Planning a destination wedding is incredibly exciting, but if you’re flying to your big day, getting your wedding dress safely to your destination is a top priority. Many brides worry about the logistics, but with a little preparation, you can ensure that your dress arrives in perfect condition, ready to make you shine on your special day.
Here are our top 11 tips for travelling abroad with your wedding dress!
Booking Your Flight
1. Choose a non-budget airline
Heck, we love a bargain EasyJet flight as much as the next person, but budget airlines are really limited on space and overhead lockers fill up very quickly! If it’s within your budget, flying first class can offer extra storage space for your dress.
2. Contact the Airline in Advance
Some airlines offer special accommodations for brides flying with their wedding dresses. Call your airline before your trip to ask about their policy on garment bags, onboard storage options, and any early boarding options for bridal attire, before those overhead lockers fill up!
3. Never Check Your Dress as Luggage
Always carry your wedding dress with you as a carry-on. The risk of lost or damaged luggage is too high, and checked bags can go through rough handling. Your wedding dress is too precious to take that risk!
Packing For The Flight
4. Pack Carefully
Different dress fabrics travel better than others. Fact. However, you can invest in a good quality travel box to help keep your dress safe and minimising creases and snags during transit. Some people opt to store their dress in a garment bag for travel which is also absolutely fine. But it is worth noting that these tend to be less supportive, not waterproof and harder to travel with.
5. Use Tissue Paper to Prevent Creases
Acid-free tissue paper is the answer. Place tissue paper between layers of the dress as you fold, and in the folds to help reduce wrinkling. This is especially useful for fuller, multi-layered dresses. You must ensure that it is colour and acid-free! This process can take a bit of time, but if done right, will definitely help reduce those creases.
6. Prepare a Dress Emergency Kit
Pack a small kit with essentials like sewing needles, thread matching your dress, tape, stain remover wipes and safety pins. This kit can come in handy for any last-minute fixes or adjustments when you arrive.
7. Pack a Portable Steamer
Even with the best care, your dress may develop wrinkles during travel. A portable steamer can be a lifesaver to give it a fresh, smooth look once you arrive. Just make sure to check the voltage requirements of your destination, as some countries may require adapters.
On Arrival
8. Hang Straight Away
As soon as you arrive at your destination, we advise you to hang your dress if possible (out of sight obviously!). Hanging can help creases fall naturally, and prevent any further wrinkling.
9. Look for a Local Steaming Service at Your Destination
Do some research ahead of time and find a reputable steaming or pressing service near your wedding venue. Many resorts and hotels even offer in-house steaming services, so be sure to ask before you travel.
10. Take Out Travel Insurance for Peace of Mind
Look for travel insurance that covers your wedding dress. Travel insurance for destination weddings may include coverage for delays, lost baggage, and potential dress repairs. Check the details, so you know exactly what’s protected in case anything unexpected happens.
Coming Home
11. Pack Neatly
Chances are that your dress has got very dirty from your wedding (a sign of a great time!), but you'll want to ensure that you get this cleaned as soon as possible when you get home. Don't just throw your dress into a bag to bring back. This can cause snagging on the fabrics, loosen beads and even tear. Try to fold nicely back in the original box for bringing home and get to be cleaned ASAP.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your dress arrives at your destination in perfect condition, ready to make you look stunning as you say “I do” against a beautiful backdrop. Remember, a bit of preparation goes a long way - happy travels!
If you're looking to purchase a travel box for your wedding dress or to book your dress in for a clean when you get back, get in touch today! Email sales@lilyfrancisbridal.co.uk We'd love to help!
Photo Credit
Photographer: helenavictoriaphotography.mypixieset.com
Dress: www.lilyfrancisbridal.co.uk
Hair & Makeup: www.piggyrosebeauty.com
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