Steaming & Caring for Your Veil: Pre-Wedding Tips from a Designer
- Rebecca Anne
- Aug 5
- 5 min read
Your wedding veil is one of the most delicate and meaningful accessories you’ll ever wear. From soft, flowing tulle to intricate embroidery and hand-drawn details, your veil deserves thoughtful care before, during and after the big day. As a veil designer, I’m often asked how to keep a veil crease-free, store it safely, and look after it both before and after the wedding. In this guide, I’m sharing expert tips on how to steam, store and care for your veil, ensuring it looks its best from first fitting to final photograph.
Photographer: Danielle Veitch
How to Store Your Veil Before the Big Day
The luxurious tulle and embroidery used in Rebecca Anne Designs veils are part of what makes them so special — but also what makes them delicate. In the weeks or months before your wedding, proper storage is key to keeping your veil in perfect condition.
✔️ Store in a cool, dry place Keep your veil out of direct sunlight and away from heat or damp, which can lead to discolouration or mildew.
✔️ Avoid plastic bags Plastic traps moisture. Instead, use the breathable garment bag I send with your veil or wrap your veil in acid-free tissue paper to protect the fabric.
✔️ Hang your veil carefully For shorter veils, use the small clip hanger I provide and let the veil fall naturally. Longer veils can be gently folded over the hanger without tight creases.
✔️ Unfold and check ahead of time A few days before your wedding, take your veil out to assess whether any steaming is needed — that way, you won’t be rushing on the morning of your ceremony.
Photographer: Danielle Veitch
How to Steam Your Wedding Veil at Home
Steaming is the gentlest and safest way to remove creases from tulle and other bridal veil fabrics. Whether you’ve opted for a minimalist single-tier veil or something richly embroidered, steaming can help your veil fall beautifully.
Using a Garment Steamer:
Using the small clip hanger I sent to you, hang the veil from a wall or door hook.
Hold the steamer 6–12 inches away from the fabric.
Use gentle sweeping motions from top to bottom.
Let it air dry fully before folding or storing.
Using a Steamy Bathroom (No Steamer? No Problem):
Run a hot shower to fill the room with steam.
Hang your veil away from direct water contact.
Leave for 15–20 minutes and allow to dry naturally.
Designer tip: If your veil includes pearls, always steam from the back where possible and avoid direct heat on embellishments. For stubborn creases, you can gently use a steam iron on the lowest setting — but only with a pressing cloth like a white cotton pillowcase between the iron and the veil as a barrier between the two. NEVER IRON DIRECTLY ONTO YOUR VEIL.
Photographer: Danielle Veitch
Wedding Day Veil Tips – Keep It Crease-Free
The morning of your wedding is busy — but taking a few steps can ensure your veil looks its best for every photo and precious moment.
Hang it high: Let your veil fall freely to avoid folds or bunching and keep it out of the way during hair and makeup prep.
Add it last: Your veil is the final accessory to go on, after hair, make-up, and jewellery.
Have someone assist: Ask a bridesmaid or your stylist to check and adjust the veil before you head down the aisle (and after the hugs and dancing!). Don't forget to use my handy guide to ensure your veil is placed in your hair the right way round.
For shorter veils (left and right), use the small clip hanger I provide and let the veil fall naturally. Longer veils (right) can be gently folded over the hanger without tight creases.
Photographer: Kamila Nowak
How to Care for Your Veil After the Wedding
Your veil might be worn just once, but it holds the memory of an entire day — and for many brides, it becomes an heirloom or even a piece to repurpose for the future.
Cleaning Your Wedding Veil
If your veil picked up dust, sand or makeup during the day — that’s a sign it was well-loved! Here’s how to clean it safely:
Spot clean lightly with a soft brush or cloth.
Hand wash with lukewarm water and a gentle detergent (made for delicates). Soak and gently agitate to lift any dirt.
Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or heavy stain removers.
Air dry only — hang in a clean space until fully dry. Then steam again lightly if needed.
How to Store Your Wedding Veil After Your Wedding
Once clean and dry, give your veil the care it deserves for the years ahead — whether you're storing it as a keepsake, passing it on, or saving it for a vow renewal.
Fold with care lengthways, then into a soft rectangle to fit in your original Rebecca Anne Designs box.
Wrap in acid-free tissue paper to protect the fibres.
Store in a breathable box or bag in a cool, dark place.
Designer note: Many of my brides have chosen to frame their veil, display it in a shadow box, or restyle it as part of a vow renewal ceremony — a beautiful second chapter to your bridal story. If you're planning on growing your family you may also consider using it for your baby's crib.
FAQs – Veil Care Before & After Your Wedding
Can I steam my veil without a steamer? Yes — hanging it in a steamy bathroom for 15–20 minutes is a safe and effective alternative.
Can I iron my veil? Only if absolutely necessary — and never directly onto the fabric. Always use a white cotton sheet between the veil and the iron, and keep the setting on low.
Can you steam a veil with pearls or embroidery? Yes, but use caution. Avoid steaming directly over embellishments such as pearls, and always use gentle, indirect steam.
How should I store my veil before the wedding? Keep it in a breathable garment bag or wrapped in acid-free tissue paper, hanging carefully in a cool, dry space.
Can I hand wash my veil after my wedding? Yes — use a mild detergent, lukewarm water and gentle handling. Air dry flat and re-steam if needed.
Your veil is so much more than an accessory — it’s a part of your story. With just a little care and preparation, you can ensure it looks just as perfect on the day as you imagined… and stays beautiful for years to come.
If you’d like personalised advice on caring for your Rebecca Anne veil, or to begin designing a bespoke piece, get in touch with me.
