The Ultimate Guide to Traveling with Your Wedding Dress | Destination Elopement Planning Tips
Now that you’ve chosen your perfect wedding dress (congrats!!), it's time to pack it up for the journey to your elopement location.
Transporting your wedding dress on a plane requires a little extra care and attention. But no stress needed! Follow these tips to make sure that your dress arrives at your elopement or wedding destination in perfect condition:
10 tips for flying with your wedding dress
Carry it as a carry-on: Whenever possible, carry your wedding dress as a carry-on item. This way, you can keep an eye on it and ensure it doesn't get lost or mishandled during the journey. (And don’t pack it in a suitcase with other belongings!)
Contact the airline: Inform the airline in advance that you will be traveling with a wedding dress. Some airlines may have specific guidelines or accommodations for transporting delicate items like wedding dresses.
Handle with care: Avoid stuffing it into full overhead bins or cramming it into tight spaces. Also, be sure to inquire with the gate agent about the availability of closet space for your wedding dress. This will prevent it from getting crushed by other passengers' luggage.
Use a garment bag: Yes, even inside a carry-on bag! Invest in a high-quality & heavy-duty waterproof garment bag specifically designed for wedding dresses. Make sure it's spacious enough to accommodate your dress without crumpling it.
Use tissue paper: Place (colorless & acid-free) tissue paper between the layers of your dress to prevent them from rubbing against each other and causing damage. This will also help in preserving the shape of your dress.
Choose the right seat: Opt for a seat near the front of the plane, where there's typically more space and less chance of other passengers accidentally bumping into your dress.
Bring a steamer: Pack a portable steamer to touch up your dress upon arrival. This will help smooth out any creases that may have formed during transit.
Arrange for pressing services: If your hotel offers pressing services, inquire about having your dress steamed or pressed upon arrival instead of packing a portable steamer.
Plan for storage: Once you arrive at your destination, hang your dress in a safe and secure location, such as a closet with plenty of space to breathe. Avoid leaving it in cramped quarters or in direct sunlight, which can cause damage or discoloration.
Have a backup plan: Pack a travel sewing kit or some fabric tape just in case of emergencies. You never know when a little wardrobe mishap might pop up, and it's always good to be overprepared.
Luggage suggestions for transporting your wedding dress
When it comes to transporting your wedding dress, choosing the right luggage and packing items can make all the difference.
I’ve rounded up a full list of recommendations that you can snag right from Amazon! Head to the link below to shop:
Traveling with your wedding dress by car: tips and tricks
While this isn’t always an option, traveling with your wedding dress by car does offer much more flexibility and control. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure a smooth journey:
Use a garment bag: Do I sound like a broken record yet?! Haha. Just like when traveling by plane, use a garment bag to protect your dress from dust and dirt. Hang it securely in the backseat or lay it flat in the trunk, depending on the size of your car.
Avoid direct sunlight: If your car has windows that allow direct sunlight, cover them with curtains or window shades. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can fade or discolor the dress.
Secure it properly: Make sure your wedding dress is securely fastened in the car to prevent it from shifting or falling during the journey. Use seat belts or straps to keep it in place.
After arrival: making sure your dress looks flawless
No matter how smoothly the packing and traveling went, wrinkles and creases will likely still occur! Here are some quick tips to help you deal with them, and how to safely store your dress until the big day arrives:
Steam or iron your dress upon arrival: Once you reach your destination, unpack your dress and give it a quick steam. Didn’t have room to pack a travel steamer? Hang it in a steamy bathroom to help release any wrinkles or creases that may have formed.
Hang your dress: As soon as you reach your destination, hang your dress on a sturdy hanger, ideally by the still-attached hanging loops. Gently shake it to release any minor wrinkles and let gravity do its job, if a full steaming isn’t required.
Store it in a cool, dry place: Avoid storing your dress in direct sunlight or humid areas. Find a cool, dry place in your accommodation to keep your dress safe and pristine until the wedding day.
Have a backup plan: While you take all the necessary precautions, it's always a good idea to have a backup plan in case of any mishaps. Bring a dress touch-up kit, and research a dry cleaning service nearby (or ask the hotel for recommendations). You never know!
Seek professional help: If you're unsure about handling the wrinkles yourself, consider seeking professional help. Local dry cleaners or wedding dress boutiques may offer steaming or pressing services.
Traveling with your dream wedding dress (especially on a flight) may seem daunting, but with a little bit of planning, it can really be a stress-free experience. Follow the tips and tricks in this guide, and your wedding dress will arrive ready-to-go for the big day. :)
Now that you're equipped with the ultimate guide to traveling with your wedding dress, it's time to start planning your destination elopement!! Check out the blog for more tips and inspiration to make your big day unforgettable:
