Are you flying off to an exotic destination to tie the knot? Wow, congrats! Traveling as a simple tourist can be complicated in itself (especially if you want to be eco-friendly) but when you add the entire wedding to the list of must-pack items, planning your trip might become even trickier. So, if you’re baffled by packing, here’s a list that might offer you a good start. Take note!
Paperwork
One thing you just can’t do without is your passport. Without it you won’t have your destination wedding, so make sure it’s always by your side. Depending on your destination, your passport must be valid anywhere from the duration of your stay to 6 months, so check the expiration date and make sure to apply for passport renewal in time. Other things you need are travel information such as boarding passes and hotel reservations. Have a designated envelope for this paperwork, so you always know where it is.
Wedding dress
Of course, you’re not going to forget that one. But, keep this pro tip in mind: carry your wedding dress on the plane. If you check it in, you’re risking staying without a wedding dress if your luggage gets lost. So, just to be sure, put your wedding dress in a garment bag and neatly stow it in the overhead compartment.
Makeup
If you’re staying at a fancy resort, you’ll probably have the hotel spa makeup experts at your disposal, at least for the wedding day. So, all you need to bring are bare makeup necessities you use every day. Some concealer, mascara and lip gloss is all you need, especially if you’re getting married somewhere hot and tropical. With that nice tan, you won’t need a lot of makeup anyway.
Bathing suits
Make sure to use your destination to the fullest, so don’t forget to relax a bit before your wedding. The best way to unwind is to hit the water, so you simply must pack your bathing suit. If you really want to treat yourself to something lux, opt for famous triangle bikini that’s synonymous with elegance and sexy sophistication. Choose something strapless, if you’re at the beach, to avoid tan lines, but if you chose a colder destination with a spa, you don’t have to worry about anything! Just grab your new swimwear and prepare mentally and physically for your big day!
Gifts for guests
Thanking guests for coming such a long way to make your special day even more special is a must. Luckily, you don’t have to work super hard to pack some neat gift bags! If there are some specific things you want to give as presents, make sure to pack them with you. However, you can get other things at your destination. For instance, one neat gift combo is a beach tote (with a destination print) filled with various necessities and destination wedding favors. Flip flops will definitely come in handy for dancing the night away, so if you can get them for cheap at home, don’t hesitate to bring them. Chose a model that’s eco-friendly, light and that won’t drag you down.
Music
If you want your first dance to be truly special, make sure to pack a smartphone or USB stick filled with your fave music. You just can’t know whether your destination has access to the music you need, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. You don’t want to end up having your first dance as a married couple to Despacito! You can also create several different playlists—one for the ceremony, one for the meal part of the evening and one for the party afterwards.
Wedding bands
These can cost a lot of money, so make sure not to leave them at home! Additionally, your wedding band is another item you don’t want to check in—carry it with you in a different compartment in your bag. When it comes to packing other jewelry that’s not absolutely necessary, you can tuck it away in your suitcase. Place your loose necklaces and earrings in a pair of clean socks. This way, they will stay safe and sound inside your luggage!
Even though not all of the items on this list might fit your destination and your necessities, at least you have a good place to start packing your suitcases. If you tweak your list according to your needs, you’ll definitely come to your wedding trip prepared and packed!
Written by Brigitte Evans
