Rhiannon Hendricks
Planning a destination wedding is an exciting but challenging task. One of the most important things to consider is how to transport your wedding dress safely to your location. The dress is a precious cargo, and you will want to ensure it arrives in pristine condition. You can either ship your dress by courier or take it with you by air. Flying with your wedding dress is the more popular option as you can travel with it and know its location at all times. However, there are several things to consider, such as the airline's policy, the size of your dress, and how to pack it to avoid creases and damage.
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What You'll Learn
Packing and storing
Packing:
- Contact your wedding dress supplier or retailer for advice on the best packaging methods to avoid creases, rips, or damage. They may also have the original box or special tissue paper that custom-fits your dress.
- If you purchased your dress from a bridal boutique or designer, they can offer specific guidance on transporting and storing your dress, and may even pack it for you.
- Use a high-quality garment bag to safely house your dress. Ensure it is within the hand luggage dimensions allowed by your airline.
- Before placing the dress in the garment bag, wrap it in acid-free tissue paper to prevent colour transfer and protect delicate fabrics.
- Gently fold your dress without bunching or creasing the fabric. LaVine suggests a three-fold method: place the middle of the dress inside the bag, then fold over the top and bottom.
- Include your personal information (name, phone number, email, and local address) on or inside the garment bag in case of loss.
- If your dress has straps, loop the hanger straps of the garment bag around them to support the weight.
- Remove the hanger before boarding your flight, as it cannot come on board with you.
Storing:
- Keep your dress with you as hand luggage to minimise the risk of loss or damage. Most airlines allow garment bags as carry-on luggage, but always check their specific policies and size restrictions.
- Store your dress in the overhead compartment or designated hanging closet on the plane. If hanging is not possible, lay it flat.
- Upon arrival, carefully unpack your dress and hang it up immediately to allow any creases to fall out. If you're staying in a hotel, inform them in advance so they can facilitate a quick room transfer for hanging.
- Let the dress breathe for 24 hours. If needed, use a handheld steamer or the shower steam method to remove stubborn wrinkles, always testing on a small area first.
By following these careful packing and storing instructions, you can ensure your wedding dress remains in perfect condition for your special day abroad.
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Transporting on a plane
Transporting a wedding dress on a plane can be a stressful experience, but with careful planning, it is completely possible. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process:
Choosing the Right Airline
Firstly, consider the airline you will be travelling with. Some airlines, like JetBlue, do not offer hanging closet space on any of their flights, while others, like Delta, are known for their accommodating crew and availability of coat closets. Major airlines like Delta may also be more likely to have larger 'coat closets' in the first-class cabin area that can be used for bridal gown storage. If you are unable to find this information on the airline's website, it is advisable to call ahead and check with the customer service representatives.
Packing the Dress
The next step is to ensure that your wedding dress is packed securely. You can choose to keep it in the bag it came in or purchase a sturdy, high-quality garment bag. It is important that the bag is waterproof, as this will protect your dress not only during the flight but also during TSA screening. To prevent creases, cover the dress with acid-free, colourless tissue paper and avoid coloured tissue paper, as it may bleed onto your dress. If your dress is bulkier or more delicate, you might want to consider holding the garment bag for the duration of the journey, although this may be uncomfortable for long periods of travel.
On the Plane
Once you are on board the plane, you have a few options for storing your dress. If you are travelling with a smaller dress, you can place it in the overhead bin. If the dress is larger, you may need to purchase an extra seat, preferably by the window, to accommodate it. Some airlines may also allow you to store the dress in the cupboard space or crew area. If you are travelling with a premium airline or in a higher class, you are more likely to have additional space for your dress.
Additional Tips
- Plan ahead and arrive at the airport early to avoid running around with your dress.
- Try to travel light, as the wedding dress alone can be heavy and bulky.
- If you must check your dress, use a tracking device to monitor its location.
- If you are particular about avoiding creases, consider purchasing a full-size seat for your dress.
- If you are getting married at your destination, consider steaming or ironing your dress at your hotel.
By following these tips and planning ahead, you can ensure that your wedding dress arrives safely and in pristine condition for your special day.
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Transporting by courier
Transporting your wedding dress by courier can be an expensive option, and there is a risk of it arriving late. Therefore, it is essential to book early and shop around for different couriers, as policies and prices vary.
The dress needs to be expertly packaged and protected in a suitable box that is sturdy and waterproof. It is also important to heavily protect the dress against the elements, as cargo holds can be subject to extreme temperatures.
You can pay for extra tracking and signatures, but once you let go of the dress, it is out of your hands. This means that there is a possibility of the dress getting stolen, damaged, lost, or delayed.
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Removing creases
Wedding dresses come in all shapes, sizes, and weights, so it's important to get as much information as possible about your specific dress. Bridal boutiques, bridal designers, and dry cleaners are experts in dress and clothing transportation, so they can advise on how best to transport and store your dress, and may even pack your dress for you.
If you're flying to your destination, taking your wedding dress as hand luggage is the best way to ensure its safety. Most airlines allow passengers to bring a garment bag as part of their carry-on allowance, but it's always wise to double-check with your airline’s specific policies beforehand. A high-quality garment bag is the first step in ensuring your wedding dress’s safe transport. Before placing your dress into the suitcase, wrap it in acid-free tissue paper to prevent any potential colour transfer or damage to delicate fabrics. You can also purchase a wedding dress and accessories travel box, which is sturdy, convenient, and accepted as carry-on luggage on airlines.
Once you reach your destination, gently shake out your dress and hang it in a well-ventilated area. If necessary, you can use a handheld steamer to remove any stubborn wrinkles, but be sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to avoid damaging the fabric. Another trick is to hang your dress in a bathroom with the shower on, and the steam will help any additional creases drop out.
If your dress is made of satin, chiffon, crepe, lace, or organza, you can use a garment steamer to lightly add heat and moisture and remove creases. Satin, crepe, lace, and organza can also be ironed on low heat, but be sure to iron the inside of the gown rather than the outside. If you don't feel confident using an iron or steamer, you can try using a water mister (or small spray bottle with a mist setting) and a hairdryer. Hang the dress and spray a section of the gown with water, then use a hairdryer on warm air about 12 to 18 inches from the gown. Then use the cool setting on the same area to cool the fabric and set it. Repeat this process for each section of the dress.
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Unpacking at your destination
When you arrive at your destination, carefully unpack your dress, placing the tissues and packaging to one side for your return journey. Open the dress out of the bag and let it breathe for 24 hours. If you're staying in a hotel, they may be able to provide a steaming service. Alternatively, you could find a local dry cleaner to steam your dress. If you're in a warm, humid climate, creases may come out naturally.
If you need to get creases out of your dress, you can use a handheld steamer, but be sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to avoid damaging the fabric. Another option is to hang your dress in a bathroom with the shower running, and the steam will help any additional creases drop out. If your dress is made of lace or organza, you can use an iron on a low heat, ironing the inside of the gown rather than the outside. For a crepe wedding gown, you should use a steamer gently or an iron on low heat.
If you're staying in a hotel, inform them in advance that you're arriving with your wedding dress so that they can prepare for a quick room transfer where you can get your dress out and hang it up.
Give yourself a few days between arriving and the wedding ceremony. This will allow you time to relax and ensure your dress is in perfect condition.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to carry your wedding dress as hand luggage in a sturdy, waterproof garment bag. Most airlines allow passengers to bring a garment bag as carry-on luggage, but it is important to check the airline's specific policies and size restrictions before your flight.
First, wrap your dress in acid-free tissue paper to prevent colour transfer and damage. Then, fold it carefully and place it in the garment bag, ensuring it meets the airline's size restrictions. You can also purchase special wedding dress travel boxes that are accepted as carry-on luggage.
You can use a handheld steamer to remove wrinkles, but be sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first. Alternatively, you can hang your dress in a bathroom with the shower running, and the steam will help to remove creases.
Couriers can be expensive, so be sure to shop around for different options and book early. Your dress should be expertly packaged and protected in a sturdy, waterproof box.
Yes, it is recommended to speak to your wedding dress supplier for advice on the best packaging methods. If you are checking into a hotel, inform them in advance so they can prepare for your arrival and provide a quick room transfer to hang up your dress.
