How to Care for Your Bridal Veil: Before, During, & After the Wedding

A wedding veil is more than just an accessory; it’s a treasured keepsake from your special day. To ensure your veil remains pristine for years to come, follow these detailed care tips:

Your wedding veil is a precious keepsake, a symbol of your special day that deserves the utmost care. Here are our detailed care tips to ensure your wedding veil remains pristine and beautiful for years to come.

Bride: Sarah Everett | Photo: sarahpthomasphotography

How to Care for Your Bridal Veil

To care for your wedding veil, spot clean it with a damp cloth, baby wipe, or mild soap and water (test a small area first). Remove lint with tape. Store it flat in an acid-free box with tissue paper, away from light and humidity, or in a breathable garment bag. For delicate fabrics, professional cleaning is best.

Keep reading to learn how to protect and preserve your wedding veil at every stage - from the moment you receive it, through your special day, and long after you say "I do."

Before the Wedding

Want your wedding veil to look its absolute best on your big day?  Discover the essential pre-wedding care steps every bride should know to keep her veil pristine.

Handle with Clean Hands

Before touching your veil, always wash and dry your hands. This simple step prevents dirt from transferring to the delicate fabric, keeping it immaculate. 

Removing Wrinkles

Remove wrinkles with steam by hanging the veil in a steamy bathroom or using a handheld steamer. Keep the steamer a few inches from the fabric. Never iron directly on the veil.

How To Store Your Veil Before The Wedding Day

Proper veil storage comes down to two key elements: where you store it and how you hang it. Here's what you need to know to keep your veil in perfect condition.

Where to Store Your Veil

When you receive your veil, hang it on a non-wooden hanger or veil clip. Protect it in a breathable garment bag or wrap it in acid-free tissue paper. Store it in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight. Avoid plastic bags, as they trap moisture.

For veils with delicate details like lace or embellishments, store them flat in an acid-free box with acid-free tissue paper.

Keep the veil in a spacious wardrobe or cupboard where it won't be disturbed.  While it may arrive wrapped in tissue, remove it from the box and hang it in a dark, dry space with plenty of room to prevent discoloration and snags.

Finally, safeguard your veil from children and pets by storing it out of their reach.

How To Hang Your Veil

Hanging methods should suit the veil's length and style. Use provided hooks or a suit carrier/veil bag for protection from sun, dust, and prying eyes.

Hang in a warm room two days pre-wedding to de-wrinkle. Long veils need extra care; use extended hooks or trouser hangers to avoid creases and keep them off the floor.

These methods are also ideal for post-wedding storage and heirloom preservation.

On the Wedding Day

1. Ask a bridesmaid or flower girl to manage your veil to keep it from dragging or catching.
2. Keep makeup away from the veil to prevent stains.
3. Add extra grips or pins to secure long veils during the ceremony and photos.

Taking Care of Your Veil After the Wedding

Your wedding day is over, but your veil's story doesn't have to end there. Learn how to properly preserve your precious veil so it remains a cherished heirloom for years to come.

Store Properly

After your wedding, store your veil in a cool, dry place. Use a garment bag or a box lined with acid-free tissue paper to protect it from discoloration and damage. Hanging the veil in a wardrobe or a spare room, away from direct sunlight, will help maintain its condition.

Hand Wash Gently

Check for stains and dirt. Dab small stains with mild detergent and lukewarm water. Don't scrub near decorative elements. Take silk veils or tough stains to a bridal wear specialist.

This gentle approach preserves the veil's delicate fabric. Place the veil flat on a clean towel and roll to remove water. Don't wring or twist.

Do Not Wring

Avoid wringing your veil to remove excess water after washing. Instead, lay it flat on a clean, dry towel and gently roll the towel to absorb the water. If necessary, repeat with a dry towel. This method prevents damage and maintains the veil's integrity.

Steam with Care

To remove wrinkles, avoid steaming the veil directly; instead, test the steam temperature on the provided swatch before applying it to the veil. Avoid using an iron, as direct heat can ruin the delicate material.

Professional Cleaning

Take heavily decorated or very soiled veils to a bridal wear specialist for cleaning.

Transporting Your Veil

When traveling with your veil, place it in a garment bag to protect it from dirt and damage. Use acid-free tissue paper to prevent wrinkles. If you need to pack it in a suitcase, carefully fold it with tissue paper between the folds. Upon arrival, hang the veil and use a steamer to remove any creases. This ensures your veil arrives looking flawless.

Preservation

Wrap the clean, dry veil in acid-free tissue paper and place in an acid-free box. These same preservation techniques help preserve your wedding dress for a lifetime. Store in a cool, dry spot away from sun and heat. Wrap metal parts separately in tissue paper to prevent rust.

Don't panic when accidents happen. If you have damaged your wedding veil, many issues can be resolved with professional care. Small snags or loose threads should be addressed by a veil specialist rather than attempting DIY repairs. For tears, missing embellishments, or discoloration, contact a professional preservation service immediately.

We understand the sentimental value of your veil. By following these tips, you can cherish your veil as a beautiful reminder of your special day. For a truly bespoke veil that will become a treasured heirloom, explore the exquisite designs at Tara Bridal today.