Traveling With A Wedding Dress: La To Vegas

how to transport wedding dress abroad la to vegas

Flying with a wedding dress can be a daunting task, especially when travelling for a destination wedding. While specific guidelines vary among airlines, it is possible to transport your wedding dress safely from LA to Vegas. Here are some tips to ensure your gown remains pristine during your flight.

Characteristics Values
Planning Planning ahead is key to transporting a wedding dress.
Packing Use a carry-on bag, garment bag, or a special box to pack the wedding dress.
Transportation Transport the wedding dress as hand luggage or carry-on to keep it in sight at all times.
Storage Store the dress in the overhead bin or lay it flat. Hanging it in the bathroom can help remove wrinkles.
Destination Transporting the dress in a car? Utilize the backseat and keep the AC on to prevent yellowing.

shunbridal

Packing: Keep it in its bag, or buy a sturdy garment bag

When it comes to packing your wedding dress, it's important to keep it safe and secure. If you purchased your dress from a bridal retailer, it likely came with a garment bag that can be used for travel. In this case, it's best to leave the dress in this bag until you arrive at your destination. If your dress didn't come with a garment bag, you can purchase one online or opt for a carry-on garment bag to minimise the risk of damage or loss.

When packing your dress, it's crucial to consider the type of dress you have. If your dress has a long train, you may want to leave it bustled to prevent wrinkles. Additionally, if your dress has delicate fabrics or intricate details, focus on maintaining its shape by requesting that the salon, retailer, or designer prepare it for travel with proper padding. You can also do this yourself by laying the dress flat and moulding tissue paper around structured sections like the bust area.

If you're flying to your destination wedding, it's recommended to bring your wedding dress as carry-on luggage. This ensures that your dress arrives safely and allows you to keep it with you at all times. However, it's important to check the overhead bin requirements for your flight, as you may need to gate check your garment bag if it doesn't meet the size restrictions. In some cases, you may be able to request hanging space in the flight attendant closet or even hang the dress in the bathroom during the flight to prevent wrinkles.

While it's possible to transport your wedding dress in a checked bag, there are risks involved. There have been instances where checked wedding dresses have fallen off luggage carts or become wrinkled during transport. If you do decide to check your dress, consider using a sturdy suitcase that can accommodate the garment bag and provide extra protection. Additionally, make sure to include your personal information inside the bag in case of mishandling.

Overall, the key to successfully transporting your wedding dress is to plan ahead. Whether you're driving or flying to your destination, proper packing and preparation will ensure that your dress arrives in pristine condition for your big day.

shunbridal

Storage: Carry-on only. Never check your wedding dress

It is strongly recommended that you keep your wedding dress with you at all times, so carry-on storage is the best option. No matter how tempted you may be, do not check your wedding dress into the hold. It is a precious item that you've probably invested a lot in, and you don't want to risk losing it or having it damaged.

Before your flight, call the airline to ask about their policy for bringing and storing a wedding dress. You can also ask about coat closets or other storage options available on the plane. If you're flying with a budget airline, be aware that they may not have the space to accommodate a wedding dress. In this case, consider flying premium economy, club, or business class, as you'll have more storage space.

When packing your dress, keep it in the bag it came in, or purchase a sturdy garment bag. Make sure the bag has a waterproof layer in case something spills during the flight. You can also cover the dress with acid-free tissue paper to prevent creases from forming. If your dress has a train, grab the loop underneath and put it onto the hook of the hanger to distribute the weight evenly. Then, fold the dress by placing the middle of the garment inside first, followed by the top and bottom.

Once you're on the plane, ask the flight attendants if they can accommodate your dress in a closet or cupboard. If not, the overhead bin will do just fine!

shunbridal

Space: Call ahead to check for extra storage space

When travelling with a wedding dress, it is important to plan ahead. Wedding dresses are often bulky and delicate, so it is crucial to ensure that they are stored safely and securely. While it might be tempting to check your wedding dress with your other luggage, this is not recommended as it may get damaged. The safest option is to carry it as hand luggage. However, space for hand luggage can be limited, especially on smaller aircraft. Therefore, it is important to call ahead and check for extra storage space.

When calling ahead, it is important to provide details about the size and dimensions of your wedding dress and garment bag. Most airlines do not list the exact underseat dimensions, but they will be able to advise on the maximum size permitted for personal items. This will give you an indication of whether your wedding dress will fit in the overhead compartments or under the seats. If the garment bag does not meet the overhead requirements, you may need to find an alternative way to transport your dress, such as carrying it on your lap or placing it in the first-class closet (if available).

It is also worth enquiring about any special accommodations or assistance that can be provided for transporting a wedding dress. Some airlines may offer priority boarding or additional storage options for delicate items. For example, JetBlue allows passengers a free carry-on bag and a personal item, which can be useful for transporting a wedding dress and its accessories. Additionally, some flight attendants may be willing to hang the dress in a small closet or allow you to store it in the bathroom during the flight to prevent wrinkles.

By calling ahead and providing details about your wedding dress, you can work with the airline to ensure that there is sufficient storage space available. This will help to reduce stress and ensure that your dress arrives safely and in pristine condition. Remember to handle your wedding dress with care and consider purchasing additional items such as an airline-safe hand luggage case or a high-quality garment bag to protect your dress during transport.

Dhgate Wedding Dresses: Worth the Risk?

You may want to see also

shunbridal

Budget: Premium economy or business class for more space

If you're looking to transport your wedding dress from LA to Vegas and budget isn't a constraint, then flying premium economy or business class can definitely offer some advantages. Here are a few reasons why opting for a higher class of service might be a good idea:

More Space and Comfort:

Premium economy or business class cabins typically provide more legroom and space between seats. This extra space can be useful for carefully storing your wedding dress, either in the overhead compartments or, if available, in the larger coat closets often found in these cabins. You may even consider purchasing an additional seat for your dress if you want to ensure it has its own space.

Increased Luggage Allowance:

Higher-class tickets usually come with a more generous luggage allowance. This means you won't have to worry about paying extra for additional suitcases or cabin baggage, which can be helpful if you're transporting multiple items for your wedding.

Priority Boarding and Personalised Service:

Premium and business class passengers often get to board the plane first, which can give you extra time to carefully stow your wedding dress. The flight attendants in these cabins are also known for providing more personalised service, so they may be more accommodating of your requests to hang or store your dress properly.

Convenience and Peace of Mind:

Opting for a higher class of service can provide peace of mind, knowing that you're less likely to encounter issues with storing your dress. You'll also have the convenience of having everything you need for your wedding easily accessible during the flight.

Planning and Preparation:

Regardless of which class you choose to fly, it's important to plan and prepare when transporting your wedding dress. Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:

  • Call the airline ahead of time to inquire about storage options and request any special accommodations.
  • Pack your wedding dress in a sturdy garment bag, preferably provided by the retailer, to keep it safe and wrinkle-free.
  • Consider using tissue paper and plastic wrapping for added protection and to prevent liquid damage.
  • Bring a fabric steamer or inquire about steaming options at your destination, as wrinkles may still occur during transit.
  • Keep your dress with you as carry-on luggage if possible, rather than checking it in, to minimise the risk of damage or loss.

shunbridal

Steamers: Check with the designer before steaming

When it comes to your wedding dress, you want it to be in pristine condition for your big day. While steaming is an option to get rid of wrinkles, it's not suitable for all fabrics. Before using a steamer, check with your designer or a dry cleaner to learn how to treat your wedding dress. It's important to know what fabric your gown is made from and whether it is press-only or can be steamed.

If your dress is made from crepe, a delicate material, you can use a steamer gently or an iron on low heat. You can also try the shower method: hang your gown in the bathroom, smooth out any creases, and turn on the shower to create a steamy room.

Lace gowns can also be steamed or ironed on low heat, and the shower method will work for this fabric as well. If you have an organza gown, take extra care when removing wrinkles. Use a steamer very gently or an iron on low heat, ironing the inside of the gown rather than the outside.

For a tulle veil or gown, the best method for removing wrinkles is to use a steamer. The shower method is also an effective last-minute option. Satin gowns, on the other hand, require caution when steaming to avoid water marks. Silk gowns, with their stunning material, require a crisply smooth finish.

If you're unsure about steaming, your bridal boutique or designer will be able to advise you on the best methods for transporting and storing your dress. They may even offer to store it for you until the day before the wedding, so it's ready for you to collect and hang at home.

Frequently asked questions

It is recommended to pack your wedding dress in a carry-on bag. You can fold it into a small carry-on bag or place it in a garment bag that can be hung in the overhead bins. If your dress is bulkier or more delicate, you may want to hold the garment bag for the duration of the flight.

Some aircraft have larger 'coat closets' in the first-class cabin area that can be used for bridal gown storage. You can call ahead to check if your plane has extra space, or you can ask the flight attendants for help once onboard. Alternatively, you can purchase an extra seat for your dress if your budget allows.

It is not recommended to check your wedding dress as luggage. You should try to keep your dress with you at all times to ensure it arrives safely.

Planning ahead is crucial. You should contact your airline to determine their policies for bringing and storing wedding dresses. It is also a good idea to pack other essential items, such as shapewear, shoes, undergarments, jewellery, and hair accessories, in your carry-on bag.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment