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Image by The White Tree via Claire and Shane’s Beautiful Winter Wedding

The Maldives, Paris, Hayman Island, even boutique vineyards or rustic rural barns, are becoming increasingly popular destinations for couples to say “I do”.  Whether you’re going halfway around the world or just out of town, getting your wedding gown there safely without it getting too crushed is high on the priority list.

Traveling by Car

Bridal boutiques often support your gown with a bust form made from lots of tissue paper to keep it from being crushed in the garment bag they provide. If you do not receive a bag, fill the bodice yourself with as much tissue paper as possible and buffer the folds of the gown’s skirt with still more tissue. Also use one large bedsheet (fitted sheet works best) to cover the front of the gown and another one to cover the back. Then pin the sheets together.

Traveling by Ship

Pretty much the same advice applies to water travel because you can carry your gown with you when you go on board. And cruise lines offer pressing services – very handy! Just make sure it doesn’t get wet or splashed as you disembark – particularly if you are traveling on a small speedboat!

Traveling by Plane

Most airlines insist you check your gown in with your other luggage unless it is packed so that it fits into the overhead lockers. Lost luggage is challenging at the best of times, but a lost gown is truly catastrophic so plan on packing so that your gown travels with you onto the plane.

  • TIP: Ask your bridal salon if they will pack it for travel
  • TIP: Do it yourself using directions you can find at Wedding Gown Specialists

The Wrinkle Problem…

No matter how you pack your gown, especially if you preparing for airplane travel, wrinkles are almost inevitable. Have your gown professionally pressed once you arrive at your destination or try these tricks:

1. Hang your gown in the bathroom, turn the shower to hot, close the door, and let the shower run until the room is filled with steam; this seems to ‘relax’ most creases.

2. Invest in a portable hand steamer and check whether you will need a plug adapter if you are traveling to a foreign country. The steamer will be useful again at home or whenever you travel, but guard again spotting water-sensitive fabrics such as silk by wrapping the head of the steamer in a small towel.

P.S. No need to worry about wrinkles after your wedding! But if you get married on the beach, do let your gown dry out before you pack to go home!

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Ms Chinoiserie says: Thanks for the tips Wedding Gown Specialists, particularly the one about taking your gown on board the plane with you; imagine the stress of having to look for it in lost luggage!