A Destination Wedding can be an amazing experience, but there is nothing quite like the stress of ensuring that your dress is able to make the journey with you. Luckily there are a few tips that can increase your chance of having your wedding dress arrive in tip top shape.
Before Travel
Have your dress professionaly cleaned and packed. The shop where you bought your dress may be able to provide you with a garment bag or box to hold your wedding dress. This will ensure that your dress is protected from the immediate elements. If you ask, many shops will even assist with helping you pack the dress, and will most likely be using an acid free paper to help maintain the dress's shape and form. Check with the airlines to find out the rules concerning traveling with your wedding dress.
Going through Security Check Points
Once you arrive at the airport, be prepared to go through screening with your dress. Just let TSA know, and if your wedding dress container of choice is not able to go through the x-ray machine, TSA can manually scan your wedding dress for you.
On the Plane
Some flights will have a small closet in first class that may be used for dress storage. However, also keep in mind that this may not be an option for you if another first class passenger needs the storage, or if another bride has already claimed that spot. Also keep in mind that your dress will count as your carry-on bag, so you may want to use a large totebag with your purse inside as your personal item. Always let the flight attendant know that you're carrying on your wedding dress, and ask them what they suggest. Keep in mind that depending on the size of the plane and lack of overhead storage, you may be forced to gate check your dress, which is not a good thing, and can be quite stressful. Surprisingly, there have been brides that have went as far as purchasing an extra seat to ensure their precious dress arrives to the destination.
When you arrive at your destination -
Hang the dress and allow extra room for your dress to breathe and for wrinkles to naturally "fall out". Kindly ask the hotel at your destination for a steamer or assistance to steam out any wrinkles. Whatever you do, do not iron your dress. The hotel iron is usually pretty filthy, and may even ruin your dress.
More Tips
If you must place your dress in an overhead bin, ensure that others do not smash your dress with their suitcase. There are too many opportunities for your dress to be crushed.
Never place your wedding dress in checked luggage.
You could inquire about shipping your dress to the hotel's wedding coordinator. However be prepared that many will not want to claim responsibility. This will include shipping favors or other items.
Ensure that any valuables like wedding rings and jewelry is kept with you at all times. Do not place these items in checked luggage. There are too many opportunities for the items to end up missing.
Cake knives should not be in your carry-on, and should be kept in your checked bag.
Do not use the in room safe for cash or valuables, as every hotel employee, from maintenance to mini bar service will have access. Better yet, find a way to bring costume jewelry in place of the real rings, and save the headache and stress.
It can be much easier and less costly to arrange to purchase gifts and favors at your destination than attempting to bring the items with you on the airplane. Some items have been known to be held up at customs, or incur extra baggage fees due to weight.
For help with a destination wedding, please contact Romantics Travel at (559) 363-2258 or click here to contact us.