George Boyle
Wedding dress steaming is a process that uses steam from hot water to remove wrinkles and smoothen the fabric. While some dresses may not require steaming, it is often recommended to ensure the gown looks fresh and wrinkle-free for the big day. The decision to steam a wedding dress ultimately depends on the fabric and style of the dress, as well as personal preference and budget constraints. Some fabrics, such as silk faille, satins, and taffetas, may have natural wrinkles that are challenging to remove completely. In such cases, professional steaming or alternative methods like using a dry iron with a clean white press cloth might be considered. Budget-conscious brides may opt for DIY steaming with a handheld steamer, while others may prefer the convenience and expertise of hiring a professional steaming service.
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What You'll Learn
Cost of professional steaming
The cost of professional wedding dress steaming can vary depending on the service provider and location. In Orlando, for example, the cost of professional steaming services ranges from $175 to $250, which typically includes both the wedding dress and the bridal veil.
Some bridal shops may offer steaming services for free, especially if the dress was purchased from them. However, other shops or boutiques may charge for steaming, with prices ranging from $40 to $65.
If you are unable to access professional steaming services, there are alternative options available. You can purchase a steamer to use yourself, with prices ranging from $15 to $40. This can be a good investment, as it can be reused in the future. Alternatively, you can delegate the task to a friend, who can learn the proper steaming techniques from the seamstress or bridal boutique during the final alterations fitting.
It is important to note that steaming a wedding dress can take 1-3 hours, depending on the length of the train. Therefore, it is advisable to have the dress steamed by a professional or a delegated friend, rather than doing it yourself on your wedding day.
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DIY steaming
Steaming your wedding dress is a great way to ensure it looks perfect for your big day. While hiring a professional gown steaming company is recommended, it is not always possible. Here is a guide on how to DIY steam your wedding dress:
Choose the Right Steamer
You can use any portable steamer you already own or purchase a new one. If you are buying a steamer, consider the size of the water tank, as smaller tanks will need to be refilled more often and may take longer to complete the steaming process. You can also call your hotel to see if they have a steamer available for you to use.
Prepare the Steamer
Fill the tank with fresh water to prevent any musty smells from transferring to your dress. If using a handheld steamer, consider wrapping the steamer head with a piece of fabric, such as a cotton cloth or a handkerchief, to catch any water droplets and protect your dress.
Steam the Dress
Hang your dress on a padded hanger in the bathroom and close the door. Run a very hot shower, allowing the room to fill with steam. Leave the dress in the steamy bathroom for around 20 minutes. You can also use the steamer directly on the dress, gliding it slowly over the creases. Be sure to steam each layer individually, working from the inside out, especially if the skirt is soft and flowy. Avoid steaming a soft pleated skirt, as this can cause the pleats to come out, especially if it is made of silk. For minor wrinkles, try the old trick of hanging the dress on the bathroom door during a steamy shower. After steaming, your dress may feel slightly damp, so allow it to air dry for about 10 minutes before wearing it.
Fabric Considerations
Certain fabrics, such as synthetic fabrics or synthetic blends, will steam beautifully. However, certain silks, such as taffeta, dupioni, silk faille, and shantung, should be ironed with a dry iron rather than steamed, as they can become bubbly or wrinkled. Always use a clean pressing cloth for heat protection.
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Fabrics that don't require steaming
It is important to have a wrinkle-free wedding dress, and steaming is a great way to achieve this. While most dresses steam out nicely, some fabrics are more difficult to work with. These structured fabrics include silk faille, satins, and taffetas, which naturally have a wrinkled look.
If you are set on not steaming your wedding dress, there are a few fabrics that are less likely to wrinkle and may not require steaming. These include:
- Thick cotton and denim: These fabrics are perfect for steaming, but due to their thickness, they may not wrinkle as easily and could be smoothened out without the use of steam.
- Polyester: This fabric is safe to steam but is also less prone to wrinkling, so it may not require the additional step of steaming.
- Silk: Silk is a delicate fabric that is generally steamed, but it can also be ironed with a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric. This method might be preferred if you do not want to steam your dress.
- Wool: Wool can be steamed at a low temperature, but it is also a fabric that does not wrinkle easily, so it may not require steaming at all.
It is always a good idea to consult a professional or the bridal boutique for advice on your specific dress, as they can guide you based on their experience and the fabric and design of your dress.
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Preparing your wedding dress for steaming
Check the Fabric
Firstly, it is crucial to inspect the fabric of your wedding dress. Certain materials, such as Shantung, dupioni, taffeta, certain silks, and satins, may not respond well to steaming and can even become more wrinkled. If your dress is made of these fabrics, consider using a dry iron on medium to low heat and a clean, thin white press cloth instead.
Hang the Dress
Once you have determined the appropriate method for your fabric, it's time to prepare the dress. If you are getting ready in a bathroom, hang the dress on the bathroom door or a high hook. Then, take a hot shower to fill the room with steam. This simple method may be all that's needed for some gowns.
Unpack Early
If you are travelling with your wedding dress, it is advisable to unpack and hang it as soon as you arrive at your destination, even a few days in advance. This will allow any wrinkles to naturally soften with gravity over time.
Delegate the Task
On the morning of your wedding, delegate the task of steaming to a trusted friend or family member who will be getting ready with you. It is important to note that steaming a wedding dress can take 1-3 hours, so ensure you allow enough time. Alternatively, consider hiring a professional gown steaming company for peace of mind, as they are experts in handling different fabrics and designers.
Getting into the Dress
Once the dress is steamed, carefully get into it without undoing all the hard work. Put on your shoes first, as it will be more difficult to do so after you're in the gown. If possible, have someone stand on a chair and lower the dress over you, skirt first, while you protect your hair and makeup.
Remember, while you want your dress to look perfect, the day is about so much more than just the gown. Enjoy the process and savour every moment of your special day!
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Maintaining your gown's shape
Firstly, consult a professional. Bridal boutiques and alterations teams typically offer steaming services, and they are familiar with various fabrics and designers. This option can save you time and stress. The cost for professional steaming can vary from $50 to $300, depending on factors such as location, dress complexity, and timing.
If you prefer to steam your gown yourself or with the help of a friend, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, check your fabric. Certain fabrics, such as Shantung, dupioni, and taffeta, may become more wrinkled after steaming. For these fabrics, it is recommended to use a dry iron with medium to low heat and a clean white press cloth. When steaming other fabrics, it is important to use a circular motion and avoid applying too much heat to one area for too long. Additionally, always cover the steamer head with fabric, such as a clean white t-shirt or a thin white towel, to catch any water droplets and prevent stains on your gown.
The way you hang your dress on the hanger during steaming can impact its shape. Consult your tailor for specific recommendations, as every gown is unique. Some general tips include gently holding the skirt hem taut, using a balled-up towel to support the bust area, or hanging the sleeves in a particular way to maintain their shape.
Remember to plan ahead and designate a responsible steamer, whether it's a professional or a friend who feels comfortable with the process. This will ensure that your gown looks smooth and fresh for your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
A fresh steam on your wedding dress will make it look perfect for your big day. It will get rid of any wrinkles or creases and make your dress picture-perfect.
The cost of steaming a wedding dress can vary. Professional steaming services can cost between $175 to $250 and usually include the veil in their pricing. However, some people opt for DIY steaming, which can be cheaper but more time-consuming. Steamers can be purchased for $15 to $40.
Steaming a wedding dress can take 1-3 hours, depending on the length of the train and the number of layers. It is recommended to drop off your dress a week to ten days before you want to pick it up to ensure it has enough time to be steamed and dried.
