Franklin Dean
Travelling with formal attire for a wedding can be a stressful experience, especially if your destination is far away. The last thing you want is to arrive at your wedding destination only to find your dress is lost or damaged. Luckily, there are several ways to ensure your dress arrives in pristine condition. From choosing the right fabric and style to utilising garment bags and carry-on luggage, there are many options to consider when planning how to travel with a dress for a wedding.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Keep it in your carry-on
When travelling with a nice dress for a wedding, it is best to keep it in your carry-on luggage. This way, you can rest assured that your dress will not be lost or mishandled. Wedding dress designer Natasha Duff-Cole recommends planning ahead when travelling with your wedding dress.
If you are flying, bring your dress in a carry-on bag and ask the flight attendants to hang it up. They will usually be happy to help. It is also a good idea to bring a sturdy garment bag to pack your dress in. This will protect your dress during TSA screening and ensure that it arrives safely. Some garment bags can be folded into carry-on size, which is ideal if you are unable to hang your dress or if there is no space in the overhead compartment. If you are able to hang your dress, make sure that it is securely packed inside the bag and that the hanger straps are looped around the clothing hanger.
It is also important to consider the fabric and style of your dress when packing. Opt for wrinkle-resistant fabrics like lace, tulle, satin, or crepe. Styles like A-line, sheath, column, or slip dresses will also be easier to pack. If your dress has a ball gown silhouette or an expansive train, you may need to check it in as baggage.
Additionally, if you are travelling by car, lay the garment bag flat in the trunk to prevent wrinkles and damage. And if the weather is hot, don't leave the dress in the car for too long, as heat can cause discolouration.
How to Haggle for Your Dream Wedding Dress
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Choose a wrinkle-resistant fabric
If you're travelling to a wedding, it's a good idea to choose a dress made from wrinkle-resistant fabric. This will ensure that you look polished and put together, and it will save you time as you won't need to iron or steam your dress.
Wrinkle-resistant fabrics are typically made from fibres that are either naturally resilient or have been treated to resist creasing. These fabrics usually have a smooth texture and maintain their shape well. Synthetic fibres like nylon, spandex and polyester blends are engineered to resist wrinkles and offer great flexibility. They can be easily packed without losing their form and are ideal for dresses. For example, the Athleta Presidio Traveller Maxi Dress is made from recycled polyester with spandex added for extra stretch and wrinkle resistance.
If you're looking for something more breathable, linen blends are a good option. Linen is prone to wrinkling, but when blended with other fibres like cotton or rayon, it becomes more travel-friendly while retaining its lightness and breathability. Rayon is another lightweight, breathable fabric that drapes beautifully and packs compactly, making it perfect for dresses, especially in warm weather.
Other wrinkle-resistant fabrics include silk, which is surprisingly durable and takes up very little space, and wool, which can be worn straight from your suitcase without needing to be steamed or ironed.
Strategies to Camouflage Your Stomach in a Wedding Dress
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Hang it up when you arrive
When you arrive at your destination, take your dress out of the garment bag as soon as possible. If it has been folded, hanging it up will allow any creases to drop out. This requires some advance planning, as you will need to ensure there is somewhere to hang your dress full-length and undisturbed.
Some dresses may need to be steamed when they arrive. You can use a portable steamer, or hang the dress in a steamy bathroom. Run a hot shower for 10-15 minutes to remove wrinkles. Check with your dress designer or a dry cleaner to learn how to treat your dress. Some fabrics, such as crepe, can stretch if steamed, so be cautious.
If you are staying in a hotel, you can get in touch with a local bridal boutique, seamstress, or dresser to see if they can help prepare your dress for a fee. If you bought a particular brand of wedding dress, you could also look for a local stockist.
If you are travelling by plane, some airlines may allow you to hang your dress in one of the flight attendant areas during the flight. It's always a good idea to ask if there is a closet to hang it in, but not all airlines or aircraft will have one. If you can hang your dress during the flight, it will save you time and effort when you arrive at your destination.
Finding Wedding Dress Prices: A Guide for Brides-to-Be
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Use a garment bag
If you're travelling with a wedding dress, it's important to keep it in a garment bag. This will help to protect the dress from dirt and discolouration, and it will also help to prevent creases and wrinkles. Wedding dress retailers will often provide a garment bag, but if not, you can easily purchase one online. It's a good idea to choose a bag that is waterproof and wrinkle-resistant, and that folds nicely into carry-on size. Make sure the bag is sealed to the elements, and consider covering the dress with acid-free tissue paper to prevent creases.
When packing your garment bag, it's important to fold the dress properly. Bridal stylist Hope LaVine recommends starting by placing the middle of the dress inside the bag, then folding the top and bottom over to create a three-fold. If your dress has straps, make sure to loop the hanger straps around until they take the weight off the garment straps. It's also a good idea to put your personal information on or inside the bag, in case it gets lost.
If you're flying, bring your garment bag as carry-on luggage. This way, you can keep your dress with you at all times, and you won't have to worry about lost luggage. Some airlines may allow you to hang your dress in one of the flight attendant areas or closets during the flight, but this isn't guaranteed, so always have a backup plan. If you're travelling with a large dress, you may need to fold it and place it in the overhead compartment. Make sure to board early to secure space.
If you're travelling by car, lay the garment bag flat on top of your other luggage or by itself in the trunk, ensuring it's not crushed or bent. If the weather is hot, don't leave the dress in the car for too long, as heat can cause discolouration. Check on the dress periodically during your journey to ensure it stays in good condition.
Finding Your Dream Wedding Dress: How Early is Too Early?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Check with the airline
While it is possible to travel with a wedding dress on a plane, specific guidelines will vary among airlines. It is therefore important to check with the airline you are flying with to see if they have any specific advice or requirements for travelling with a wedding dress. For example, Delta designates a section on its website for information about special baggage items, including wedding dresses. A Delta agent at your gate will be able to help you determine where to store your dress during the flight.
Some airlines may allow you to hang your dress in one of the flight attendant areas during the flight, but this is not guaranteed. It is therefore important to have a backup plan, such as a carry-on garment bag that can be stowed in the overhead compartment. When choosing a garment bag, opt for one that is waterproof, wrinkle-resistant, and folds nicely into a carry-on size. Make sure the bag is sealed to protect your dress from the elements, and consider covering the dress with colorless, acid-free tissue paper to prevent creases.
If you are concerned about space, consider choosing a wedding dress with a style and fabric that is compatible with travel. Sleek and streamlined styles that can pack into a smaller space will be easier to transport. Opt for wrinkle-resistant fabrics like lace, tulle, satin, or crepe, and consider styles like A-line, sheath, column, or slip dresses for a more compact fit.
Remember, it is your responsibility to make arrangements for your dress to get to your destination, so be sure to plan ahead and contact the airline in advance to discuss any specific requirements or recommendations they may have.
Enhance Your Bust: Wedding Dress Tricks for a Fuller Look
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to always pack your wedding dress in a carry-on bag. If your dress is bulky or delicate, you can carry a waterproof and opaque garment bag for the duration of the journey. It is also a good idea to call the airline ahead of time to ask about storing your dress.
You can use the garment bag that your retailer provides. If your dress didn't come with a garment bag, you can purchase one online. Make sure it is lightweight, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant. It should also be sealed to protect against spills.
It is important to plan ahead and choose a dress with a travel-friendly style and fabric. Opt for wrinkle-resistant fabrics like lace, tulle, satin, or crepe. Consider a more compact style like an A-line, sheath, column, or slip dress.
