Wedding guests could soon be dressing for ceremonies on beaches, in gardens, pubs, or even on cruise ships, as the UK Government gives couples more freedom over where they can tie the knot.
While these unique venues promise memorable celebrations, they also present new challenges for occasionwear. Long journeys, sea breezes, heat, and humidity can all leave outfits creased before guests even arrive at the ceremony.
Garment care expert Basak Camangaoglu from Philips has shared three tips for keeping wedding outfits looking fresh and photo-ready with a handheld steamer.
3 tips for keeping outfits looking their best
Steam creased suit jackets after travelling
Camangaoglu said: “Those who wear suits will be all too familiar with the creases left on the back of a blazer or jacket after travelling by car.”
“If you’re travelling directly to a wedding, there’s often no time to find an iron and smooth out the creases, so a handheld steamer is the perfect choice for a quick fix. Either hang the jacket up or hold it high in one hand, and gently steam the affected areas, working from the top down. The hot steam relaxes the fabric fibres, allowing stubborn creases to fall away without the direct heat or pressure of a standard iron.”
Steam delicate fabrics inside out
Camangaoglu said: “If you’re wearing a more delicate fabric, such as linen or silk, and it needs a touch-up, steam it from the inside out.”
“While most handheld steamers are gentle and won’t damage fabric, such as the Philips 5000 Series Handheld Steamer, which comes with a no-burn guarantee, avoiding direct heat on the outer surface allows you to steam smoothly and avoid catching on buttons, embellishments, or pockets.”
Refresh lightweight fabrics before photographs
Camangaoglu said: “Linen suits, cotton dresses, and other lightweight fabrics are perfect for warmer outdoor weddings, but they also crease much more easily.”
“Even the shortest wedding ceremony can be long enough for creases to form in your outfit, which isn’t ideal for the photos.”
“A quick steam before the pictures are taken will help relax the fibres, restoring the garment’s shape and leaving it looking polished and ready for the photographer.”
Travel friendly option
Camangaoglu recommends the Philips 5000 Series Handheld Steamer for weddings. Its lightweight, compact design, tiltable head, and 35-second heat-up time make it suitable for quick outfit touch-ups while travelling or between events.
Unlike traditional irons, handheld steamers can be used on hanging garments without the need for an ironing board. They use steam to relax fabric fibres, helping reduce creases while lowering the risk of damaging delicate fabrics.
Alternative wedding venues continue to grow
Outdoor and non-traditional wedding venues are becoming increasingly popular across the UK as more couples choose personalised celebrations beyond traditional registry offices and hotels.
Beaches, gardens, pubs, and cruise ships each offer distinctive settings, but they can also make it more difficult for guests to keep formalwear looking its best. Coastal and rural venues often involve long car journeys, train travel, or flights, while outdoor conditions can quickly crease lightweight fabrics such as linen and cotton. Delicate materials, including silk, may also require extra care.
Industry research suggests destination and alternative weddings continue to grow as couples choose venues that better reflect their lifestyles and preferences.
As more weddings take place outdoors during the summer months, portable garment care tools may become increasingly useful for guests travelling to ceremonies. With social media placing greater emphasis on polished appearances in photographs, handheld steamers can provide a practical way to freshen outfits before the celebrations begin.