Lyla Dejesus
A wedding dress is a once-in-a-lifetime purchase, and every bride wants to look perfect on her special day. Wrinkles and creases are a common problem, especially with long trains and lots of fabric. To prevent this, it is important to prep the garment beforehand. This could include steaming, ironing, or pressing the dress, and there are many tips and tricks to achieve this, such as using a steamer, or ironing from the inside out. Wedding dresses are often made from synthetic fabrics such as polyester or chiffon, which are steam-friendly, but natural fabrics like silk or taffeta should not be steamed.
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What You'll Learn
Use a steamer
Using a steamer is an effective way to prevent your wedding dress train from wrinkling. Firstly, ensure that you fill the steamer's tank with fresh water to prevent any musty smells from transferring to your dress. While some recommend covering the steamer head with a lightweight fabric, such as cheesecloth, to prevent dirt or grease from getting on the dress, others advise against this as it may take longer. Instead, it is recommended to cover the steamer head with a thin white towel or an old t-shirt to prevent water droplets from leaving marks on the dress.
Hang your wedding dress on a sturdy hanger, and ensure that you steam each skirt layer separately. Hold the steamer six to ten inches away from the dress, and never place the steamer directly on the gown as this may damage the fabric. Glide the steamer slowly over the creases, allowing the heat to remove the wrinkles. It is recommended to steam from the inside of the dress to prevent adding more wrinkles, and always steam in an up-and-down motion.
If you are intimidated by the process, you can try hanging the dress in a steamy bathroom. Cover the bathroom floor with towels and run a very hot shower, allowing the room to fill with steam. Wrap your arm in a dry, white towel and run it down the length of the gown, smoothing out any wrinkles. This method is less likely to leave water spots or iron impressions.
If you are still unsure about steaming your dress, you can check with your bridal shop to see if they have any tips or recommendations for touch-ups. Alternatively, consider hiring a professional dry cleaning specialist to ensure your gown is perfectly cared for.
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Store it correctly
If you're storing your wedding dress at home, it's best to keep it in a spare closet, well out of the way of curious pets and children. It's important to store your dress flat if it's heavy and multilayered, as hanging it can stretch the fabric over time. Satin dresses, for example, should be stored flat, inside a breathable garment bag or wrapped in a cotton sheet. If your dress is light and only has a few layers, you can hang it up inside a garment bag.
Before storing your dress, make sure to remove it from any plastic, as plastic doesn't allow fabrics to breathe and may cause stains. It's also a good idea to store your dress in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and heat sources.
If you're storing your dress in the days leading up to your wedding, carefully remove it from storage a few days beforehand and hang it somewhere high so that any remaining wrinkles can drop out. If there are still wrinkles a day or two before the wedding, hang the dress in the bathroom while a hot shower is running. Just make sure to keep the dress away from the water.
If you're storing your dress after the wedding, you can place it loosely folded in paper inside a garment bag or box in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. This will help preserve your dress for as long as possible.
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Iron it at home
Ironing your wedding dress at home is a delicate task that can be done with care and attention. Here are some detailed instructions to help you achieve a wrinkle-free gown:
First, check the fabric of your dress. Different materials require varying levels of heat and care. For example, fabrics like shantung, dupioni, and taffeta are more prone to wrinkling if not ironed correctly. Silk, satin, and tulle should not be ironed with steam, as it may stain or damage the fabric. Always refer to the designer or store owner for specific instructions regarding your dress's fabric.
When ironing, it is recommended to turn the dress inside out and start with the bodice. This method is especially useful if your dress has many decorations or embellishments. Place a soft towel over the ironing board to prevent wrinkles on the outer side of the dress. Then, move on to the sleeves, and stuff them with tissues after ironing to prevent new wrinkles from forming.
To iron the train of your dress, hang it with the hemline at least 5 inches off the ground. Start at the side seam and iron down to the waistline, then towards the hem. Use a skirt hanger to hold the bottom of the train. Remember to avoid direct contact between the iron and the fabric, especially for delicate materials like tulle, which can melt. Use a washcloth or towel as a protective barrier if needed.
Additionally, consider investing in a handheld steamer. While it is not necessary, it can be a convenient option for touch-ups, especially on the day of the wedding. If you prefer a steamer, you can fill your bathroom with hot steam or hang your dress in the bathroom while taking a long shower to achieve a similar effect.
Remember, it is always best to be cautious and gentle when ironing your wedding dress at home. If you are unsure, consult a professional bridal stylist or dry cleaner for assistance.
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Get it pressed
Wedding dress fabrics and embellishments are often more delicate and sensitive to heat than everyday fabrics, so it's important to proceed with caution when trying to prevent your wedding dress train from wrinkling. One option is to get your dress pressed by a professional.
If you have room in your wedding budget, consider hiring a professional dry cleaner to steam or press your wedding dress. They will know how to get creases out of your wedding dress, and it is typically an investment that is worth it to ensure your gown is perfectly cared for.
Some bridal wear retailers will steam your dress for free when you purchase it from them. However, if you made your own wedding dress or bought it from a store that doesn't offer pressing and steaming, you'll need to take care of that detail yourself or hire a professional.
If you want to get your dress pressed by a professional, it's important to do so well in advance of your wedding day. One source mentions that they got their dress pressed three days before the wedding, but this meant that they had to be very careful with storage to avoid adding wrinkles.
If you don't want to pay for a professional steam, you can steam your own dress right before you wear it. However, this may be a less desirable option, as it can be time-consuming and may not remove all wrinkles.
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Ask your bridal shop for advice
When it comes to your wedding dress, it's understandable that you want it to be perfect. Wrinkles and creases can occur due to improper storage or transport, so it's essential to take steps to prevent them. While there are many at-home solutions, your bridal shop can be an invaluable resource for advice and services to ensure your gown is pristine.
Asking your bridal shop for advice is a great first step. They have likely dealt with similar situations and can offer tailored solutions for your specific dress. For example, they may suggest professional pressing or steaming services to remove any wrinkles before your big day. This can be especially useful if you're unsure about treating the fabric yourself, as some materials, like satin, silk, and taffeta, require special care and cannot be steamed.
Your bridal shop may also provide guidance on how to safely transport your dress to avoid wrinkles. This could include recommending a specific type of garment bag or advising you to lay the dress flat during travel. They might also suggest removing the dress from the bag as soon as you arrive at your destination and hanging it up in a cool, dry place to prevent new wrinkles from forming.
Additionally, the bridal shop can offer tips on how to properly store your dress before the wedding. They may recommend storing it at a friend's or family member's house, where it's less likely to be disturbed, and providing specific instructions on how to hang it to avoid creases.
Finally, your bridal shop may offer last-minute touch-up services on the day of your wedding. They could recommend a steamer or provide instructions on how to safely steam your dress to remove any wrinkles that may have formed during transport or while getting ready.
By consulting with your bridal shop, you can gain expert advice and services to ensure your wedding dress remains wrinkle-free and looks flawless on your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
Keep your dress in its garment bag to prevent the bodice form from shifting around or folding. Lay the bag flat on a car seat or use the overhead bin or closet in a plane. When you arrive, remove the dress from the bag and hang it up.
Hang your dress on a sturdy hanger and hold the steamer 6-10 inches away from the fabric. Run the steamer slowly down the length of the gown, doing each skirt layer separately. Steam from the inside and cover the steamer head with a thin piece of fabric to prevent water marks.
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. Use a skirt hanger to hold the bottom of the train.
Put your accessories and shoes on before your dress to avoid bending and adding wrinkles. If your dress does get wrinkled, enlist your photographer and maid of honour to adjust it for you.
