Whether you’re planning a destination wedding or simply attending, some extra preparation goes into getting ready. If you’re a bride or groom, you have lots of extra boxes to check off to ensure everything goes flawlessly on your big day in a far-off location. If you’re a wedding guest, you must pack your suitcase extra carefully to make sure you don’t miss any necessities.
Travel Essentials
Before you think about packing so much as a pair of shoes, make sure you gather the absolute necessities. Pack up your passport and any credit cards or debit cards you want to take. If you need an adapter for your electronics or any small appliances (like a hairdryer), don’t forget them. Also, prioritize items for the actual journey, like a travel pillow and eye mask for the plane.
Toiletries
If you show up at your hotel without the basic toiletries, chances are they’ll have most of them on-hand. If you’re pretty particular about the products you use, though, don’t chance it. Pack your own in travel-sized containers you can take through security. Make sure to include at least:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Hairbrush
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Bar soap or body wash
- Deodorant
- Makeup
- Face wash
Wedding Day Outfit
If you’re part of the special couple, forgetting your wedding day outfit is going to be a big issue. Carefully pack your tux or wedding dress in a carry-on bag so that you can keep it with you when you travel, and don’t forget your shoes and accessories. There are some pretty unique ways to package and protect the most precious belongings you might be bringing, such as coin sleeves for fine jewelry and using straws for protecting necklaces from tangling.
Even if you’re only a guest, you should still double-check that you have your outfit for the ceremony and reception. It’ll be tricky and stressful to find an outfit last-minute in a place you don’t know well.
Location-Specific Clothing
Most destination weddings take place in sunny locations, but not all of them. Some creative brides and grooms could plan a destination in a potentially rainy region, like Alaska, the Pacific Northwest or the UK. While choosing these unique locations to celebrate, just keep in mind you will need to pack items specific to that location. For example, you might need to pack rain gear to keep you dry and comfortable. Be sure to bring warm layers to these chillier locales, too.
Extra Flourishes
A hat to keep the sun off your face, sunglasses, a pretty parasol — when you’re jetting off to a tropical destination, these extras are both cute and practical. They may not be at the top of your list, but they should be somewhere on the list, so you don’t end up without them!
Some Comfortable Clothing
Although the wedding is the main event, you’re going to have some downtime at the wedding destination, even if you’re a bride or groom. Bring some comfortable, non-fancy clothing to do a bit of exploring in your free time. Don’t forget to include shoes that are good for walking or hiking, depending on the setting.
Now that you know exactly what you need in your suitcase, you’re ready to get packing for a destination wedding. Share these tips with your significant other or fellow family members so that everyone who’s traveling for the wedding is well prepared!
