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Well, Helen, that's a good question and the answer really depends on your comfort level and the type of fabric used to make the gown. If the gown is silk or a shimmery satin, for example, I'd be very uncomfortable placing the gown anywhere near a single drop of water, let alone steam, unless I was going for a moiré affect. For most bridal or special-occasion gowns, however, try one of two wrinkle removal methods.
First, hang the gown near a shower with the hot water running. Shut the door and allow the steam in the room to work out any wrinkles. Sometimes the fabric's weight and a bathroom's worth of steam is all you need to accomplish the task.
For more stubborn creases, use a home steamer (can be purchased at most department stores). It's the nature of the beast that steamers often spit a few drops of water from the steam head during the steaming process. To prevent these potential drips from landing on and ruining the dress, wrap a kitchen towel around the steamer head before bringing the steamer near the dress. Keep the towel over the steam head for the entire process. Always steam from the garment wrong side. Lift the dress at the hem and pull the skirt fabric toward you. Reach the steamer inside the dress and slowly steam the wrinkled areas. Don't touch the steamer directly to the fabric.
Do not use an iron to press your wedding or special-occasion gown unless the label gives instructions for doing so or you're aware of the care instructions for the fabric used to make the dress. An iron can easily become too hot for the fabric and damage or scorch the gown and/or any embellishments.
To move the dress from a home or hotel to the wedding location, carefully pack the bodice area with tissue (don't use colored tissue or newspaper as that could rub off on the fabric). Devote an entire vehicle to the dress if possible so there's room to spread it across and over the back seat.
Place a clean white sheet over the seat and floor to prevent the dress from picking up any dirt or fibers. Carefully hang the dress from the door hanger, or just over the back seat so the bodice sits in the car as a person would. Gingerly arrange the remainder of the dress in the car, avoiding any folding or cramming if possible.
Once you reach your destination, remove the dress and hang it up immediately. Allow it to hang until the bride is ready to put it on. Any wrinkles will likely soften as the weight of the fabric pulls on them. If possible, wait to steam the dress until it's at the wedding location.
It's the bride's special day and you want her to look her wrinkle-free best, so if you're still nervous about steaming the gown, take it to a professional for cleaning and steaming. Make a few phone calls first and ask for referrals to make sure the cleaner has the bride and the gown's best interest in mind.
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