How to Care for Your Wedding Veil: The Complete Calily Bridal Veil Care Guide


Your wedding veil is one of the most delicate and meaningful pieces you’ll wear on your big day. Whether you’ve chosen a long cathedral veil, a romantic fingertip design, or something short and chic, taking care of it properly ensures it stays picture-perfect from the moment you unbox it until you walk down the aisle.

Calily Bridal

At Calily Bridal, we want every bride to feel confident that her veil will look flawless. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive wedding veil care guide, inspired by our own step-by-step video tutorial. In this article, you’ll learn how to store, hang, and prepare your veil before the wedding, plus simple ways to remove wrinkles safely and keep it looking fresh for the big day.

Why Proper Veil Care Matters

Your veil is made from delicate fabrics like tulle, lace, or organza, which can easily wrinkle or lose their shape if stored incorrectly. Many brides tuck their veils away in storage bags or boxes after receiving them, not realizing that this can create creases that are difficult to remove later.

Proper veil care is more than just storage—it’s about preserving the structure, texture, and cleanliness of your veil. When you take the time to hang it correctly and protect it from dust or humidity, you’re ensuring that it will drape beautifully when you finally wear it.

Think of it as part of your pre-wedding preparation: a simple routine that guarantees one less thing to stress about before your special day.

Step 1: Take Your Veil Out of Its Storage Bag

Once your Calily Bridal veil arrives, the first thing to do is take it out of its storage bag. While the bag protects it during shipping, it’s not ideal for long-term storage. Keeping your veil folded tightly inside can cause wrinkles to form, especially if your wedding is still several months away.

Gently remove the veil from its packaging and unfold it carefully. Hold it up to let the fabric fall naturally. You might notice a few light wrinkles from transit, but don’t worry—these are completely normal and can be easily smoothed out later.

If your veil came with lace details or beading, handle it by the edges to avoid tugging or pulling on the delicate embellishments.

Step 2: Fold and Drape the Veil Correctly

After removing your veil from its storage bag, fold it neatly in half lengthwise. This helps prevent unnecessary creases and makes it easier to hang. Folding it too tightly can create lines in the tulle, while leaving it completely open might make it prone to snagging.

Once it’s folded, take a hanger from your closet. The best type of hanger is one that includes a crossbar or attachment that allows the veil to drape evenly without slipping. If you don’t have one, a regular hanger will work too—just drape the veil gently across the top so that both sides hang evenly.

By folding it once and hanging it properly, you’re helping your veil breathe and maintain its natural shape.

Step 3: Hang the Veil in a Safe, Elevated Space

Find a tall, clean area in your home—ideally, a closet or wardrobe that’s high enough to let the veil hang freely without bunching on the floor. Hanging the veil prevents new wrinkles from forming and helps any minor ones fall out naturally over time.

If you have pets or a lot of foot traffic in the area, keep the veil in a protected space where it won’t accidentally brush against anything. For longer veils, like cathedral or royal-length designs, it’s fine if the ends lightly touch the ground—but place a clean bedsheet or towel underneath to prevent dust or dirt from collecting on the fabric.

Step 4: Store It in a Garment Bag for Long-Term Protection

If your wedding is still a few months away, the next step is to place your hung veil inside a breathable garment bag. This keeps it protected from dust, sunlight, and humidity—especially if you’re storing it in a closet for an extended period.

A few key tips for this stage:

  • Choose a non-plastic garment bag if possible, as some plastics can trap moisture and cause yellowing over time.
  • Zip the bag closed but make sure the veil hangs loosely inside—avoid pressing it tightly against other garments.
  • Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

This step is essential for maintaining the crisp whiteness and delicate texture of your veil. When stored correctly, your veil can stay pristine for months before the wedding.

Step 5: Take It Out a Few Days Before the Wedding

We recommend taking your veil out of storage a few days before your wedding day. This gives you enough time to inspect it, smooth out any light wrinkles, and make adjustments without stress.

Hang it somewhere high—like a curtain rod, a wardrobe door, or a tall hanger stand—so it can air out and fall naturally. This step also helps the fabric relax, making it look softer and more flowing when you wear it.

If your space isn’t tall enough, lay a clean towel or bedsheet underneath to keep the veil off the floor. The goal is to let it hang freely and allow gravity to do most of the wrinkle removal work.

Step 6: Remove Wrinkles the Right Way

Even with careful storage, a few stubborn wrinkles might remain. The good news is that you can easily remove them without damaging the veil. There are two safe methods you can use:

Option 1: Use a Steamer on Low Setting

A handheld garment steamer is one of the easiest tools for this. Set it to the lowest heat setting, hold it about 6 to 8 inches away, and gently move it along the fabric.

Tips for best results:

  • Always test a small section first.
  • Avoid steaming directly over lace or beadwork—go around these areas instead.
  • Let the veil hang afterward for 10–15 minutes to allow any remaining moisture to evaporate.

This gentle steaming process helps release wrinkles and gives the veil that soft, airy drape that looks magical in photos.

Option 2: The Shower Steam Method

If you don’t have a garment steamer, you can use a simple trick: hang the veil in your bathroom while running a hot shower.

Make sure the veil isn’t touching the water—hang it on the back of the door or a towel hook, and let the steam fill the room for about 10–15 minutes. The steam will naturally loosen wrinkles in the tulle.

Afterward, let it air dry in a clean area until it feels completely dry and smooth.

Step 7: Avoid These Common Mistakes

Caring for a wedding veil might sound simple, but there are a few common mistakes brides sometimes make that can cause unnecessary damage. Here’s what to avoid:

  1. Ironing the veil – Never use a traditional iron, as direct heat can melt or burn delicate fabrics like tulle or lace.
  2. Leaving it in plastic – Prolonged storage in plastic can trap moisture, causing discoloration.
  3. Folding it tightly – Overfolding can create permanent creases that are difficult to remove.
  4. Hanging near windows – Direct sunlight can yellow the fabric or weaken fibers over time.
  5. Using harsh sprays – Avoid wrinkle-release sprays or fabric refreshers; they can leave residue or stains.

By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll keep your veil looking as perfect as the day you received it.

Step 8: Final Touches Before the Big Day

On the morning of your wedding, take a few moments to give your veil one last look. If it’s been hanging properly, it should already look beautiful and ready to wear.

For last-minute touch-ups:

  • Use your steamer one more time on a low, gentle setting.
  • Shake the veil lightly to fluff it and give it a natural flow.
  • Keep it on a hanger or a mannequin until your hairstylist is ready to place it.

If you’re working with a wedding planner, hairstylist, or photographer, let them know how delicate your veil is so they can handle it carefully during styling and photos.

After the Wedding: How to Store or Preserve Your Veil

Once your wedding is over, your veil becomes a keepsake full of memories. If you plan to preserve or reuse it, proper post-wedding care is essential.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Have the veil professionally cleaned by a specialist experienced with wedding fabrics.
  2. Store it in an acid-free preservation box or a breathable fabric bag.
  3. Keep it in a cool, dry, and dark place to prevent discoloration.
  4. Avoid hanging it for long periods after the wedding, as gravity may stretch the fabric.

With these steps, your veil can stay beautiful for years—ready to pass down or repurpose into another meaningful accessory.

Why Brides Love Calily Bridal Veils

At Calily Bridal, every veil is crafted with care, quality, and attention to detail. From the softest tulle to hand-sewn lace finishes, we design each piece to complement your gown and elevate your bridal look.

Our veils are not just accessories—they’re heirloom-quality pieces meant to tell your story. And with the right care, your Calily Bridal veil will stay timeless long after the wedding day.

If you ever have questions about veil care, styling, or preservation, our team is always happy to help.

Key Takeaways: Wedding Veil Care Checklist

  • Unpack early: Don’t leave your veil sealed for months—let it breathe.
  • Hang correctly: Fold in half and use a wide hanger to avoid wrinkles.
  • Protect it: Store it in a breathable garment bag.
  • Prep early: Take it out a few days before the wedding.
  • Steam safely: Use low heat or the shower method for gentle wrinkle removal.
  • Keep it clean: Avoid dust, direct sunlight, and plastic covers.
  • Preserve it post-wedding: Clean and store it properly for long-term beauty.

Final Thoughts

Your wedding veil is more than fabric—it’s a symbol of your love story and the dream you’ve been envisioning. With just a bit of care and preparation, you can ensure it looks as breathtaking as the moment you first tried it on.

If you’d like more personalized tips or need help caring for your Calily Bridal veil, feel free to reach out to our team anytime. We’re here to make sure every bride feels confident and radiant from head to toe.

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Lillie is the founder of Calily Bridal, a modern bridal accessories studio dedicated to creating timeless, romantic pieces without the boutique price tag. From soft, flowing veils to delicate pearl earrings and thoughtful finishing touches, every piece is designed with intention and care. With a background in fashion and a love for helping brides feel confident and beautiful, Lillie brings a personal, detail-driven approach to everything Calily creates.