George Boyle
Planning a destination wedding is exciting but can be challenging. One of the most important things to consider is how to transport your wedding dress safely. It is recommended to use a garment bag to protect your dress from dirt and wrinkles. You can purchase a sturdy garment bag online if your dress didn't come with one. It is also important to plan how you will pack your dress, with some recommending a three-fold method to avoid creases. You may also want to consider purchasing an extra seat for your dress, although this is not allowed on all airlines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Planning | Think about the fact that the dress will need to travel when buying your dress. |
| Dress style | Sleek and streamlined styles will travel more easily because they can pack into a smaller space. |
| Dress material | Choose materials that are less likely to crush or crease. |
| Garment bag | Use a garment bag to safely house your dress. Make sure it’s lightweight and breathable. |
| Packing | Pack your dress separately from your other clothing to prevent it from getting squished. |
| TSA screening | Cover the dress with colorless, acid-free tissue paper to protect it during TSA screening. |
| Carry-on | Carry your dress onto the plane with you. |
| Personal item | JetBlue considers a wedding dress a personal item. |
| Extra seat | Southwest Airlines allows you to purchase an additional seat for your wedding dress. |
| Steam | Bring a powerful travel steamer or check with your hotel to see if they have one. |
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What You'll Learn
Use a garment bag
Using a garment bag is a great way to keep your wedding dress safe and wrinkle-free while travelling. Firstly, check if your dress already came with a bag from the retailer. If not, purchase a high-quality garment bag as soon as possible. Opt for a bag made from durable, waterproof material that can withstand the rigours of travel and protect your dress from spills, dust, dirt and rain. Ensure it is large enough to comfortably fit your gown, avoiding any unnecessary folds or creases. You may also want to look for features like lightweight construction, ergonomic handles, padding and compartments for accessories.
Before travelling, ensure your dress is packed properly in the bag. Lay the dress flat and do not fold it more than necessary. If you are flying, carry the garment bag with you onto the plane. You can treat your dress like a carry-on item and place it in the overhead bin. Some airlines also offer closets to hang up dresses, so it may be worth contacting the airline beforehand to understand your options.
To be extra cautious, you can sew a loop onto the bag and attach it to a hanger, so it can be hung up when necessary. You can also add your personal information (name, phone number, email and a local address) to the bag, in case it gets lost.
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Keep it as carry-on luggage
If you're travelling with a big wedding dress, it's best to keep it as carry-on luggage. This is because checked bags can get lost, damaged or stolen. To keep your dress safe, carry it on the plane with you.
Firstly, you'll need to pack your dress in a garment bag. Some dresses come with their own bag, but if not, you can buy one. Opt for a waterproof, opaque bag that's big enough to fit your dress comfortably. A 72-inch bag will fit even the puffiest dress. You could also consider a protective box.
When packing your dress into the bag, use something with a curved edge, like rolled-up tissue paper, to prevent sharp creases from forming. If your dress is particularly delicate, you might want to roll it, rather than fold it. Place the folded or rolled dress into the bag, and then into your carry-on luggage. You can also pack a travel-friendly steam iron, a sewing kit, safety pins and stain remover, in case of any mishaps.
Once you're at the airport, treat your dress like the VIP item it is. Carry it upright and place it on top of other bags. Arrive early to give yourself plenty of time to navigate the airport. If you can, pay for early boarding to secure overhead bin space. When you board the plane, ask the flight attendants if they can hang your dress for you. Some aircraft have larger 'coat closets' in first class that can be used for bridal gown storage. If there isn't space to hang your dress, lay it flat in the overhead compartment.
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Check airline closet space
When it comes to travelling with a wedding dress, checking whether your airline of choice has closet space is a crucial step in your planning process. While some airlines do offer closet space, not all do, and even those that do may not guarantee availability. Therefore, it is essential to do your research ahead of time.
Begin by checking the airline's website for specific dimensions and guidelines regarding closet space and carry-on luggage. Some airlines, such as American Airlines and Delta, are known for accommodating wedding dresses in their onboard closets. However, it is always a good idea to call the airline directly and inquire about their policies and availability. This extra step can provide peace of mind and help you plan accordingly.
If you discover that your airline does not offer closet space, or if you prefer to keep your dress with you at all times, consider purchasing an extra seat for your wedding dress. While this option may be more costly, it ensures that your dress remains secure and undisturbed during the flight. Additionally, if you are unable to secure closet space, you can always ask the flight attendants for assistance in hanging your dress or placing it in the overhead bin once all other passengers have boarded.
Remember, the key to successful wedding dress travel is planning ahead and being flexible with backup options. By checking for closet space and exploring alternative solutions, you can rest assured that your wedding dress will arrive safely and in impeccable condition for your special day.
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Prep and steam at your hotel
Once you arrive at your destination, you can choose to steam your wedding dress at your hotel. If you are staying at a 5-star hotel, you can opt to send your dress to the hotel laundry for steaming. However, this option is not recommended by some due to the risk of letting the dress out of your sight. Alternatively, you can arrange for a service to come to your hotel room to help with steaming and preparation. This option also provides assistance on the wedding day for any last-minute emergencies, such as sewing jobs or dealing with fiddly buttons.
To avoid any last-minute scrambling, it is advisable to check the voltage and type of plug required for your steamer before you leave for your destination. If you don't have a steamer, you can check with your accommodation to see if they have one available. A powerful travel steamer is also recommended for destination weddings. It is important to note that certain fabrics may require specific care, such as pressing or steaming, so it is suggested to consult your dress designer or a dry cleaner to learn the proper treatment for your wedding dress.
When preparing your wedding dress at your hotel, it is crucial to ensure that the room is spacious enough for the dress and any other preparations, such as hair and makeup. Additionally, consider the check-in and check-out times of the prep rooms and whether any special arrangements need to be made with housekeeping. By planning ahead and utilising the available resources, you can effectively prep and steam your wedding dress at your hotel.
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Pack it properly
First, check with your airline to determine their policy for bringing and storing a wedding dress on the plane, as well as their carry-on bag limitations. Most airlines allow passengers to bring a garment bag as part of their carry-on allowance, but it's always good to double-check. Some airlines offer coat closets in the first-class cabin area, while others do not. If you want to purchase an extra seat for your dress, you should also check the airline's guidelines.
Second, get a high-quality garment bag to pack your dress in. The retailer you bought your dress from should provide a garment bag. If not, you can purchase one online. Make sure the bag is lightweight, breathable, and waterproof. Before placing the dress into the bag, wrap it in acid-free tissue paper to prevent any potential colour transfer or damage to delicate fabrics. Do not use coloured tissue paper, as it may bleed onto your dress. You can also cover the dress with colourless tissue paper after placing it in the bag to prevent creases from forming during travel.
Third, carefully fold your dress and place it in the bag, taking care not to bunch or crease the fabric. Make sure the hanger straps are on the clothing hanger and loop them around as many times as needed to take the weight off the straps.
Finally, when you get on the plane, store your garment bag in the overhead compartment or in the closet designated for hanging garments, if available.
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Frequently asked questions
You should pack your wedding dress in a sturdy garment bag, preferably one with a waterproof layer. If you bought your dress from a retailer, they may have provided you with a suitable bag. You can also purchase one online. You should then carefully fold the dress in half and store it in the overhead compartment.
No, you should always keep your wedding dress in your carry-on luggage so that it doesn't leave your sight. Checking your wedding dress risks it being lost or damaged.
Some aircraft have larger 'coat closets' in the first-class cabin area that can be used for bridal gown storage. You can call the airline ahead of time to check if your plane will have extra space, and they may be able to accommodate your request. Alternatively, you can purchase an extra seat for your dress.
You can prevent wrinkles by covering the dress with colorless, acid-free tissue paper before packing it. After you arrive at your destination, you can use a steamer to remove any wrinkles.
