Destination Wedding? Keep Your Gown From Getting Jet Lag!

Whether you’re traveling to the beaches of Brazil or to the wine country of Italy for your destination wedding, making sure you look your absolute picture-perfect best on your special day begins with the packing.

Let’s face it.  You’ll spend a lot of time in the air, which means your wedding gown and other bridal accessories will spend a lot of time packed up.  While there are plenty of articles that tell you what to pack for a destination wedding, but not many instruct you on how to pack so that everything arrives in the best condition possible.  So when I came across an article in Elite Weddings magazine, I just had to share these tips for brides who want to travel with their gown and accessories instead of having a professional ship them.

1)  If you’re flying, it’s best to carry your wedding garments on the plane as opposed to packing them in luggage.   Store the gown in a first class closet.  If you make arrangements in advance, most major airlines can accommodate you.  If the plane does not have ample room in closets or overhead bins, hand your gown inside a garment bag, gently fold inside a large, sturdy box and place it in a hard, carry-on suitcase.

2)  Retain the shape of your gown during travel by stuffing the bodice, sleeves and bows with acid-free tissue or unbleached muslin.

3)  Pack your wedding jewelry and other accessories together, if possible, and carry these with you as well.  A hatbox stowed inside a hard suitcase keeps your veil close to your headpiece, jewelry, garter and stockings.  Be sure to roll your veil to prevent wrinkles.

4)  Whether doing your own hair and makeup or working with experts, carry extra products for touch-ups and humidity control.  Waterproof mascara is a must for all climates.  To avoid leaks (and security searches) store your toiletries in clear plastic bags.

5)  Airline travel and climate changes can cause feet to swell, so stash an extra pair of dress shoes in your carry-on, just in case the bridal shoes you chose for your big day suddenly feel two sizes too small.

6)  Label your luggage inside and out with your phone number and the number and address of your destination.  Don’t include your home address.  These luggage tags are an especially cute way to do it.

7)  Don’t forget the rings.  Not only would it be disastrous, but the ring bearer would be so disappointed! Carry them with you at all times while traveling–along with your passports, credit cards, travel visas and photo IDs.

Now, just because I’ve focused on the bride, doesn’t mean  that the groom and his attire don’t deserve just as much special attention.  If he is traveling with the tuxedo and not getting it locally, apply the same procedures to the groom’s tuxedo as the wedding gown.