Learning how to steam a wedding dress to perfection isn’t too challenging, and anyone can do it!
Picture this: It’s the morning of your big day, and excitement is in the air – the sun is shining, birds are chirping, and there’s a buzz of anticipation as the wedding festivities get closer and closer.
There’s just one little wrinkle in your day – literally. Your beautiful wedding dress has taken on a life of its own, being completely wrinkled and unwearable! If you’ve found yourself in this situation, there’s no time to waste.
Learning how to steam a wedding dress to perfection isn’t too challenging, and anyone can do it. Once you’re finished reading this article, you’ll know how to do it, too, and will be able to walk down the aisle with the confidence and grace you always imagined.
What You’re Going to Need
Here are some of the things you’ll need before you start steaming your wedding dress:
- Garment Steamer: The bridal experts at Sherri Hill say this is the tool that you’ll be using to remove wrinkles from your dress. A handheld steamer is usually more practical for wedding dresses.
- Hanger: A sturdy hanger to hang the dress on while you steam it. Choose one that can handle the weight of the dress without causing it to stretch or deform.
- Clean Water: You’ll need water to fill the steamer’s reservoir – make sure to use distilled or filtered water to prevent mineral deposits that could clog the steamer.
- Ironing Board or Flat Surface: A flat, clean surface where you can lay out the dress, making it easier to steam.
- Clean White Cloth or Pressing Cloth (Optional): If your dress is delicate or has sensitive fabrics, you may want to place a clean white cloth or pressing cloth between the steamer and the dress to protect it from direct heat and moisture.
- Patience and Care: Steaming can be a pretty delicate and slow process, especially for intricate dresses. Take your time and be gentle; the last thing you want is a damaged dress!
Getting Started With Steaming Your Wedding Dress
With your trusty equipment and steaming space ready, you’re all set to start the steaming process – follow these steps to make sure you get satisfactory results as fast as possible:
Prepare Your Steamer:
- Once you’ve filled the reservoir, plug in the steamer and let it heat up. It usually takes a few minutes for the steam to start coming out.
Hang the Dress:
- Hang your wedding dress on a sturdy hanger, making sure it’s secured properly and doesn’t slip off.
Test a Small Area:
- Before you start steaming the entire dress, test a small, lowkey area to make sure the steamer’s heat and moisture won’t damage the fabric. If your dress has a lining, test it on that first.
Use a Pressing Cloth (Optional):
- If you’ve found that your dress is delicate or has sensitive fabrics, place a clean white cloth or pressing cloth between the steamer and the dress while steaming. This adds an extra layer of protection.
Steam the Dress:
- Starting from the top or neckline of the dress, hold the steamer about 1-2 inches away from the fabric.
- Gently pull the fabric taut with your other hand, and slowly move the steamer in downward strokes. Always keep the steamer moving to prevent overheating or causing water spots.
- Pay extra attention to areas with stubborn wrinkles, like seams, pleats, and lace details.
- If your dress has a long train, work on it section by section, and as we discussed earlier, be patient.
Allow the Dress To Dry:
- After steaming, let your dress hang and air dry for a little while. This helps any remaining moisture evaporate.
Inspect and Make Final Touches:
- Examine the dress closely to ensure all wrinkles are gone. If you spot any stubborn wrinkles, repeat the steaming process in those areas.
How To Prevent Your Dress From Wrinkling Again
Keeping your wedding dress looking fantastic is easy-peasy! Just store it in a cool, dry place away from the sun. That’s not all, though; you’ll also want to hang it on a nice, padded hanger inside a breathable garment bag.
Also, don’t touch it too much, and if you need to transport it, lay it flat in your car’s back seat very carefully. Lastly, it’s always a good idea to get it professionally smoothed out (steamed and pressed) right before your wedding.
Sit Back and Enjoy Your Special Day
Wedding dress shopping can be stressful, and that stress doesn’t go away even after you’ve bought it because you have to keep it from getting wrinkled! With the tips we’ve shared above, you’ll easily be able to steam your dress and enjoy your wedding day without worrying about anything!
Further Reading:
- Expert Advice: Grooms Attire for hot and humid weather
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