How to Steam a Wedding Dress, According to a Bridal Stylist

Plus, the five best steamers to get down the aisle wrinkle-free.

Photo: Stocksy

Updated Apr 29, 2025

You've put a lot of thought into your wedding day attire: You likely pinned inspo, shopped around, tried on dozens of styles, said yes to the dress and had alterations made so it fits like a glove. So don't forget the last step: learn how to steam a wedding dress in advance, so you know how to make it look picture-perfect on the big day.

Chicago-based stylist Alexandra Euler, an experienced bridal consultant and founder of ACE Styling, has steamed countless wedding dresses in her career. "Steaming your gown doesn't have to be a hot mess," she promises. "Just take your time, breathe and trust the process."

(It's worth noting that bridal stylists and day-of dressers like Euler have become a major vendor category in the past year—any it's no wonder why: If the last thing you want to worry about the morning of your wedding is how to get wrinkles out of a wedding dress, they'll be there to handle this for you.)

Regardless of who is doing the steaming, the first step is easy. "When arriving with your gown at the destination you will be getting dressed at, immediately take the gown out of its protective garment bag and hang it from a high [hook]," Euler says. "Minor creases may release on their own." From there, follow our step-by-step guide to wedding dress steaming below.

In this article:

How to Steam a Wedding Dress
The Best Steamer for a Wedding Dress, Based on Need
FAQ About Wedding Dress Steaming

How to Steam a Wedding Dress

"Steaming a wedding dress like a pro starts with patience and the right game plan," Euler says. Whether you're a bride, stylist or maid-of-honor helping out, these steps will ensure smooth sailing.

1. Hang the Dress Somewhere High

"Use a secure, tall hook so the gown can hang without bunching at the bottom," Euler says. "A doorway or curtain rod works best in a pinch." A few things to look out for: Make sure the area is clean, and place a clean white sheet on the floor underneath the dress to avoid dirt and damage. Hanging the dress may help release any initial wrinkles naturally.

2. Use Distilled Water

In addition to packing the steamer and a white sheet, you'll want to bring your own distilled water; never fill the steamer from a faucet. "Using distilled water avoids any mineral spots or damage," Euler says. "Allow the steamer to fully heat up away from the gown, and release a few initial bursts of steam to prevent any water splatter on the fabric. Always test on a hidden area first, especially with delicate fabrics."

3. Start at the Bottom and Work Up

Much like brushing long hair, you don't want to start high and go down. Instead, begin with the hem and train, Euler says. "This helps prevent new wrinkles from forming as you go. If there are multiple layers that need to be streamed, begin with the first on the inside of the gown."

4. Steam in Light, Downward Motions

Starting from the hem, steam in light, downward motions. "Keep your distance," Euler adds. "Hold the steamer a few inches away to avoid saturating the fabric." Avoid areas with embellishments and lace. "These areas can be heat-sensitive. Instead of direct steam, hover nearby and let the steam gently fall over them," Euler says. "Typically, lace and embellished gowns won't wrinkle, so you should be in the clear here!"

5. Let it Settle

You never want to steam a dress too close to when you'll be putting it on; it needs time to settle. "Let it hang and settle: After steaming, give the gown at least 20 to 30 minutes to fully dry and cool down," Euler says. "Bonus: This also allows gravity to work its magic."

The Best Steamer for a Wedding Dress, Based on Need

"When selecting a steamer, consider factors like heat-up time, steam duration, portability and suitability for your dress's specific fabric," Euler says. "Always test the steamer first on a small, unnoticeable part of the gown in case of damage." Here, Euler and our editors nail down a handful of trusted options.

Best Overall: Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Handheld Fabric Steamer

"This steamer is small but mighty," Euler says. "It offers five steam settings, making it versatile for delicate fabrics like silk and satin. Its high heat, perfect for tulle, effectively smooths out wrinkles without direct contact." It's Euler's personal go-to for wedding dresses—and just about anything else, too. "This steamer lives rent-free in my closet for daily use!"

Review Spotlight: "I purchased this to steam a bridal gown and veil, or any other wrinkled garments, for my daughter's destination wedding. It's small enough for travel and works well on the wrinkled garments and tablecloths for our wedding table. It has a small reservoir, but I filled it up and it's ready to go in seconds. The best part is that it didn't 'spit' on any items! Love this little steamer." –Lisa, Amazon

$70 | Amazon

Best for Heavy Fabrics & Ballgowns: Jiffy J-2000 Garment Steamer

Specs: 2.84 liter tank |one hour-plus steam time | one-minute heat-up | 1,300 watts

"This is a professional-grade upright steamer known for its durability and efficiency," Euler says. "With a nearly one-gallon water tank, it provides continuous steam for almost two hours, perfect for gowns with heavy fabrics or extensive layers. Due to its steaming longevity, it's perfect for the whole crew on wedding morning—because, let's be real, someone is showing up with a wrinkled dress."

Review spotlight: "I was looking for a professional steamer for my wedding and life. The J-2000 fit the bill perfectly. I have worked with the J-4000 as someone who worked in retail, but wanted something a little smaller by the Jiffy brand as their steamers are amazing. The J-2000 is very easy to fill with distilled water and provides about an hour to an hour and a half of steaming (all depends on the fabric you are steaming). … It has the power of the J-4000 without being as large… It steamed my veil beautifully and took the hard lines in the silk robes I picked up for my bridal party out so quickly. Excellent product, great brand, awesome smaller size. Who needs an iron with this!" –PenName, Amazon

$238 | Amazon

Best for Silk & Crepe: CHI Handheld Garment Steamer

Specs: five minutes continuous steam | 35-second heat-up | 800 watts | one pound

"Compact and lightweight, this steamer heats up in no time and delivers powerful steam for up to five minutes," Euler says. "It's ideal for a quick touchup! Its ceramic soleplate—just like CHI's O.G. straightener—is gentle on wedding gown fabrics like crepe and silk, ensuring effective wrinkle removal without damage."

Review Spotlight: "Purchased this with the intent to bring with me for numerous weddings across the country. It's the size of a hair straightener and fits perfectly tucked into a carry-on/bookbag/travel tote. It gets the job done and heats up quickly." –J, Amazon

$48 | Amazon

Best for Bulk Steaming: Rowenta ProStyle Full Size Professional Garment Steamer

Even if it's just to a local venue, you'll likely have to travel with your wedding dress. For that reason, handheld steamers are ideal for convenience and portability. But if you think you might use a steamer in your everyday life, opting for a full-size stand-up wedding dress steamer model might be worth it. And, if you're wondering how to get wrinkles out of a bridesmaid dress, too—this one will effectively steam the whole bridal party, plus your groom's suit or tux if needed.

Review Spotlight: "Prior to getting this steamer, I had only used a handheld travel steamer at home for years. This full-size steamer was such a huge difference! I steam most of my dress clothes for work and a handheld travel steamer could be pretty tedious. I am able to steam my garments in less than half the time with this. I also don't have to refill it multiple times to get through one shirt which is amazing! The quality is exactly what I expect from the Rowenta brand, and I expect this will last a very long time for me. I would highly recommend it if you steam your clothing a lot!" –C. Lynn, Amazon

$110 | Amazon

Best for Destination Weddings: G7 Dual Voltage Steamer

Specs: 1,000 watts | 1.4 pounds | eight minutes continuous steam | 18-second heat-up | 2.3 ounce tank

When packing tools and electronics for destination weddings, you'll need to make sure the product supports different voltages. This dual-voltage steamer has settings for 100–120 volts (which the US, Mexico and Canada use) or 220-240 volts, more common in Europe. It's lightweight and portable, too. The downside of a compact steamer, of course, is a smaller water tank, so you'll need to refill this a handful of times when steaming your full wedding dress, but its small size makes it easy to pack in your luggage. (Pro tip: Unpack and hang your wedding dress the moment you arrive at your destination, even if it's a few days before the wedding, so wrinkles can begin to soften with gravity.)

Review Spotlight: "I got this steamer in anticipation for a wedding that I was going to be attending. I needed a steamer that was small and lightweight so it would travel easily and not take up too much space in my luggage. I also needed one that was strong enough to handle a variety of clothes between myself, kids, and parents. I'm super happy I went with this one. It's been amazing. It heats up quickly, steams in any direction you go, and leaves the clothes wrinkle-free with ease. No issues with water leaking or it stops working. It's been great. The perfect travel buddy for any occasion. Will be using a lot more at home and on more trips/events." –Melanie B., Amazon

$69 | Amazon

FAQ About Wedding Dress Steaming

Steaming your wedding dress can be tricky, but it's very doable if you know the basics. Follow the step-by-step above, and keep reading here for a few more need-to-knows.

Can I steam my wedding dress at home?

Yes, you can definitely steam a wedding dress at home, but it's better to do it at your wedding venue or wherever you will be getting ready, if possible. When you pick up your wedding dress from its last round of alterations, it will likely have a nice professional steam, but wrinkles can always happen in transit, so it's best to do the final touchups before putting the dress on. "If you're still unsure, consult with a professional bridal stylist or have your gown professionally steamed," Euler suggests.

How long does it take to steam a wedding dress?

The short answer: Longer than you think—but it 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," Euler says. "Ballgowns, layered tulle skirts or long trains can take one to two hours. At home, it may take even longer if you're being careful, which you should be." Don't forget to allow extra time for steaming veils, capes, overskirts, detachable sleeves or other accessories, and allow time for the dress to settle.

If it's possible based on where you're getting ready, it is best to steam a dress the night before the wedding. "Steaming the night before gives the fabric time to settle, cool and let gravity naturally smooth any lingering wrinkles; plus, it avoids the chaos of last-minute rushing or accidental water spots on the wedding morning," Euler says. "If you're DIY-ing it, don't wait until you're in full glam with your dress halfway on to notice a wrinkle. That's not the time to grab a steamer."

How much does it cost to get a wedding dress steamed professionally?

"Your bridal boutique will typically press and steam your gown prior to pickup, especially if you're having alterations done through them; however, minor creasing can still occur during transport," Euler says. If you're opting for another professional steam closer to the wedding, it can cost anywhere between $75 and $250, depending on the gown. The benefits, however, are immense. "The pros know exactly how to handle silk, lace, crepe or tulle without damaging the fibers; one wrong move at home and you could leave a mark," Euler says. "Stylists will check the gown for loose threads, embellishment snags and hanger placement before and after steaming, and the gown is steamed while properly hung, fluffed and fully supported to maintain shape. No bunching on the bed or awkward angles in a cramped bathroom."

Is it better to steam or iron a wedding dress?

Steam is better than ironing when it comes to wedding attire. "In almost every case, steaming is the safer and more effective option—especially for delicate wedding gown fabrics like silk, tulle, lace and crepe," Euler says. "Steaming gently doesn't flatten the texture and minimizes the risk of heat damage or shiny marks. Any ironing or pressing should be done professionally by the seamstress handling your gown during alterations."

If ironing is the only option, make sure it never directly touches your gown. "Make sure to have a white, clean cloth placed between your gown and the iron," Euler says. "Also, keep the iron on the lowest setting possible and always keep the iron moving."

Can I steam a silk wedding dress?

Yes, but silk and satin are especially prone to water spots, so caution is key, says Euler. As for how to steam a satin wedding dress, "don't let the steamer head touch the fabric directly—steam 'around' the gown to avoid leaving marks," Euler says. "If you're nervous, lay a clean white cotton cloth over the area and steam through it for an extra layer of protection."

Can I steam a taffeta wedding dress?

"Taffeta is a bit sturdier, but still sensitive to heat," Euler says. You can steam it, but she suggests doing so from the inside—that is, steaming the wrong side of the fabric to avoid shine marks on the front—and to avoid oversteaming. "Let it fully cool before touching or moving it," Euler advises. "This fabric holds shape really well, but can crease again easily."