If you’re planning an overseas wedding then here are a few top tips to help get your wedding dress safely to your destination venue and back again.
This dress is THE most cherished (and most expensive) you will ever have purchased and you’ve visualised walking down the aisle, seeing your partner for the first time in it and you cannot wait to wear it on your wedding day.

Understandably you will be worrying about the risks of damage and loss of travelling with something so special.

Well don’t panic, you are not alone. You won’t be the first or the last bride to be transporting something so special, these tips will put your mind at ease.

TRANSPORTING YOUR DRESS

First and most important when travelling is KEEP IT WITH YOU. And by that I mean for the whole journey. This included any specific underwear, veils, accessories.

BEFORE YOU BOARD THE PLANE

Most airlines totally understand the importance of this piece of luggage and allow you to take it on board. However it is worth checking in advance the allowed carry-on baggage size, weight and packing requirement and any fees (if there are any) just so you don’t have any surprises when you arrive at the airport or even the gate check.

If you really want to plan ahead without any hitches you could book another seat on the plane! Extreme ? Yes!

ON THE PLANE

Even though your dress will be with you on the plane make sure it is clearly marked with your contact information in the UK and your destination venue.

You have precious cargo so get yourself either a dedicated suitcase or a hand-luggage-friendly box like those from Life Memories Box Company (Life Memories Box Company| Wedding dress travel boxes and keepsake boxes.). Do think about leakage from other products so only pack your dress in these cases/boxes – all toiletries to be placed in a separate case.

Speak nicely to your seamstress who will help pack your dress neatly for you.

Then keep the box with you at all times. Place in the overhead luggage compartment NOT in the hold. Remember to take it with you when you get off the plane too!

AFTER THE FLIGHT

When travelling from the airport to the hotel or venue via any mode of transport – taxi, minibus, coach – make sure you continue to take it with you and keep it close by. You don’t want to lose it at this point.

STORAGE AT YOUR VENUE

If the dress is staying with you in your room, remove it from the box as soon as possible and hang it. This will give it time for any creases to drop. Keeping away from any prying eyes or mucking mitts.

If you are trusting a family member or friend with your dress then make sure they have strict instructions as to what is needed on arrival at the venue.

STEAMING

If you have chosen a dress or bridalwear that will need steaming then either make sure you check your wedding venue has a portable handheld steamer or purchase one yourself and take it with you. If you do take one from the UK check the necessary plug adapters needed.

At many overseas venues you will have worked with a wedding planner so it’s worth discussing it with them too.

JUST MARRIED

When your special day has happened and you’re planning your return trip home, remember to fold your dress the best you can and back into your luggage box. It’s still recommended that you take the box with you on the plane return journey, it is still precious cargo.

WHEN YOU’RE HOME

If your wedding day was as fabulous as you expect then your dress may show those signs of a fun day. You’ll want to clean your wedding dress and I would definitely recommend The Wedding Dress Cleaning Company – check out this blog and use the discount code. These talented professionals will not only clean your wedding dress they will package it for you to keep or sell on – whatever you choose.

Wishing you a safe and happy journey and a fabulous destination wedding.

Credits to Debbie Skyme Celebrant – Sealovers Photography