Having an Out of Town Wedding? This Packing Checklist Will Help!

The Ultimate Destination Wedding Packing List!

Planning a destination wedding is an exciting adventure, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. With so many details to think about, packing can easily become an afterthought. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! This packing list will help you stay organized and ensure you have everything you need for your big day. There are also certain tips and tricks for staycation destination weddings. Whether you’re heading to a beach wedding in Goa, Thailand or a European castle, our list will make sure you’re fully prepared so you can focus on celebrating and making memories.

Check all the boxes on this and you're all set! So without wasting more time, here goes!

Image via Design Tuk Tuk★ 4.6

Destination Wedding Packing List For Apparel And Accessories

This one is the most important section of your packing list. Your bridal outfits, jewellery, extra outfits – everything needs to be accounted for and packed. These are non-negotiables as you will not be able to replace them with anything.

• One labelled bag per event containing the outfit, jewellery and shoes for that event.
• Extra outfits for both Indian and western wear. Don’t forget an extra gold blouse.
• Lingerie. For your wedding events, wedding night and extra.
• Fashion tape and stick-on cups on fancier necklines. Also, any shapewear that you may need.
• Wedding shoes plus an extra set of backups that are used, not new.
• Bridal jewellery – Bridal sets, smaller sets and smaller pieces like kaleeras, bangles etc
• Wedding day hair accessories (headband/headpiece, special pins or combs)
• Sweater, light jacket, or wrap – depending on weather
• Bridal Kit – safety pins, hairpins, glue for maangtikas, U-pins.

Want to know how much a destination wedding in Jaipur will cost you? Check out this ultimate guide!

Travel Docs For Destination Wedding Packing List

A destination wedding means that you have to leave your hometown to another city or maybe even a different continent. Depending on where your wedding destination is, you will need certain documentation to get there.

• Passports
• Flight tickets/boarding passes
• Visas (where necessary)
• Copies of your birth certificates/valid ID proof
• Travel insurance and wedding insurance paperwork (some countries need this)
• Any marriage/legal documents required for you to get married – if in another country
• Hotel booking confirmation
• Credit card/traveller’s checks/cash
• Customs – for jewellery declaration

Destination Wedding Packing List For Makeup and Skincare:

You may think why do you need makeup and skincare when your professional MUA will carry everything? But what about the smaller events or welcome parties that you may have not booked a MUA for. Also, doing your skincare during your wedding week is of utmost importance!

• Your makeup kit (You need to carry a small kit just in case your MUA’s product doesn't work for you). Take one foundation, concealer, kajal, 2-3 lipsticks and a blush.
• Your daily skincare – cleansing oil/balm, moisturizer, night cream, sunscreen and any specific products that your dermatologist may have recommended.
• Your toiletries - including the trusty face wash, shampoo, conditioner, moisturiser, night cream, eye cream and lip balm. Carry a quick face pack or mask just in case.
• Numbing cream for heavy earrings
• Razor and shaving cream
• Hair styling products

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Destination Wedding Packing List For Wedding Documents:

Apart from travel documents, there will also be a bunch of documentation for the wedding events that you will need. We recommend that you have two copies of this and have some trusted cousin or friend carry the second set.

• List of supplier contact details
• Copy of venue and supplier contracts
• Payment information for suppliers
• Proof of down payments you’ve made to vendors
• Receipts for Favors gifts – If you have some fancy gifts, customs may ask for them.
• Photocopies of any vaccination document/prescriptions/health insurance cards – depends on where your wedding is
• Phone number of the closest Indian embassy
• Trip insurance

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Destination Wedding Packing List For Personal Items

This one is crucial, so don’t forget this!

• Contraception
• Your personalised bridal stuff (if any. robe, hangers, slippers etc)
• Engagement ring, bridal chooda, mangal sutra – anything that you need for the rituals.

Miscellaneous Items

A destination wedding means you cannot run out to the market and get what you have forgotten, especially if it’s a remote area, so you have to carry it all.

• Sagan envelopes
• Family gifts
• Universal travel adapter
• Extra Contact lenses/glasses
• Extra hangers
• Phone charger
• Eye mask for a peaceful sleep on the way
• Scarf to protect hair and face from the sun
• Comb or hair brush
• Cotton pads, ear buds and makeup remover or wipes
• Zit cream for emergencies
• Needle and thread for outfit emergencies
• Safety pins and hair pins because they're never enough!
• Blotting sheets in case it's hot or you're oily
• Some basic medicines like anti-allergens, headache or tummy pills, Bandaids
• Sanitary pads or panty liners
• Mint ('cz the mouth does feel weird after long silences)
• An iron box or mini steamer (if you don't want to end up running around for one)
• Some candy, chocolate or energy bars for untimely cravings
• Alcohol miniatures (one or two shots can really calm you down!)
• Your own water bottle so it doesn't get lost

Destination Wedding Checklist Packing Tips:

• Make sure you pack all of the above and any other valuables and key items in your carry-on luggage to ensure they arrive with you. It’s advisable to include any personalised items or irreplaceable keepsakes just in case (heaven forbid!) anything happens to your checked baggage. You can ask a friend or family member to travel with you and have their cabin luggage access as well.
• Check with the hotel about all that they will provide – for example you can avoid carrying things like a hairdryer or towels if the hotel has it
• Try to do all the gifting in the hometown unless rituals mandate it. That way you don’t have to carry all the gifts.
• Bring extra wedding stationary and invites for your wedding photographer to take some nice photos of these too.

Here are some Useful Tips For Planning A Destination Wedding On A Budget All By Yourself!

*Updated by Apoorva Pagar