A Packing Checklist for your Destination Wedding

Photo: Conscious Cinematic Arts

Whether you are the groom or the bride packing for their destination wedding, chances are you have wondered how much to take to this wedding, and how to take it. Well hopefully this neat little checklist and tips for packing should be handy!

Tips for Packing

• In most cases if you plan to take your bridal outfit by hand, its dimensions are too big for airlines to allow you to carry it in your hand. One particular bride took that risk and the airline had to shrink wrap it - causing it to crush. A better alternative, is to fold it and keep it inside a suitcase alone . Remember- folds don't cause wrinkles, pressure does. Your can-can won't get spoilt with a quick 3-hour flight don't worry. Of course, if your outfit can fit into a small bag within the dimensions permissible for hand luggage, that's the best.
• Buy a portable garment steamer for your smaller functions so you can steam press your outfits.
• If your wedding is out of the country, wear imitation jewellery. There have been cases of bridal jewellery getting stuck at customs and the last thing you want coming back from your Thailand wedding is being stuck in an airport.
• Another smart thing- when you get your dress, instead of asking the store for a garment bag, ask them to put it in a box for you. A lot of stores do this, and that box can be checked in alongside
• Pre-buy excess luggage before hand, so you don't have to pay exorbitant rates at the airport.
• Keep your everyday grooming essentials, a hairbrush & sunglasses in your handbag. When you arrive at the airport, there will be other people there to greet you and you may need a quick touch up to mask those tired eyes.
• For items such as favors, and other things that are in bulk, pre-ship these to the venue directly so you have one less thing to worry about while going.

Checklist for the Bride/ Groom

• Passports (If you are going straight for your honeymoon, or if the wedding is outside India)
• Airline Tickets & Travel Insurance
• Engagement Rings
• Outfits for each event- morning and night
• Jewelry for each event
• Accessories for each event
• One of your invitation cards (for the photographer to capture)
• Shoes for each event
• Night clothes
• Sunglasses
• Reading Glasses/ Contacts
• Nail Polish Remover and Nail Polish
• Sunscreen
• Makeup Kit
• Razor or Veet Wax Strips for emergency situations
• Needle and thread
• Safety pins
• Hair pins
• Garment Steamer
• Mini First Aid Kit- Bandaid / Crocin
• Sanitary Napkins
• Electrical Converter (if your wedding is outside India)
• Double-sided Tape
• Flat Iron or Curler: Your favourite hair styling tool
• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Perfume
• Sagan Envelopes
• Flip Flops
• Items needed for the ceremony such as: Mangalsutra, Sindoor etc
• Camera & Camera Charger (especially if you are going straight for your honeymoon)
• Phone Charger & Phone
• Phone should have reference images of the makeup and look you want to show the MUA
• Makeup Remover (extremely important. You cannot take professional makeup off with just water)