The Ultimate Destination Wedding Packing List for the beautiful bride

Introduction

It’s nearly time for you to embark on the adventure of a lifetime, exchanging vows to one another in a breathtaking location far from home.

But you’ve probably come to the realisation that packing for your destination wedding is unlike packing for any other holiday. It’s such a unique and once in a lifetime trip, that the items you need probably go way beyond what you’d usually pack for a typical vacation.

Therefore, it’s easy to panic and get overwhelmed and ultimately forget some really crucial items, especially when you have so many other things occupying your brain. That’s why I’ve compiled the ultimate destination wedding packing list for brides.

I’m all about making your wedding planning easier and stress free, so let’s delve in!

The Ultimate Destination Wedding Packing List for the beautiful bride:

Luggage
Essentials for the Bride
Beauty and Grooming
On the day Essentials
Wedding Day Props
Honeymoon Essentials

Let’s talk Luggage

Before we go into the packing list, let’s talk about the luggage situation. Because, with most destination weddings, you are going to have to fly to your chosen location. However, the logistics of bringing all your wedding essentials over can be a challenge. So, here are some pieces of advice when travelling abroad for your wedding:

Firstly, start packing early, and I mean months in advance. If there’s lots of decor and accessories that you need to bring over, start packing them early so you know how much luggage space you need. You don’t want to get to the week before your wedding and realise you don’t have enough luggage space

Book extra luggage when booking your flight tickets. With most airlines it’s cheaper to book extra luggage at the time of booking, rather than the week or day of travel.

To save money, you could also ask some of your guests to bring some things over for you if they have space – this will save you having to pay for extra luggage

Don’t put any vital pieces for your wedding into your hold luggage e.g. your wedding dress, rings or shoes. You don’t want to worry about this getting lost, so keep these with you in your hand luggage.

Weigh your bags before you get to the airport. Wedding decor and props are a lot heavier than your typical vacation clothes, so make sure you are within the weight limit to avoid getting a hefty fine at the airport. For instance, we’ve known people to be charged £60 one way, for a suitcase that was only 2 kg above the weight allowance.

Okay now we’ve got the suitcase situation sorted, let’s dive into the packing list.

Essentials to Pack – for the Bride

Wedding Dress and Accessories

Wedding Dress
Veil & Hair accessories
Shoes
Jewellery
Undergarments
Wedding Night Lingerie
Garter
Something old, new, borrowed, blue

*Tip : Most wedding shop boutiques will offer a packing service for your wedding dress. Therefore, they will steam and pack the dress for you into a carry on case, along with your shoes and veil. Hence, this will save you a lot of time and stress, as they are experts at this.

Product Recommendations

My Pretty Little Gifts Personalised Garter

Important Documents

Passport
Visas
Travel Insurance
Copies of all vendor, resort and venue contracts
Proof of payments to vendors
Photocopies of any health insurance cards or vaccinations
Your wedding planning binder (if physical)
Marriage certificate if you had your legal ceremony at home and will be having a religious ceremony abroad
Drivers licence – particularly if you’re hiring a car
Credit card – for the above reason too

*Tip: Put all of these documents into one folder, with a contents list at the front, so you can easily find everything. I would also create a duplicate folder and give to someone you trust e.g. your mum, so there are multiple copies.

Beauty and Grooming

Makeup and Skincare

Make up (blush, mascara, foundation, concealer, eyeliner, eyeshadow, lipstick/gloss, setting spray etc)
Mosturiser, eye cream, night cream
Face and body SPF
Facial cleanser
Makeup remover
Cotton pads
Body Mosturiser
Perfume

Toiletries:

Aloe vera gel or aftersun
Deodorant
Toothpaste and toothbrush
Shaving cream
Razor
Nail clippers
Tweezers
Contraception
Lip Balm
Insect repellant

Haircare Products:

Shampoo & Conditioner
Styling products
Styling tools
Comb & Hairbrush
Hairspray

Nail Care:

Nail polish for touch ups
If you’re wearing nail extensions , bring some similar stick ons just in case one snaps
Hand moisturiser

*Tip: If you’re getting a spray tan for your wedding day, bring some Johnson’s baby lotion with you. Apply this everyday after your spray tan and it will make it last longer, and reduce chances of it going patchy.

Product Recommendations

On the Day Essentials : Destination Wedding Packing List

Emergency Kit

Plasters
Pain relievers
Allergy Medication
Period Products
Perfume
Sewing Kit
Beauty touch ups – blotting papers, lipstick, setting spray
Tissues
Deodorant
Hair pins

Wedding Day Extras

Vows and Speeches: Printed copies in case nerves take over.
Gifts: Any gifts for the bridal party or spouse.
Phone charger or power bank

Tip: * Get someone from your bridal party to pack your emergency kit the day before your wedding, so that you’re not rushing around on the wedding day trying to pack it.

Product Recommendations

Wedding day Props

Guest favours
Programmes
Menus
Guestbook
Ceremony celebration items
Decorations
Seating/place cards/table numbers/signage (if you’re bringing your own)
Aisle runner
Card box
Sunglasses
Silk Bouquet (if you’re bringing your own)

*Tip: Make sure you consider the size of your signage and props before you order it. The last thing you want is to buy a welcome sign that doesn’t fit in your suitcase. Hence, from experience, an A2 wedding sign is the biggest size that will fit in a standard 23kg luggage case.

Honeymoon Essentials : Destination Wedding Packing List

Clothing and Accessories

Summer dresses
Casual outfits for travelling
Swimwear
Beach cover up
Evening Wear
Footwear : Sandals, flip flops, walking shoes, formal shoes
Accessories : hats, sunglasses, jewellery, hair clips
Cardigan/jacket for airconed areas
Strapless bra or covers for strapless outfits
Lingerie
Sports wear for activities
Travel Sized toiletries
Beach bag
Beach towel (if staying in a villa)

Product Recommendations

Climate and Location Considerations

Tropical Destinations

Firstly, lightweight, breathable clothing is a must for tropical destinations. So, we’d recommend youopt for natural fabrics like cotton and linen.
Moreover, protect yourself from the sun with high SPF sunscreen, hats, and UV-protective clothing. Even when it’s cloudy the UV rays can be strong!
Also remember Insect repellent is crucial to avoid uncomfortable bites. Also, There’s the variety of options to choose from e.g. sprays or wristbands

Cold or Mountainous Destinations

Layering is key to staying warm. So, pack a variety of layers to adjust to changing temperatures.
Also, choose stylish outerwear that complements your bridal look.
Sturdy, weather-appropriate footwear is essential for navigating different terrains.

Cultural Considerations

Make sure to research the local customs and traditions to ensure your attire is respectful.
Also remember to pack items like scarves or shawls for visiting religious sites or conservative areas.

Conclusion

Planning a destination wedding can be really exciting, but ensuring you have everything you need can be daunting. Nonetheless, I hope with this comprehensive packing list, you can confidently prepare for your big day, knowing you have all the essentials covered.

From your wedding attire and beauty kit to important documents and emergency supplies, careful packing will help make your destination wedding experience smooth and memorable.

Moreover, remember to start early, stay organised, and consider the unique aspects of your destination.

Whether you’re exchanging vows on a tropical beach, in a charming mountain lodge, or at a historic venue abroad, being well-prepared will allow you to focus on what truly matters: celebrating your love and enjoying every moment of your special day.