Deborah Chan
Wedding dresses are often a significant financial investment, so it's understandable that brides want their dress to look perfect on their big day. One way to ensure the dress looks its best is to steam it. While professional steaming services are available, they can be costly, so many brides opt to hand steam their dress themselves. This process involves using a handheld steamer with filtered water and gently working in sections to remove wrinkles and creases from the gown.
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What You'll Learn
Fabrics that can be steamed
However, it is important to note that certain silks, such as taffeta, dupioni, shantung, and silk faille, are more prone to creases and bubbling when steamed. Therefore, these fabrics are not ideal for steaming and may require ironing instead. If your wedding dress contains embroidery, steaming may cause the fabric to shrink. Additionally, soft pleated skirts, particularly those made of silk, should be avoided for steaming as it will cause the pleats to come out.
When steaming a wedding dress, it is crucial to follow the correct procedure. First, fill the steamer with water and ensure that the steam setting is adjusted according to the fabric type. Hold the steamer about 6 to 8 inches away from the fabric and work in sections, starting from the top. For fabrics like chiffon, lace, or tulle, direct the steam in small circles rather than long strokes.
It is recommended to delegate the task of steaming to a professional gown steaming company or a friend who can be properly instructed. Steaming a wedding dress can take 1-3 hours, depending on the length of the train. Alternatively, you can consider using a handheld steamer or creating a steamy environment in a bathroom to help smooth out minor wrinkles.
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Fabrics that shouldn't be steamed
While most fabrics can be steamed, there are some fabrics that should not be steamed. These include:
- Real leather and suede: These fabrics are not water-friendly and can be stained or shrink when exposed to steam.
- Waxed jackets: Waxed jackets should not be steamed as they pose problems when exposed to steam and heat.
- Plastic and other materials that melt: Plastic and other materials that melt, such as certain synthetic blends, should be avoided as they can be damaged by steam.
- Certain silks: Taffeta, silk faille, and dupioni are types of silk that tend to get bubbly or wrinkled when steamed and are better off being ironed.
It is important to always check the garment's care label and, if in doubt, test the steamer on a small corner of the fabric before using it on the entire garment.
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How to prep your steamer
Preparing your steamer is a crucial step in ensuring your wedding dress looks its best on the big day. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to prep your steamer effectively:
Choose the Right Steamer:
Select a handheld steamer for convenience and portability, especially if you're travelling with your wedding dress. If you plan to use the steamer beyond your wedding, consider investing in a full-size stand-up model, such as the Jiffy Steamer recommended by wedding fashion expert Beth Chapman.
Fill the Water Tank:
Use fresh, distilled, or filtered water to fill the steamer's tank. Avoid using stale water to prevent any musty smells from transferring to your dress. Pay attention to the size of the water tank; smaller tanks will require more frequent refills during the steaming process.
Test the Steamer:
Before starting the actual steaming process, it's important to test the steamer. Hold it about 8-10 inches away from the dress and wait for about 30 seconds. This allows any initial water droplets to evaporate, reducing the risk of water spots on your dress.
Adjust the Settings:
Different fabrics require varying steam settings. Heavier fabrics, such as satin and polyester, typically need more steam and moisture, while lighter and more delicate fabrics like tulle, chiffon, lace, and veils need less moisture and a lower steam setting.
Cover the Steamer Head (Optional):
To provide an extra layer of protection, you can wrap the steamer head with a lightweight fabric, such as a cotton cloth or a handkerchief. Secure it with a hairband. This helps absorb any water droplets and prevent them from coming into direct contact with your dress.
Remember, it is essential to understand the fabric of your wedding dress and its suitability for steaming. While most common wedding dress fabrics like satin, silk, chiffon, polyester, and tulle can be steamed, certain silks (taffeta, silk faille, and satins) are prone to becoming bubbly and wrinkled and should be ironed instead. Always refer to the care instructions for your dress and consider consulting a professional if you're unsure.
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Steamer settings
Fabrics like tulle, silk, polyester, and satin can typically handle steam and be smoothed out without any issues. Other fabrics, such as certain silks, including taffeta and silk faille, should be ironed instead of steamed, as they tend to become bubbly and wrinkled when exposed to steam. Taffeta, dupioni, and shantung are also prone to creasing when steamed and are best hand-pressed with a dry iron. If you're unsure about your dress's fabric, it's best to consult a professional or the bridal boutique where you purchased your gown.
When using a steamer, ensure that it is set to the appropriate fabric type and heat setting. For delicate fabrics like chiffon, lace, or the veil, set the steamer to a lower setting. Heavier fabrics require more moisture, while lighter, delicate fabrics like tulle or chiffon need less moisture to avoid water stains. Always fill the steamer with distilled or filtered water to prevent any musty smells or stains on the fabric.
Additionally, it is important to maintain a safe distance between the steamer and the dress. Hold the steamer about 6 to 10 inches away from the fabric and work in sections, starting from the top or sleeves for long-sleeved dresses. For delicate fabrics, direct the steam in small circles rather than long strokes to avoid creasing.
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How to steam a veil
Steaming a veil is a delicate process that requires time, patience, and the right tools. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam a veil:
First, identify the type of fabric your veil is made of. Veils are typically made from delicate materials like tulle and lace, but they can also be made from chiffon or organza. These fabrics are often made from synthetic fibres and are sensitive to heat, so it is important to be cautious and gentle when handling them. If you are unsure about the fabric, it is best to consult a professional or refer to the care instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Next, gather the necessary tools. You will need a steamer or an iron that produces a good amount of steam. If using an iron, ensure it has a steam shot function. A pressing cloth or a clean, dry towel is also recommended to protect the fabric and provide heat protection.
Now, you can begin the steaming process. Hang your veil in an open area, away from walls and surfaces, to ensure you do not accidentally steam anything else. If your veil is long, hang it from a door, a picture rail, or a high cupboard handle to keep it off the floor.
When using a steamer, wave it in front of the veil, allowing the steam to pass through. Do not let the hot plate of the steamer touch the veil, as this could damage the fabric. Maintain a distance of about 30 cm between the steamer and the veil at all times.
If using an iron, set it to the lowest possible temperature suitable for delicate fabrics. Again, do not let the iron touch the veil. Gently wave the iron in front of the veil, allowing the steam to pass through and smooth out wrinkles. Always use a pressing cloth between the iron and the veil for added protection.
After steaming, leave the veil hanging until it is completely dry. If your veil has beads or embellishments, avoid vigorously shaking it while it is still warm, as the glue may have softened. Once dry, carefully fold or repackage your veil if necessary, taking care not to create new wrinkles.
If you are unsure about steaming your veil yourself, consider hiring a professional gown steaming company or seeking assistance from a friend. They can help ensure your veil is properly steamed and avoid any potential damage.
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Frequently asked questions
Hand steaming a wedding dress is a great way to ensure it looks perfect for your big day. It will remove any pesky wrinkles and creases from the fabric.
A handheld steamer is ideal for convenience and portability, especially if you are travelling. If you plan to steam multiple items or use it beyond your wedding, a full-size stand-up model may be a better option.
It is recommended to use distilled or filtered water in the steamer.
First, fill the tank with fresh water to prevent any musty smells. Cover the steamer head with a clean, lightweight fabric to protect the dress. Then, slowly glide the steamer over the creases in a circular motion, being careful not to apply steam directly to the dress as water droplets can leave spots.
You can hire a professional gown steaming company or ask your bridal boutique for recommendations. They can advise on the best approach for your dress's fabric and style.
