How to Travel with Your Wedding Attire for a Destination Wedding
How to Travel with Your Wedding Attire for a Destination Wedding
Tips from a Nashville Wedding Photographer Who's Been There
If you’re planning a destination wedding, first of all—congrats! Whether you're heading to the beaches of Mexico, the mountains of Colorado, or eloping in the heart of Italy, you're in for an unforgettable experience.
As a Nashville wedding photographer who travels often for weddings, one of the biggest questions I get from couples is:
“How do I travel with my wedding dress or suit without ruining it?”
You’ve spent time, money, and energy picking the perfect look—and the last thing you want is to arrive and realize it’s wrinkled, damaged, or worse... missing.
Let’s walk through a few tried-and-true ways to keep your wedding attire safe, stylish, and ready to go — no matter how far you're flying.
1. Choose a Garment Bag That Means Business
That clear plastic thing from the bridal shop? It won’t cut it. Invest in a high-quality, tri-fold garment bag made for air travel. Look for one that:
Is made of durable, breathable material
Has internal straps or compartments to keep everything secure
Meets carry-on size requirements
This is your wedding outfit—it deserves first-class treatment.
2. Carry It On. Always.
Repeat after me: Never check your wedding dress or suit.
Airlines lose bags every day, and even if they don’t, luggage gets tossed around more than you want to think about.
Instead:
Carry your dress or suit onto the plane in your garment bag
Politely ask a flight attendant if there’s a closet you can use (most will say yes!)
If no closet space is available, gently lay it in the overhead bin on top of your other luggage or flat across multiple bins if needed
This way, you always know exactly where it is.
3. Keep a Steaming Plan in Your Back Pocket
Wrinkles are part of travel—but panic doesn't have to be. Once you arrive:
Hang your dress or suit immediately in a steamy bathroom
Call the hotel concierge to ask about steaming services (most have them!)
Ask your wedding planner if they have a handheld steamer on hand (they often do)
Pro tip: Test your fabric beforehand. Some materials handle steam better than others, and knowing what works ahead of time = zero surprises.
4. Pack a Backup Outfit (Just in Case)
Hopefully, you’ll never need it—but it’s smart to bring an extra white dress, jumpsuit, or neutral suit just in case of emergencies.
This isn’t about being pessimistic—it’s about feeling confident. If anything goes wrong, you still have a gorgeous outfit and your day continues without added stress.
5. Don’t Forget the Accessories
Accessories are easy to overlook, but they matter! Here’s a quick checklist:
Veil or hairpiece
Shoes (wear them through TSA if you’re tight on space!)
Jewelry (keep this in your personal item, not your carry-on)
Undergarments, shapewear, or anything specific to your outfit
A small sewing kit or fashion tape (trust me)
6. Try It All On After Travel
Once you arrive at your destination, carve out 10–15 minutes to try on your dress or suit. This gives you time to:
Spot any travel-related damage
Assess wrinkles that might need a little extra attention
Make sure everything still fits perfectly (humidity and climate changes can affect fabric feel)
It's a great way to feel fully prepped before the wedding day chaos begins.
7. Keep It with You on the Way Home
Whether you’re saving your attire as an heirloom, planning to preserve it, or selling it later, don’t check it on the way home either.
Gently fold and pack it back into the same garment bag (with tissue paper between folds if needed), and carry it on again. This keeps it in the best shape possible for cleaning, preserving, or repurposing.
Final Thoughts from Your Nashville Wedding Photographer
Traveling for your wedding doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning and the right gear, you can arrive confident, wrinkle-free, and ready to celebrate.
Still deciding where to tie the knot? We’ve photographed weddings across the country (and the globe!) and would love to help you plan an experience that feels like you.