What is the best way to travel with a wedding dress?

wedding dress

What do you do if you buy a dress in one state but have a marriage in the other? Fortunately, there are a couple of ways to get it there without worrying about it getting damaged: Your options for transporting your bridal gown at the destination wedding are as varied as the location itself: you can drive it there, take it on the airline, or have it shipped via UPS or FedEx.

Seems like a no-brainer, right? Don't jump to conclusions just yet. Here, we outline all the steps you need to do to ensure that your wedding gown sparkles on the big day. But regardless of your mode of transportation, don't forget to pack a small clothing steamer for ironing out creases when you get there. Even while it may seem obvious, you should never, ever try to cram it, fold it, or wrap it into the suitcase.

Now that you've gotten engaged in a fairytale proposal, it's time to begin thinking about the wedding of your dreams! When travelling for a wedding, the bride's dress is the most precious item to transport. When travelling, many brides worry that their dresses will be damaged, lost, or even confiscated by airport security.

Twenty-one per cent of couples choose to have their weddings at a destination. Some women spent more than $1,400 for their ideal dress, according to the same study. Many brides-to-be who are arranging a marriage in a faraway location experience a panic attack when they see the price tag for shipping a dress.

But the great news is that you have a number of ways to reduce the likelihood of any problems with the delivery of your dream dress. The dress may be sent by the airline with a little bit of planning and effort.

In a recent post, the official TSA blog discussed the difficulties of travelling in a wedding dress to a wedding at a remote location. TSA personnel are used to seeing wedding dresses pass through their inspections, so don't worry about the novelty of the zippered bag. However, brides travelling with their wedding dresses can benefit from some advice from TSA.

Each couple wants her wedding dress to look its best on her big day, regardless of whether she is having a destination wedding thousands of miles away or a local ceremony just down the road. However, unless special care is taken, that bridal dress could get damaged in the hustle and bustle of airports, crowded cars, and other confined areas.

When a gown is carried home, it is in a garment bag with a breast form, which is lengthy and odd. The majority of dresses are at least 60 inches long, so there should be enough room for the dress to move around. Here's a guide to properly transporting your wedding dress, whether taking the train, flying or driving to your destination. After all, you want to be able to wear it on the big day and celebrate the night away in the same stunning gown you tried on in the store. Looking for Wedding Dress Shops? Look no further. Vines of the Yarra Valley has you covered.

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FAQs About Wedding Dress

When folding, wrap the sleeves under the bodice, and then fold the skirt up over the bodice. Finally, wrap the folded dress in unbleached muslin before putting it in a box. You can store your veil in the same box as your wedding dress, but make sure that a layer of tissue paper separates the two.

Do: Store Your Gown in a Manner that Makes You Most Comfortable. What is this? Many planes have a closet that flight attendants will allow you to store your gown (but not all!) Your gown will hang and be tucked away from other passengers' hands.

We suggest turning your wedding dress inside out before you put it in the garment bag it if you're planning on putting it in a suitcase. Also, you may want to wrap an additional piece of plastic around your garment back, for extra protection.

Of course, you can always pack your wedding dress in your carry-on luggage as well, but honestly it might be a bit of a tight fit depending on your fabric and style of dress. It's completely doable but one of my least-favourite options.

Hang dresses in a plastic dry-cleaning bag, then place the wrapped dress inside a hanging travel garment bag. Some airlines offer closets for hanging garment bags, which allows you to bring the dress with you as a carry-on item. Garment bags also result in fewer wrinkles even if you must check the bag.

In a Plane

There are two routes you can take if you're taking a plane. First is to inform the airline whether they have a closet on board where you may secure the gown. In all honesty, that's the most convenient and effective option. That way, there is more room for the gown and less chance of wrinkles. The other choice is to have it packaged as a carry-on at the location you'll be picking it up from and to ensure that you board early enough to secure overhead bin space.

Keep in mind: Your wedding dress should never be checked! There have been times when luggage has gone missing, leaving the bride scrambling to find a gown for her wedding within a limited amount of time or without one. Make sure you know how to press out creases before packing your dress in your bring bag (the framed roll kind is prefered) and that there is a way to do so when you reach your location (if there is an iron or steamer to use). If you want to keep your gown in pristine condition during the journey, the best bag to transport it in is a frame wheel bag rather than a duffel or some similarly soft.

Your wedding gown will likely get wrinkled during travel, even if you've had it professionally pressed, so give yourself plenty of time to smooth it out before you make your grand entrance. If your hotel or event location doesn't include a portable steamer, you should consider purchasing and bringing your own. It's preferable to shell out the money for one now rather than later if you need one.

Bringing a dress on the plane could be challenging, regardless of whether you're going across the world or just across the country. Don't, under the circumstances, check your bridal gown when travelling by air. It's vulnerable to being broken, misplaced, or stolen. Don't even think of leaving anything precious in your suitcase; you've heard horror stories.

Let your gown be your in-cabin garment instead. The rules for transferring your dress on a plane vary depending on the airline and the flight. A smart first step is to contact the airline or visit their website. Allow extra time to pass through airport security checkpoints. Because of its size, the dress may not be able to pass through the scanner on the moving conveyor belt, which could result in a lengthier search time.

You should keep your dress in the garment bag it was purchased in. A front closet on the plane would be perfect for hanging the outfit. If you don't have a suitcase, you can lay your bag flat and store it in an overhead compartment. There may not be room for your gown's compartment on a full flight. If so, watch out that your bags don't get stacked on your dress.

You can also, if necessary, pack your garment in a suitcase. Therefore, you can relax knowing you will not be concerned about finding a suitable storage compartment while airborne. Just stuff some tissue paper between the layers of your bag to keep things from creasing. Even so, a hand steamer or professional steaming service upon arrival will ensure that your dress appears as good as new.

Have your concerns not subsided yet? It has been done previously, and you may buy your garment a plane ticket. You may rest easy for a few hundred dollars knowing that your outfit won't go anywhere without you.

Finally, remember your childhood clothing if you have some spare cash. Some brides even buy an extra seat for the groom to sit in, so the dress has somewhere to go when they dance. It might be a good idea if you're anxious about it and can afford an extra seat.

Gathering your bridal gown nicely into a cloth bag isn't always easy because most wedding gowns have trained, and many have a lot of fabric. Learn how to properly pack your wedding dress to prevent it from being wrinkled in transit. To begin, hang the dress up high by inserting the hanger through the top of the cloth bag. Then, fold the gown's left and right sides towards the centre, creating a triangle.

To finish, start at the skirt's base and unfold it till it fabric is completely encased within garment bag. When you're inside, be careful as you zip it closed. Keep a fingertip on the opposite side of a zipper as they guide it to prevent the dress from becoming trapped in its tongs whenever you button up a clothing bag containing delicate fabric.

stored wedding dresses

By Car

Don't pack your gown inside the trunk of a car before such a six-hour drive; it will only get wrinkled and uncomfortable. The ideal option is to remove all clutter from the trunk or back seat, then put the gown flat with the hanger attached to a hook or grabbing handle inside the car. After arriving, quickly remove the gown from the car and place it on a hanger. As unfortunate as it may be, if it implies that you can only go on vacation with your significant other, then so be it. Those in your party who didn't catch that ride will have to find another way to get there.

Keep the dress clean and dry, and don't eat or drink anywhere near it. You shouldn't risk anything spilling on it or soiling it. Keep windows closed in case something were to get in the car with you.

If you need to get somewhere in your gown, driving there is the most convenient option because you won't have to interact with others.

You should always use a garment bag to transport your dress, as doing otherwise puts it at risk of being dirty (you never know what might be lying about on the ground of your vehicle or a cab). The bridal salon should have provided a bag; if not, one can purchase one or fashion one from household items. You can temporarily conceal your gown by pinning together pillows, fitted blankets, or even enormous garbage bags.

Put your dress in a bag and then use the pegs inside the car's roof to store it. If you want to avoid wrinkles, you should lay the skirt flat over the back of the car while you do so. Unless you have room for the dress in the back of the car due to other passengers or baggage (like your honeymoon suitcase!), you should lay it flat in the trunk. Avoid piling anything on atop the garment since this will cause wrinkles and potential damage. To help you decide on your wedding dress, check out our post on How do I choose a wedding dress?

In a Train

Since railway compartments are typically smaller than aeroplane ones, We would recommend transporting the dress in a rolling suitcase and stowing it in the overhead compartment just as you would on an aeroplane. Bringing the entire garment bag can be a hassle on a train because you never know how much storage you'll have. If possible, you should consider a new mode of transportation.

Taking the Train with the Dress for the Wedding

Even if you're just taking the metro or bus home from the salons or to the wedding, you should take extra care to safeguard your dress and avoid travelling during rush hour if possible. Take a taxi if you don't have much choice, just to be on the safe side. Extra layers of protection for your clothing are essential for a long trip on a bus or train.

If possible, you should find a place to sit where the dress may lie flat. You can also suspend it from a nearby pole, but remember to have a firm grip on it at all times. If you're taking a lengthy flight, the overhead bins may be your best bet for storing the dress, whereas the closets on the train or bus aren't quite as safe.

Be Sure to Pack All Necessary Accessories

Everything else must be packed in your carry-on, including your veil or headdress, jewellery, underwear, and shoes you intend to wear with your dress. Using a convenient all-in-one travel set is an alternative to checking a bag when leaving town in your gown. Ship using a reliable service, such as Fed Express and UPS, but make sure you insure it.

Even though you're dying to sneak a peek or give the dress another try before the big day, you should store it in the cloth bag the seamstress gave you until the big event. Don't pull this out, particularly if it is in a chest form. We understand the temptation, especially in the midst of your enthusiasm, but please remember that removing it too soon can result in costly consequences. Also, you probably aren't a professional presser, so you may not know how to repackage a garment if they take it apart properly. And also, no couple wants to cope with this on their big day.

In an emergency (accidents happen!), contact your bridal shop, tailor, or neighbourhood business as soon as possible. Don't try to mend anything without first consulting an expert. We also don't advocate travelling alone with it. If you can, have a trusted friend or family member help them carry your gown. With someone else there, you won't have to hold it all by yourself if you are tired or anxious. It's safer, too because eyes are constantly on the scene. That clothing is irreplaceable, so it's better to err on caution rather than forget about it entirely.

Conclusion

One of the most important things to remember to pack for a wedding is the bride's clothing. There is widespread anxiety among brides that their dresses will be ruined, lost, or even confiscated by airport security personnel. It can be delivered by car, plane, or UPS/FedEx. However, remember to bring along a travel steamer to eliminate wrinkles upon arrival. Wedding gowns are easily ruined in the chaos of airports, packed cars, and other close quarters.

Most gowns are at least 60 inches in length, so you should have plenty wiggle space. A long and peculiar garment bag is used to transport a gown back home after it has been used. Don't forget to bring your own travel steamer if the one provided by the hotel or venue isn't adequate. Under no circumstances should you inspect your wedding gown before flying. It can easily be damaged, lost, or stolen.

Depending on the airline and the specifics of your travel, there may be different regulations in place for changing clothes in the air. Find out how to properly pack your wedding gown to keep it wrinkle-free throughout transport. To accommodate the dress during the first dance, some brides may even purchase an additional seat for the groom. The best alternative is to hang the gown inside the vehicle from a hook or grabbing handle, after clearing out the trunk or back seat of any unnecessary items. If you want to keep your dress clean during shipping, you should always use a garment bag.

A bag should have been supplied by the bridal salon, but if not, one can be bought or improvised from commonplace materials. Pillows, blankets, and even large trash bags can be used to temporarily cover your gown with pins. Keep the dress in the fabric bag the tailor provided you until the big day, even if you can't wait to have a peek or give it another try. Your veil and headdress, along with everything else, must fit in your carry-on bag. Rather than having to check a suitcase when leaving town in your robe, you can simply bring along a handy all-in-one travel set. Use a reputable shipping company like FedEx or UPS, and get insurance on the package.

Content Summary

  • There are several methods to transport it safely: As diverse as your destination wedding locale may be, so are your alternatives for transporting your bridal gown there. You can drive it there, carry it on the airline, or have it transported via UPS or FedEx.
  • No matter how you plan to get there, don't forget to bring a travel steamer to remove wrinkles from your clothes.
  • After the magical proposal, it's time to start planning the wedding of your dreams.
  • The bride's clothing is one of the most important things to remember to pack for a wedding.
  • Many brides worry that their dresses will be ruined, stolen, or even confiscated by airport security during flights.
  • Twenty-one per cent of newlyweds chooses a destination wedding.
  • The high cost of shipping a wedding dress causes anxiety for brides planning destination weddings.
  • The good news is that there are steps you can take to minimise the possibility that something will go wrong when we ship your dream garment.
  • The official TSA blog recently published an entry about the hassles of flying with a wedding dress to a destination wedding.
  • If you're a bride who needs to fly with your wedding dress, you might want to check out TSA's guidelines.
  • A long and peculiar garment bag is used to transport a gown back home after it has been used.
  • Most gowns are at least 60 inches in length, so you should have plenty of wiggle space.
  • Whether you're travelling the train, the plane, or the car to your wedding, here is how to transport your dress safely.
  • After all, you want to party in the same beautiful dress you tried at the store on your special day.
  • If you're flying there, you can choose between two different routes.
  • That way, the gown will have more room to move around in and will not get wrinkled as easily.
  • You should never check into a hotel in your wedding dress.
  • Before packing your dress in your travel bag (the framed roll kind is prefered), make sure you know how to press out creases and that you'll have access to a pressing surface when you arrive (if there is iron or steamer to use).
  • A frame wheel bag, as opposed to a duffel or something soft, is the way to go if you want to keep your gown in excellent shape on the trip.
  • Even if your wedding gown is professionally pressed, it is likely to get wrinkled during travel, so be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to iron out the creases before you make your appearance.
  • Don't forget to bring your travel steamer if the one provided by the hotel or venue isn't adequate.
  • Under no circumstances should you inspect your wedding gown before flying.
  • Use your dressing gown as your aeroplane attire.
  • Depending on the airline and your travel specifics, there may be different regulations for changing clothes in the air.
  • Remember to factor in extra time for airport security procedures.
  • If you don't have a suitcase, you can store your dress in the garment bag it came with by laying it flat in the overhead bin.
  • If the plane is already packed, there might not be a place for your gown's storage bin.
  • If so, be careful not to pile your baggage atop your clothing.
  • Although, if you bring a hand steamer or hire a professional steaming service upon your return, your clothing will look as good as new.
  • Finally, if you're looking to save money, consider buying clothes from your childhood wardrobe.
  • Some brides may even purchase an additional seat for the groom to accommodate the dress during the first dance.
  • If you're worried about it and have the budget for it, you could want to get an extra seat.
  • Most wedding dresses are trained, and many have a lot of fabric, so gathering them neatly into a canvas bag might be difficult.
  • Find out how to pack your wedding gown properly to keep it wrinkle-free throughout transport.
  • Your gown will get wrinkled and uncomfortable in the trunk of a car for six hours, so don't worry.
  • Grab the dress and sling it up on a hanger when you get there.
  • Don't let anything wet or dirty touch the dress, and avoid doing either while wearing it.
  • In the event that something were to try to enter the car with you, keeping the windows locked will help prevent that.
  • Driving there is the most convenient choice if you need to get somewhere while wearing a gown but don't want to engage with other people.
  • To keep your dress clean while travelling, you should always utilise a garment bag (you never know what might be lying about in your vehicle or a cab).
  • You can hang your dress from the pegs inside your car's roof if you put it in a bag first.
  • You should fold the dress and store it in the trunk unless there is a place in the backseat for it because of other passengers or luggage (like your honeymoon bags!).
  • Transporting a complete clothing bag on a train can be difficult because you never know how much room you'll have.
  • You should look into alternative transportation options if at all possible.
  • If you must take public transportation to the salons or the wedding, protect your dress as best, you can and try to avoid rush hour.
  • Long bus or rail rides call for extra layers of clothes for warmth and protection.
  • Your veil or headdress, jewellery, undergarments, and the shoes you plan to wear with the dress must all be carried in your carry-on.
  • Rather than having to check a suitcase when leaving town in your robe, you can simply bring along a handy all-in-one travel set.
  • You should keep the dress in the cloth bag the seamstress provided you until the big event, even though you're wanting to have a peek or give it another try.
  • Especially if it's a chest-shaped object, don't take this out.
  • It's likely that you aren't a trained presser and wouldn't know how to repack a garment after it's been disassembled correctly.
  • Accidents happen; therefore, if you need a bridal store, tailor, or another local service, don't hesitate to get in touch with them immediately.
  • Do not attempt any repairs without first seeking the advice of a professional.
  • Make sure your gown is carried by someone you know and trust, if possible.
  • If you're feeling exhausted or stressed, you won't have to keep it together on your own.

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