Bridesmaids' Dresses: Packing Tips For Your Suitcase

Packing formalwear for a wedding can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to bulky items like a bridesmaid dress. Whether you're travelling by plane, train or car, the key to preserving your fancy clothes is to plan ahead, pack smart and be prepared for wrinkles. Here are some essential tips to help you pack your bridesmaid dress like a pro and ensure it arrives safely at your destination.

Use a garment bag

Using a garment bag is a great way to transport your bridesmaid dress, keeping it safe and minimising creases. Here are some tips on how to make the most of this method:

Firstly, check with the retailer you bought the dress from to see if they can provide a garment bag. If not, you can easily purchase one online. A cloth garment bag is preferable to vinyl, as it is less likely to cause wrinkles. You can also use a dry cleaning bag or the dress bag the dress came in. If you need extra reinforcement, wrap the dress in a large cotton sheet before placing it in the bag. During bad weather, add a large industrial garbage bag to the bottom of your dress to prevent it from dragging on wet or dirty floors.

When using a garment bag, it is best to carry the dress onto the plane with you, rather than checking it in. You can ask the airline ahead of time if they can offer a cabin closet for you to hang your dress, and some airlines will hang it in the first-class closet if there is room. If you are unable to hang the dress, you can fold the garment bag and place it over a small carry-on bag in the overhead storage. It is important to keep an eye on the bag to ensure it doesn't get moved or crushed. If you are travelling with a bulky dress, you could consider buying an extra seat for your dress, although this can be expensive.

Once you arrive at your destination, unpack your dress immediately and hang it up. Minor wrinkles should disappear if you hang the dress in the bathroom while you shower, as the steam will help the material to loosen. If the dress is still creased, most hotels offer pressing services at a reasonable price.

Pack shoes carefully

Packing shoes for a trip can be a challenging task, especially when you want to keep them carefully stored and protected. Here are some tips to help you pack your shoes with care:

Plan ahead:

Before you start packing, consider your destination, the duration of your trip, and the activities you'll be doing. This will help you decide how many pairs of shoes you actually need. Setting a limit and sticking to it will make packing easier. It's also important to ensure your shoes are clean and odour-free before placing them in your luggage. This will prevent any unwanted smells or dirt from transferring to your clothes.

Use shoe bags or packing cubes:

Place each shoe into its own travel shoe bag for protection. You can also use packing cubes, which are designed to maximise space and keep your luggage organised. They help separate shoes from clean clothing and prevent wrinkling. Additionally, consider using a shoe tree or insert to maintain the shape of your shoes during transit.

Stuff the insides:

Before packing your shoes, stuff the insides with small items like socks, underwear, or accessories. This will save space and help maintain the shape of your shoes. Make sure to pack soft clothing or tissue paper around your shoes for added protection and to prevent scratches.

Wrap or cover your shoes:

Wrap each shoe individually in plastic bags or saran wrap to protect them from dirt and moisture. This is especially important if you plan to place them in your suitcase with other items. It also helps to separate them from clean clothes. If you're concerned about odours, you can spray your shoes with an antibacterial shoe spray before packing them.

Positioning in the suitcase:

When placing your shoes in the suitcase, it's best to keep them at the bottom. This helps with weight distribution and reduces the risk of your suitcase tipping over. If you have multiple pairs, pack them heel to toe with the soles facing outward, similar to how they are arranged in a shoe box. If using a hard-sided case, distribute the shoes evenly between both compartments.

Alternative options:

If you're bringing multiple pairs of shoes and want a designated space, consider using luggage with split compartments and a zippered divider. This provides a natural barrier between your shoes and other items. Alternatively, you can use a shoe packing cube or box to protect your shoes, although this may not make the most efficient use of space in your suitcase.

Avoid checking in luggage

If you're a bridesmaid, you don't want to be left without your dress at the last minute because your luggage got lost. So, it's always best to travel with your outfit in your carry-on suitcase. Here are some tips for avoiding checking in luggage when packing a bridesmaid dress:

Use a Garment Bag

Place your dress on a hanger and put it in a garment bag. If you don't have a garment bag, you can ask the bridal shop for one, or purchase one online. A cloth garment bag is preferable to vinyl, as it won't cause wrinkles in tight spaces. Make sure the bag meets size requirements for carry-on luggage. You can also double up on garment bags for added protection.

Pack the Dress in a Carry-On Suitcase

If you're placing the garment bag in the overhead bin, fold the bag in half and place it over a small carry-on suitcase. Keep an eye on the bag to ensure it doesn't get moved or crushed. Alternatively, you can take the dress off the hanger, remove as much air as possible, and roll it up gently to fit into a hard-shell carry-on bag.

Pack Light and Arrive Early

The wedding dress is heavy, so travel light and make sure the rest of your luggage is easy to walk around with. It's also a good idea to arrive at the airport early, so you can navigate the airport with ease and have more time to communicate with the flight attendants about storing your dress.

Steam the Dress

Folding and rolling the dress can result in wrinkles, so unpack your garment as soon as you arrive and use a portable steamer on the morning of the wedding. If you don't have a steamer, hang the dress in the bathroom, put the shower on as hot as it will go, and let the garment hang for 5-10 minutes as the room fills with steam.

Use the shower to steam the dress

If you're in a pinch and don't have a steamer, you can use the shower to steam your bridesmaid dress. Hang the dress in the bathroom, preferably on a hanger, and turn the shower on as hot as it will go. Close the door and let the steam fill the room. Leave the dress hanging for around 5 to 10 minutes. This method may not be as effective as using a steamer, but it will help to remove wrinkles and make your dress more presentable.

It is important to note that natural fibres tend to wrinkle more easily, but they are also easier to iron or steam. So, if your dress is made of natural fibres, the shower trick should do the job. However, be sure to check with the retailer or designer to ensure that the fabric of your dress can tolerate steam.

Additionally, remember to remove your dress from the bathroom after steaming and allow it to air out before wearing it. This will prevent you from putting on a damp dress and creating more wrinkles.

If you have access to one, using a portable steamer is a more reliable method to remove wrinkles from your dress. However, if you don't have a steamer or are looking for a quick fix, the shower trick can be a lifesaver for bridesmaids on the go!

Pack jewellery carefully

Packing jewellery can be tricky, especially if you're taking delicate pieces. Here are some tips to help you pack your jewellery carefully and avoid any tangles or damage:

Use a Travel Jewellery Box

Get yourself a travel jewellery box with compartments to prevent larger pieces from tangling or getting scratched. If your jewellery box doesn't have enough compartments, place each piece in small sealable bags before storing them in the box. This is a great way to keep smaller items safe and organised. Always carry your jewellery box in your hand luggage to avoid the risk of losing it.

Ziplock Bags

Place each piece of jewellery in a separate ziplock bag, leaving a small part of the chain hanging out at the top. Then, close the ziplock around the chain to keep it secure and tangle-free.

Pill Organisers

Pill organisers are a great, inexpensive way to store small jewellery items such as earrings and rings. You can also use the compartments to organise your jewellery according to your daily outfits.

Straws

Thread one end of the necklace or bracelet through a drinking straw and fasten it. This keeps your jewellery secure and prevents tangles without taking up too much space in your luggage.

DIY Earrings Holder

If you have pierced ears, use a thin sheet of foam or card and pierce each pair of earrings through. For dangling earrings, secure them with masking tape to prevent damage.

Toilet Paper Roll

Loop your bracelets around an empty toilet paper roll, then place them in a plastic bag to prevent them from slipping off during your journey.

Pack a Statement Necklace

Statement necklaces can dress up even the most basic travel outfits. Pack a couple of statement pieces that will go with multiple outfits to maximise the potential of your limited options.

Pack Cheap Jewellery

It's best not to take any jewellery that you'd be upset about losing or having stolen. Leave your most valuable pieces at home and take cheaper alternatives instead.

Frequently asked questions