When you decide to get married abroad, one of the obstacles you’ll face is worrying how you’re going to transport all your wedding-related belongings to your destination wedding.
You’ll find that some of the decisions you make about details such as wedding favours, will be based on the logistics of getting everything there. It also hangs largely on whereabouts your overseas wedding is located. If it’s in Western Europe and you’re able to persuade some of your guests to drive over, then you might be inclined to pack a car full of wedding accessories. On the other hand, if you’re heading to Vegas and are restricted by the baggage allowance set by your airline, then you’ll need to adjust your planning accordingly.
Taking your wedding dress to your overseas wedding
By far the most pressing worry for most brides, is how you’re going to get your dream dress to your wedding abroad. Beach brides will probably have little problem in fitting their dress into their luggage, but if you’ve got your heart set on a Hollywood Dreams number, you’re going to have to think about this carefully. When you go for your dress fittings, make sure you mention to the bridal shop assistant that you’re getting married abroad and see how they’re able to assist you. Many bridal shops will be able to pack your dress into a hand-luggage-sized case for you. Alternatively you could use a specialist company, such as EmptyBox.co.uk, who make wedding dress travel boxes which fit the hand luggage requirements of many major airlines so that you don’t need to put your dress in the hold. Always check the hand luggage dimension requirements of the airline that you’ll be flying with before you purchase a travel box. If you’re a risk-taker, then you might consider putting your dress in the hold. Think about this carefully. First of all, what will you do as a replacement if your dress gets lost and doesn’t turn up in time for your wedding day. You should also bear in mind that many wedding insurance policies don’t cover your dress once it’s out of your presence and waving it off on a conveyor belt at check-in doesn’t count as being on your person. Whatever you decide to do, you’re probably going to need to give your dress some attention when you arrive at your wedding destination. You can either ask your wedding co-ordinator to plan ahead and arrange a dry cleaner to steam press your dress, or alternatively you could take a travel steam-brush yourself.
Carrying the groom and best man’s suits to your overseas wedding
The advice for suits is similar to the advice given above, except that you could probably benefit from a garment bag or cover. Many of these are designed so that they can be carried onto aircraft under your hand luggage allowance. You’ll most likely need to apply the same steaming to the suits as you will to the wedding dress. Alternatively you can always hang them in your hotel bathroom whilst you take a shower and let the steam sort the creases out.
Flowers and table decorations
If you’re using a wedding planner or wedding co-ordinator from a travel company or hotel, then it’s likely that you’ll be using a florist who is local to your wedding destination. If it’s possible, then liaise as much with the florist in advance by email (so you can send pictures) or phone and let them know exactly what you’re looking for. If you have your heart set on large table decorations such as goldfish bowls and mirrors, then let the florist know so that they can source these items for you and bill you.
Your local florist will also be able to arrange bridal, bridesmaid, and gift bouquets for members of the wedding party.
Wedding Cake
It’s not impossible (we do know of people that have), but it would be extremely unusual for you to carry your wedding cake out to your wedding. Depending on the country you’re getting married in, there may be strict rules against bringing certain quantities of food into the country and it would also be a nightmare journey if you were worried about dropping the cake the whole way there. Instead, speak to your wedding co-ordinator and get a local cake ordered. It should be possible to send pictures so that they know exactly what you have in mind.
Shipping
Finally, if you’re really unable to get things delivered by car, fit them into your luggage or source local suppliers and items, then you might want to consider shipping some of your wedding belongings out to the destination.
WorldWide Parcel Services is an excellent provider that ships to any country in the world. You can get a free quote on their website and add insurance if you wish. The rates are very reasonable.
