How to Pack for Your Destination Wedding

Have you ever gone on a trip only to find that when you arrived you had forgotten to pack any number of important items? This can be a very frustrating experience at the best of times – but when you are packing for your destination wedding or honeymoon, it is even more important to consider what to pack and how to pack. Much will depend on where you are going and your own personal style.

If you are planning on getting married in a formal wedding dress and want to keep it close to you while you are travelling, it’s best to carry it with you on the plane. Don’t rely on putting it in your bag with the other checked luggage. Be sure to check with the airlines in advance and see if they will allow you to hang it in a garment bag in the plane’s coat closet. If you aren’t able to store it in the closet, be sure to store it on top of the other luggage in the overhead compartment to minimize wrinkles. However, some airlines may require you to check the dress. In that case, be sure to pack the dress in luggage that is sturdy and secure. It is also important to plan to arrive at your destination a few days early, so that if you do have a problem with your luggage, you have time to make the necessary adjustments.

Once you arrive at your destination, unpack and hang your dress immediately to avoid any unnecessary wrinkling. Often the humidity in tropical climates will relax the wrinkles but you may want to arrange to have your dress pressed as well.

Grooms should carry their wedding attire on board as well. In Mexico and the Caribbean, you will not find many tuxedo rental shops so it is easier to bring the clothes with you.

Make sure that you carry toiletries in your luggage in secure compartments. When packing your makeup, be sure to pack everything individually in secure, sealed bags, to prevent leakage. Always remember to pack light as toiletries can add a lot of extra weight to your suitcase. For your carry-on luggage, make sure that your liquids, including toothpaste, do not exceed three ounces and are placed in clear Ziploc one-quart bags. Place all sharp items such as scissors, nail trimmers, metal finger nail files etc. in your regular luggage so it will not be confiscated.

Other things to consider carrying in your carry-on luggage is your phone, keys, and a change of clothes just in case of a flight delay or delayed luggage arrival. I would suggest putting an extra outfit in you travelling partner’s bag just in case something happens to your luggage.

Your clothing is a very personal issue. Things to remember, include; bathing suits and wraps, sandals, shirts and t-shirts, shorts and casual wear and a folding beach bag. Don’t forget the sun tan lotion, bug repellent, sunglasses and a hat as they are often very pricey when purchased at the resorts. For a more formal evening, bring smart dresses, pants, tops and shoes.

For your wedding, don’t forget to pack:

• Wedding dress
• Special hosiery or undergarments
• Shoes
• Guest book
• Wedding rings (carry them with you - not in your luggage)
• Groom’s tux or suit
• Groom’s shoes
• Address book
• Thank you cards if you would like to write them on the way home
• Special decorations, favours, wedding music, etc

Hopefully, your wedding will go off without a hitch and you will have everything you need for your wedding away from home.

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Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at muriel@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com or phone 403-477-0643.