How to soften up a cheap veil?

DigForVictory

Fasten the veil firmly to something rigid - the back of a door may be too high, a heavy chair may be too low, a kitchen unit door may be the right height for you to see where you think the veil is too stiff. (Check the area is clean, and that it can take getting steamed. Wallpaper may object.)

Pour water into a steam iron until you reach the fill line.
Try holding the iron one handed - can you reach far enough up, down & sideways? Adjust the power cable if necessary.
The iron may feel heavy - this *can* be done in a week's time when you've muscled up a bit - dropping a steaming kettle is just Wrong, so if you're feeling physically puny, either practise with the weight, or delegate!

Turn on your iron with the steam setting turned on and let the iron heat up for three minutes - or as long as it takes for the hot-enough-to-steam light to change.
Hold the iron about six inches away from the veil fabric and hit the steam button to emit a blast of steam onto the veil. Continue moving across the veil with one hand, tugging at the fabric as it loosens towards the lines you prefer.

If you have sudden anxieties, put the iron down, turn it off & get a bridesmaid in for moral support.
Open a bottle Afterwards, if you're minded to celebrate.
Let us know how it works out!

CompBunny

DigForVictory, that is fabulous post! Thanks so much! The bathroom steaming didn't work so I will give this a go and let you know how it works out

traleegirl

If it doesn't have any jewels/sequins attached just put it in the washing machine.
I've just washed my Mothers 42 year old veil on a 30 degree wash with fabric softener and it has come out perfect......

DigForVictory

Seriously depends on the material, any decoration & age! I know one veil that was coaxed into the 21st century with sunlight alone, but as a bleaching method I'm a bit leery of it!

heartbreak_star

Can you sort of twist it into a rope and loosen, then repeat? I used to do this with my tulle dance underskirts

Obviously if it's structured I wouldn't do this but any form of handling will help soften it.

HBS x