How to Fly with your Wedding Dress
Marriage is an exciting adventure, and for those doing destination weddings- traveling with your wedding dress can seem like an adventure in itself. Here’s our best tips to ensure transportation of your gown is as easy as saying “I do”.
Carry On
The most important part of this article is these two words: Carry On.
Your wedding dress should be one of your carry on items. This way, you can have the gown with you and safe throughout the entirety of your travel.
How to pack your Wedding Dress as a Carry On
Your gown comes in a bag- we recommend double bagging it with a waterproof garment bag. Not only does a second bag provide more protection for the gown, but it also ensures your gown will not be seen when traveling with your fiancé.
Before the flight
Before the day of the flight, call your airline. Let them know you will be bringing your wedding dress on the plane, and ask if they offer storage for your gown on board. Some airlines will have options for you, or will possibly have a closet on the plane. When you board, let the flight attendants know you have your wedding gown with you. If there is a closet on the plane, there is a high chance the flight attendants can take your gown and safely store it for you for the duration of the flight. If they do not- the gown can be transported next to you, or in the overhead bin safely.
When you arrive
It is recommended to unpack your gown when you arrive at your destination. Hang it up, and let the train down- this way the fabric can breathe. Letting the dress hang will also help relax any wrinkles that has occurred during the traveling process. A quick steam and your dress should be wedding day ready!
Steaming
For your destination wedding, there are a few options when it comes to steaming your dress. Bringing your own portable hand steamer is the “safest” option. There is also the option of calling ahead, and making sure your hotel has a steamer you can use when you arrive. Or, you can choose a local dry cleaner at your destination and arrange for them to handle your gown’s finishing touches.
Extra Tips for Flying with Your Wedding Dress
When it comes to veils, belts, straps, hair pieces, anything extra- a separate packing cube can help ensure nothing snags in travel, and also helps with organization.
Last but not least- pack a tide pen! You can never be too prepared (: