to your wedding, lay your dress flat in the trunk or backseat, preferably in a waterproof and opaque garment bag. If you're flying, bring your dress in a carry-on bag and hang it in the closet at the front of the plane or in the overhead bin. You can also purchase an extra seat for your dress, but be sure to check the airline's guidelines first.
Once you arrive at your destination, take your dress out of the garment bag and hang it up to allow any wrinkles to fall out. If there are stubborn creases, you can use a steamer or the steam from a hot shower to remove them. It's a good idea to designate someone to be responsible for steaming the dresses, or you can hire a professional steamer. If you plan to steam the dress yourself, be sure to check the fabric beforehand as some materials, such as Shantung, dupioni, and taffeta, can look more wrinkled after steaming. For these fabrics, it's best to use a dry iron and a clean white press cloth. When using a steamer, always steam from underneath the dress and avoid lingering too long in one spot.
In addition to preparing your dress, don't forget to pack other important items such as shapewear, shoes, undergarments, jewellery, and hair accessories in your carry-on bag. Planning ahead is key to ensuring a seamless experience, so make sure to consider all the potential wrinkles—both literal and figurative—and you'll be well on your way to a stress-free wedding day.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you steam your dress the night before or the week before the wedding. However, some dresses, especially those with several layers, should be steamed 7-10 days before the wedding.
Steaming a wedding dress can take 1-3 hours, depending on the length of the train and the number of layers.
While it is possible to steam your wedding dress yourself, hiring a professional is recommended for peace of mind. Professionals are familiar with different types of fabrics and designers and are experts in prepping the dress for your wedding day.
Here are some tips for steaming a wedding dress:
- Check your fabric—some fabrics, like Shantung, dupioni, and taffeta, can look more wrinkly after steaming. For these fabrics, it is best to use a dry iron with a clean, thin white press cloth.
- If you are travelling with your dress, hang it up or lay it flat in the car to prevent wrinkles. If flying, pack it loosely in your suitcase and unpack it as soon as you reach your destination.
- When steaming, use a quick circular motion and avoid applying too much heat to one particular part of the dress for too long.
