What Bridesmaids Should Pack for a Destination Wedding
Sometimes destination weddings can make for an unforgettable experience, not only for the bride and groom but also for everyone involved. Some couples have met while on vacation; other times, they choose it for the exoticness of it all, or maybe a beach wedding has always been a dream for the engaged couple. Heck, even Vancouver BC is considered a destination wedding location for some!
Wherever the wedding is taking place, if you’re the bride or one of her bridesmaids and you need to travel, then you have a lot to consider beforehand—especially packing for it. Here are some suggestions on what to pack for a destination wedding if you’re a bridesmaid.
First, a few ground rules
Pack light. We discussed this in our previous blog post about packing for a trip, but it bears repeating. Canadian airports will most definitely charge you a fee for any extra luggage you need to bring. If that breaks your budget and it’s already reaching its limit for the wedding, then packing light is a must.
Bring only what you need, not what you want to bring. It may seem tempting to bring 2 weeks’ worth of clothing changes (if you’re a bridesmaid and need to travel, then clothing changes are a must). Regardless, you still need to pack what you need as opposed to packing what you want to bring, otherwise you’ll have to pay for traveling with it all at the airport, literally!
Keep the destination in mind when packing. The location you are traveling to for the destination wedding can have an impact on your comfort. Pack warm clothes if you’re going somewhere cold such as a coat, and cool clothes if you’re going somewhere hot such as a light sweater.
Don’t pack things that will make the wedding about you. As awesome as the destination might be, you’re not going there for yourself—you’re going as a woman who’s going to help cheer on the bride and groom on their big day.
Non-negotiable items you need to pack
These items you really do need to pack, wedding or otherwise:
Prescribed medication. This can include anything that requires your doctor’s prescription. You could also pack over the counter medicine such as ibuprofen in your purse for emergencies.
Tampons or pads (if it’s near that time of the month for you). Because Miss Period can show up even on big days like these.
Toiletries. We’re of course referring to your toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, hairbrush, etc. Bring sunscreen as well (this is helpful whether the destination is hot or cold!).
Passports and visas. Taking copies in case you misplace or lose these valuable documents helps too.
Depending on where you’re going, you’ll also need vaccination records (or get boosters if applicable). Bring medical information as well if you’re going overseas.
What to pack (clothes)
The wedding is not the only thing that you, the bridesmaid need to wear an outfit for. Here’s what you will need to pack in terms of clothing:
Bridesmaid dress (very important!).
Rehearsal dinner dress (should be semi-formal).
1 change of clothes for the after-party.
1 change of casual clothes for traveling (capris/shorts and t-shirt if you’re going somewhere warm or hot; jeans/pants with a sweater or long-sleeved shirt and a coat if you’re going somewhere cold).
3-4 pairs of socks (add extra pairs if you’re going somewhere very cold!). Good for traveling.
2-3 pairs of shoes—your pair of shoes for the wedding, plus 1 comfy pair of shoes for dancing and walking around in post-ceremony, plus 1 pair for traveling (boots if cold, sandals or running shoes for traveling).
2-4 changes of underwear, including the right bras and underwear for your wedding outfits (i.e. strapless with strapless, strapped with strapped—not a mix of the two).
Jewelry, hair accessories, and makeup. Keep what you know you need to wear and apply for the event in small baggies for easy organization and access.
Sunglasses (if you’re going to a hot destination) and regular glasses/contact lenses (if applicable). Keep these in their proper carriers.
Feel free to pack these additional items for clothing purposes if you have room (they’re great in emergencies at the wedding!):
Heel protectors. Because walking in heels all the time isn’t fun.
Safety pins. You never know if you have a dress emergency such as a dress or bra strap breaking.
Lint removal brush. In case you own pets and somehow they came to the wedding with you via their hairs!
Stain remover. You can find these in the drugstore before you travel. Keep them in your carry-on purse too.
What to pack (other than clothes)
These items should also be packed up when you’re traveling to the destination wedding:
Phone and charger. This goes without saying. Make sure there’s enough data space on your phone for photos and videos!
Wallet with credit/debit cards and/or cash. Make sure you get the right kind of currency if you’re going overseas outside of North America.
Gum, mints, or fresh breath spray. You can add this to your list of emergencies just in case too!
Gift and card for the happy couple (gift cards can be a good choice since you’re traveling, or bring the card and ship the gift to them later).
Bridesmaid wrap dresses make a great choice for packing!
If you’re dreading the thought of wrinkling your bridesmaid dress while packing it, that’s one thing we can help you and the bridal party with (yes, even the bride!). The thing about our dresses at Love U is that not only are they stretchy and flexible, but also they are wrinkle-free and they even come with their own laundry bag! You can roll it up and pack it with ease knowing it will look just as good as when you tried it on the first time. If this sounds like the perfect kind of dress you need, we have lots of options for bridesmaid dresses.
Wherever you’re going for the destination wedding, the most important thing you should pack with you is your positive attitude and cheerful outlook. That way, when it’s time to party, you’ll have lots of fun! Happy travels and have a safe journey!
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