The Ultimate Destination Wedding Packing List for the beautiful bride

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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:

1. Luggage
2. Essentials for the Bride
3. Beauty and Grooming
4. On the day Essentials
5. Wedding Day Props
6. Honeymoon Essentials

Let’s talk Luggage

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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: 

1. 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 

2. 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. 

3. 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 

4. 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. 

5. 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

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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

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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 

• Pestects Mosquito Repellent Bracelet 12 Pack 
• Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray, up to 16 hours wear 
• KISS Salon Acrylic French Nude Collection, Cashmere, Medium Length

On the Day Essentials : Destination Wedding Packing List

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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 

• Teenitor 400 Counts Oil Blotting Sheets for face
• JUNING Sewing Kit with Case Portable Sewing Supplies  

Wedding day Props 

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• 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

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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 

• KALIDI Large Floral Tote Bag Beach Bag
• Dock & Bay Beach Towel – Quick Dry, Sand Free – Compact, Lightweight – 100% Recycled

Climate and Location Considerations

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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.

Additional Resources

• Links to Related Blog Posts: 

The Ultimate Wedding Timeline for a 4pm Ceremony

Top 10 Stunning Wedding Venues in Puglia, Italy that you’ll love