Franklin Dean
Wedding dresses can be made from a variety of fabrics, including silk, taffeta, satin, and cotton. The method of removing creases from the dress depends on the fabric. Ironing a wedding dress is generally not recommended because the fabric is usually too delicate. However, if the dress is made of silk or taffeta, it is better to iron than to steam, as steaming may leave water marks and damage the fabric. If ironing is the only option, it is important to ensure that the iron never directly touches the gown. A clean, white cloth should always be placed between the gown and the iron, and the iron should be kept on its lowest setting.
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What You'll Learn
Ironing vs steaming
Ironing and steaming are two methods to get rid of wrinkles on a wedding dress. However, the former is more suitable for sturdy fabrics like cotton and linen, while the latter is gentler on delicate fabrics like silk, lace, or tulle. Here is a detailed comparison between the two methods:
Ironing a wedding dress involves using the direct heat from the iron's metal plate to smooth out wrinkles. This method can be risky for delicate fabrics, as the high temperature of the iron can damage, burn, or distort these materials. To minimise the risks, it is recommended to place a protective cloth, such as a soft towel, between the iron and the dress. The iron should also be set to a very low temperature, and light, quick strokes should be used to avoid damaging the fabric. Additionally, it is crucial to keep the iron moving and avoid leaving it in one area for too long.
On the other hand, steaming uses hot steam to gently relax wrinkles without touching the fabric directly. This makes it a much safer option for delicate wedding dresses as it significantly reduces the risk of burning or damaging the fabric. When steaming a wedding dress, it is important to follow certain precautions. For example, for fabrics like satin, it is recommended to avoid direct contact between the steamer head and the fabric. Instead, steam 'around' the gown or steam the inside of the fabric to avoid leaving marks or shine marks on the front. For fabrics like taffeta, which is a bit sturdier but still sensitive to heat, steaming from the inside is also suggested.
In terms of timing, it is generally recommended to steam or iron the wedding dress at least 24 hours before the wedding. This allows enough time for any moisture from the steaming or ironing process to evaporate completely, leaving the fabric smooth and fresh. Additionally, it is important to hang the dress properly after steaming or ironing to prevent new creases from forming. Padded hangers are ideal for this purpose, as they help to prevent creases from forming.
While ironing can be done at home, steaming a wedding dress is often done at the wedding venue or wherever the bride will be getting ready. This is because a professional steamer may be available at the venue, ensuring a more thorough job. However, it is important to note that even after a professional steam, wrinkles can develop during transit. Therefore, it is crucial to have a steamer or iron on hand for last-minute touch-ups on the morning of the wedding.
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Ironing silk or satin
Before ironing, always check the item's care label. If the label says "dry clean only", take it to the dry cleaners. If you are clear to iron, there are a few steps to follow. Firstly, always turn the item inside out so that the dull backside is facing up and the shiny frontside is facing down. Place the item flat on an ironing board. It is important to ensure that the fabric is taut to avoid creating new wrinkles.
When ironing silk, the fabric must always be damp. Use a spray bottle to add moisture to the fabric. It is best to iron silk immediately after it has been hand-washed. It is crucial to use the lowest heat setting on your iron and to minimise back and forth movements. Focus on key areas of wrinkling, gently press down, lift the iron, and then repeat on another section. Always use a pressing cloth, such as a handkerchief or pillowcase, between the iron and the fabric.
Satin should be treated similarly to silk. Use a spray bottle to dampen the fabric, but be careful not to make it too wet. Cover the area with a thin cotton pressing cloth and turn the iron to its lowest heat setting. Hand press the iron onto the wrinkled areas, gently pressing down, lifting, and repeating until the satin is wrinkle-free. As with silk, always use a pressing cloth and do not slide the iron back and forth.
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Ironing inside out
Ironing a wedding dress inside out is a great way to prevent damage to the outer surface, especially if your dress is white. It is also a good method if your dress has many decorations and embellishments.
First, check the fabric of your gown and ask your designer or store owner if you have any questions about the dress. Some fabrics, like shantung, dupioni, and taffeta, are more prone to wrinkling and require extra care. Silk, for example, is sensitive to water spots and heat, so caution is advised.
Next, set up your ironing board and place a soft towel on top to avoid wrinkles on the other side. Make sure your iron is heated and set to the lowest temperature possible. Place the dress inside out on the ironing board, starting with the bodice. Gently press the iron over the fabric, moving it in a back-and-forth or up-and-down motion, depending on the shape of the dress. Continue ironing section by section, smoothing out wrinkles as you go. If your dress has sleeves, iron these next, and then stuff them with tissue to prevent wrinkling.
Finally, 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. Finish by using a skirt hanger to hold the bottom of the train.
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Ironing the train
If your wedding dress is made of natural materials like silk, taffeta, or satin, it is recommended to iron instead of steam. These fabrics are prone to water spots and can be damaged by steaming. However, be cautious when ironing silk and satin, as they are sensitive to heat. Always use the lowest setting on your iron and keep it moving.
Before ironing, test a small, hidden area of the fabric to ensure that the iron is not too hot and will not damage the dress. It is also crucial to check the settings on your iron, as some fabrics, like silk, have specific settings that should be used.
If your dress has pleats, it is generally better to iron than to steam, as steam can remove the pleats. However, if your dress has many decorations and embellishments, it is recommended to turn the dress inside out and use the "inside out" method of ironing. This will help protect the details of your gown.
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Wrinkles on the day
Wrinkles can occur in a wedding dress on the day of the wedding, especially after putting on wedding shoes, which involves bending and can leave wrinkles on the train of the dress. Some fabrics, like shantung, dupioni, and taffeta, are more prone to wrinkles if not handled correctly. If your dress is made of natural materials like silk or taffeta, it is recommended to iron the dress on a silk setting instead of steaming, as steaming may leave water marks and damage the fabric.
If you choose to iron your wedding dress, it is important to take certain precautions. Firstly, turn the dress inside out and place a soft towel on the ironing board to prevent wrinkles on the other side. Start with the bodice, and then move on to the sleeves, which can be stuffed with tissues after ironing to maintain their shape. If your dress has any bows, press and stuff them with tissues as well.
For the train, hang the dress with the hemline at least 5 inches off the ground. Start ironing at the side seam, moving down to the waistline and then towards the hem. Use a skirt hanger to hold the bottom of the train. It is crucial to never let the iron directly touch the gown. Always keep a clean, white cloth between the gown and the iron, and set the iron to the lowest temperature possible. Keep the iron in constant motion to avoid scorching the fabric.
While wrinkles can be a concern, it is important to remember that the wedding day is about much more than the gown. No one will notice a few wrinkles when they see the love and joy on your face as you walk down the aisle. If you are concerned about wrinkles during the ceremony, ask your maid of honor or photographer to help adjust your gown as needed.
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Frequently asked questions
If your wedding dress is made from natural materials like taffeta or silk, it is recommended not to steam it. Instead, iron your wedding dress on a silk setting. Make sure to have a white, clean cloth placed between your gown and the iron. Keep the iron on the lowest setting and always keep it moving.
Before ironing your wedding dress, check the fabric of your gown and ask your designer or store owner if you have any questions. Some fabrics like shantung, dupioni, and taffeta are more prone to wrinkles if not ironed correctly. It is also recommended to test your iron on a small backside of the material to ensure that the iron is not too hot.
To avoid wrinkles on your wedding dress 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.
The time it takes to iron a wedding dress train depends on the complexity of the gown, its layers, embellishments, and fabric. Simple sheaths or A-line gowns take about 30 to 45 minutes to steam, while ballgowns, layered tulle skirts, or long trains can take one to two hours.
