Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding dresses are often a serious financial commitment, so it's only natural that you'd want your wedding dress to look its best on the big day. One way to ensure this is by steaming your wedding dress to get rid of any wrinkles or creases. While steaming is a fairly straightforward process, it's important to note that not all fabrics respond well to it. For instance, while synthetic fabrics steam beautifully, certain silks, such as taffeta and silk faille, should be ironed instead, as they tend to get bubbly when steamed. Other alternatives to steaming include using a wrinkle-release spray, a hairdryer, or hanging the dress in the bathroom while taking a hot shower.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fabrics that can be steamed | Synthetic fabrics or a blend of synthetic materials, like polyester or chiffon |
| Fabrics that should not be steamed | Silk, taffeta, silk faille, soft pleated skirts |
| Steamer type | Any portable steamer will work, but smaller water tanks will require more refills and increase the time needed to complete the steaming process |
| Water type | Fresh, clean water to prevent musty smells or discolouration |
| Steaming technique | Steam in an up-and-down or long downward motion, holding the steamer a few inches away from the fabric |
| Time required | 1-3 hours, depending on the length of the dress train and the number of layers |
| Alternative methods | Ironing, hot shower, wrinkle-release spray, hairdryer |
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What You'll Learn
Fabrics to steam and those to iron
When it comes to steaming or ironing, the type of fabric plays a crucial role in determining the right method to employ. Wedding dresses, in particular, require special attention due to the variety of fabrics used in their construction. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the world of fabric care:
Fabrics That Steam Well
Steaming is an excellent choice for delicate fabrics that require gentle care. Prime candidates for steaming include silky and soft fabrics such as silk, chiffon, satin, lace, wool, and cashmere. These fabrics benefit from the gentle nature of steaming, which reduces the risk of burning or crushing the material. Satin wedding gowns, for example, are popular choices that respond well to steaming, as it helps maintain their glossy and wrinkle-resistant finish.
Additionally, certain synthetic fabrics or synthetic blends are well-suited for steaming. If your wedding dress incorporates these materials, steaming can be an effective way to achieve a flawless look.
Fabrics That Should Be Ironed
On the other hand, certain fabrics are better suited for ironing. If your wedding dress incorporates cotton, linen, denim, or other tough fabrics, ironing is the preferred method to achieve a crisp and polished finish. These fabrics can withstand the pressure, heat, and moisture provided by an iron.
It is important to note that certain silks, such as taffeta and silk faille, tend to develop a bubbly appearance when steamed. Therefore, these specific types of silk are better ironed to avoid unwanted texture.
Additional Considerations
When preparing to steam or iron your wedding dress, it is crucial to test the method on a small area of the fabric first. This ensures that the fabric responds well to the chosen technique and helps prevent any accidental damage. Additionally, always refer to the garment's care label for specific instructions and warnings.
Furthermore, if your wedding dress features intricate details such as soft pleats or multiple layers, extra care is required. Steaming soft pleats, especially if they are made of silk, can cause the pleats to relax and lose their shape. In this case, ironing at a low temperature is recommended to retain the crispness of the pleats. For dresses with multiple layers, it is essential to work on each layer individually, starting from the inside out, to achieve a smooth and consistent finish.
In summary, the choice between steaming and ironing depends on the fabric of your wedding dress and the desired finish. By understanding the unique characteristics of each fabric and following the care instructions provided, you can ensure that your wedding dress looks absolutely stunning and picture-perfect.
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How to prep your steamer
To prepare your steamer, start by filling the reservoir with cold, fresh water. If your fabric is prone to yellowing, consider using distilled water. Make sure all parts of the steamer are secure to prevent leaks. Plug in the steamer and let the water heat up completely—this usually takes around 2 to 3 minutes. Before steaming your wedding dress, test the steamer on a small area of similar fabric to ensure it won't be damaged by the heat.
Once the steamer is hot and ready, place your wedding dress on a hanger. If your dress has multiple layers, work from the inside out, steaming each layer individually. Hold the steamer 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm) away from the fabric, using long downward strokes. For delicate fabrics like silk, chiffon, and velvet, steam the underside of the fabric to prevent watermarks, streaking, and crushing. If your dress has embellishments like pleats and ruffles, hold the steamer 1 to 2 inches away to preserve the shape while removing wrinkles.
Remember, never steam a garment while it is being worn. The steam can reach over 200 degrees, causing burns. Always keep the steamer upright to prevent spills and keep children away from it. After each steaming session, let the steamer cool down, empty the water reservoir, and allow it to dry before storing.
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Steaming multiple layers
Steaming a wedding dress with multiple layers can be a time-consuming and tedious process, but it will ensure your gown looks pristine on your big day. It is recommended to steam each layer separately, but steaming several layers of tulle together is also an option.
Before you begin, check the fabric of your dress. Some materials, like Shantung, dupioni, and taffeta, can become more wrinkled after steaming. If you are unsure, consult a professional bridal stylist. It is also important to note that steaming is not suitable for soft pleated skirts as it can cause the pleats to come out, especially if the fabric is silk.
When steaming multiple layers, start from the inside of the dress, holding the steamer 3-6 inches away from the fabric. You can use coat hangers or clothes pegs to secure the top layer while you work on the underskirt. If your dress has multiple layers of tulle, gently pull the tulle straight while gliding the steamer over it, either from underneath or on top, whichever you find easier. A stocking sock or thin cloth can be placed over the steamer head to diffuse the steam and catch any water droplets.
Allow ample time for the steaming process, especially if your dress has extensive layers or heavy fabrics. Simple gowns may take 30-45 minutes, while ballgowns and layered skirts can take up to two hours. It is best to steam your dress at least 24 hours before the wedding to allow for adequate drying time.
If you are unsure about steaming your dress yourself, you can hire a professional steamer or consult with a bridal boutique for guidance.
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When to steam the dress
Wedding dresses are often a serious financial commitment, so it's understandable that you'll want your wedding dress to look its best. To achieve this, it's important to consider when to steam the dress to ensure it looks picture-perfect.
Firstly, it's crucial to understand the fabric of your wedding dress, as certain fabrics respond differently to steaming. Synthetic fabrics or synthetic blends, for instance, steam beautifully, whereas certain silks, such as taffeta and silk faille, should be ironed instead of steamed as they can become bubbly. If your dress has multiple layers, it's recommended to steam each layer individually, working from the inside out, to achieve a smooth look. However, if your skirt includes a layer of shaping crinoline, it's unnecessary to steam it, as it won't make a significant difference. Additionally, soft pleated skirts should be avoided when it comes to steaming, as it can cause the pleats to come out, especially with silk skirts.
Now, let's discuss the timeline for steaming your wedding dress. While some sources suggest steaming your dress the morning of the wedding, others recommend doing it a few days or even a week before the wedding. Steaming your dress the day before or the morning of the wedding can be a bit stressful, especially if you're the bride, as you'll have other things to focus on. Therefore, it's advisable to steam your dress a few days or a week before the wedding to ensure it's one less thing to worry about on the big day. Additionally, if you're travelling with your dress, it's a good idea to steam it after it has been packed and transported to remove any wrinkles that may have formed during the journey.
If you're unsure about steaming your dress yourself, it's recommended to hire a professional gown steaming company or delegate the task to a friend. They can consult with the seamstress and bridal boutique to understand the intricacies of your dress and how to properly steam it. Additionally, they can learn how to bustle your wedding dress, which is an important skill to have on the wedding day.
Lastly, when it comes to steaming, always test the steamer on a small area of the dress first to avoid any potential damage to the fabric. This is especially important if you're using a steamer for the first time or if you're unsure about the settings.
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Alternatives to steaming
If you're looking for alternatives to steaming a wedding dress, there are a few methods you can try, depending on the fabric of your dress.
If your dress is made of chiffon, nylon, or polyester, you can use the shower method. Hang the dress on a clean fabric hanger, preferably one that can hold the skirt hem taut, and place it on the back of the bathroom door. Make sure it's at least 5 inches off the ground and away from the showerhead to avoid getting it wet. Then, turn on the shower to hot and let it run for 20-30 minutes. This will allow the steam to accumulate and remove the wrinkles from your dress.
For satin dresses, you can use a wrinkle-release spray that contains fabric softeners. Be sure to test it on a small area of the fabric first, as it may cause stains or leave a warping effect. Another option for satin is to use a hairdryer on a low setting to smooth out minor wrinkles.
If you prefer to iron your dress, it is recommended to use a dry iron on medium to low heat with a white press cloth, especially for silk, satin, or tulle fabrics. Avoid using steam, as it can cause water spots and stains on these delicate fabrics. Always iron from the inside of the dress, and start with the bodice, working your way down to the skirt.
Additionally, hanging your dress well in advance of the wedding can help prevent wrinkles. Ask your tailor for suggestions on how to hang it, as they have experience with different dress forms and fabrics.
Remember, it's important to know the fabric of your dress and consult with your designer or store owner before attempting any wrinkle-removal method.
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Frequently asked questions
If you want to steam a wedding dress, it is recommended to hire a professional gown steaming company. However, if you want to steam it yourself, you can use a hand-held steamer and work in long downward strokes along the fabric. Be sure to test the steamer on a small area of the dress first to avoid damaging the material.
Before steaming, it is important to fill the steamer with clean water to prevent any musty smells or marks from transferring to the dress. It is also important to allow enough time to steam the dress, especially if the dress has a long train or a lot of fabric, as this can take up to three hours.
Wedding dresses made from natural materials like silk, taffeta, or soft pleated skirts should not be steamed. These fabrics are better ironed on a low heat setting to avoid removing the pleats or causing water damage.
