Planning for a wedding abroad
Sun, Sea, Sand, Savings? Whatever it is that is drawing couples to tie the knot overseas it seems to be more than a passing fad. So if you’ve decided that a “destination wedding” is for you, what do you need to consider?
Check out our simple guide:
The dress
Many shops now offer destination dresses; these will often be much less structured (structured dresses use corsetry and may have a heavy layered skirt) than the shop’s normal range. Destination dresses are designed to be suitable in hot climates and to pack easily. However, consider the following points and there is no reason to restrict yourself to a specific destination range.
1. Consider the climate: Popular wedding destinations are typically warm in the day with the temperature dropping considerably after sun down. Dresses with less layering in natural fabrics are more suitable but consider a shrug or bolero top for later on.
2. Strapless dresses or those with spaghetti straps seem to fit in well for beach weddings. Grecian style empire-line dresses also work well.
3. Dresses with smaller, or no train work better in more informal settings.
4. Slinky is great for destination weddings but you need to consider what works for your body shape. A strapless A-line dress is a great alternative.
5. Packing for travel may be an issue but you would be surprised how small a gown can be packed (see our notes on preparing your dress later).
6. Carefully consider the length of the dress, if you’re thinking sandals on the beach then heels in the evening and you’re going for a full length dress you’ll need to decide on which length your dress will be. In this instance we’d suggest you have a dress which works with the heels and is slightly longer than needed for the beach part of the wedding.
How will you get your dress there?
The big decision here is hand luggage or put it in the hold. Our recommendation is to take your dress as hand luggage. This means that it’s with you every step of the way, so there is no danger that you’ll arrive in the Seychelles whilst your dress will be flown to Sweden. Unfortunately this method is also likely to incur some sort of charge from your airline since it is unlikely that you will want to cram it into a standard sized hand luggage bag. If you’re going down the hand luggage route make sure you (or your agent) checks with the airline when you book.
Hand Luggage
A decent dress carrier is most suitable. Hang the dress in the carrier, zip and fold once, adding a layer of white (not coloured!) tissue paper will help to minimise creasing. Make sure it’s got a luggage label and you’re done. Make sure you mention that you are taking your dress on the plane when you check in. When you board ask the cabin crew if there is somewhere that the dress can be hung during the flight. If not it’s going to have to go in the overhead luggage compartment. If this is the case wait until everyone has put their luggage in then lay your dress over the top.
Packed for the hold
The trick here is not avoiding packing too tight or too loose. Place a large towel in the case. Lay the dress out on white tissue paper (do not be tempted to use coloured.... it may stain the dress!). Add another layer of tissue paper on top then fold the minimum number of times to allow the dress to be placed I the case. Place another towel over the dress then pack the rest of the case. Do not be tempted to over pack or to put any of your liquid toiletries in with your dress and, on the way home, pack your duty free in a different bag!
If it all goes wrong: Well at least you’re insured…. You did check that your dress was covered on your travel insurance didn’t you? Standard travel insurance is unlikely to cover you for a single dress worth over £500. Regardless of how much you’ve spent on your dress check with your insurance company what is and what is not covered. Have you remembered to tell them about the rings?
Getting ready for your big day
Check it’s all there: Unpack and lay everything out on the bed. Mentally work your way through the morning of the wedding checking that everything you need is there. Something missing? Don’t panic you’ve got time to get it sorted out.
Slap on the sun block: Topping up your tan before the wedding is a big no no! Sun kissed is a great look, lobster red with white bikini strap lines is not! If you feel a little pale before the wedding use fake tan… ignore this advice and you run the risk of cringing every time your wedding photos come out.
Give your dress time to recover from the flight: Close the bathroom window, switch off the extractor fan and run the shower on hot until there is plenty of steam in the room. Unpack your dress and let it hang in there until the steam subsides. Do not let the shower water run on your dress and never, ever be tempted to take an iron to your dress. It is highly likely that some part of the gown will burn. Think of this, would you prefer to have a crease or a triangular burn mark.
Heading back home
Posted: Sat 29 Mar 2008 14:00:00 pm.
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