Traveling with Wedding Attire: Essential Tips

We spoke with a destination wedding planner and the manager of onboard services at Icelandair to find out how to score precious on-board closet space, and more.

19 July 2022

Travelling with your dress (or suit) probably doesn’t make many people’s “things that are really stressing me out” list at the beginning of planning a destination wedding. However, as you approach your departure, questions arise: Do you have the right garment bag? Where is that steamer you bought three years ago during the sales? Should you bring it as a carry-on or checked bag? Unfortunately, no amount of Googling will give you the peace of mind you need, as there isn’t much guidance available regarding airline restrictions and protocols for traveling with important outfits.

A quick online search will uncover numerous stories of unsuccessful attempts to transport dresses and suits. Nevertheless, do not get discouraged. To help you avoid additional stress on your big trip, we consulted two experts who work with couples around the globe, celebrating their love in the beautiful landscapes of Iceland. Their advice is applicable, regardless of your destination.

Keep Your Outfit in Your Carry-On

“Take everything you need for your wedding day in your carry-on, from shoes to hair accessories and everything in between,” suggests Birna Bjornsdottir, an event planner based in Reykjavik. “A couple arrived this morning without their checked luggage, but they had everything they needed for the wedding (scheduled for the next day) and will receive their delayed luggage delivered to their accommodation.” Íris Anna Groeneweg echoes this advice: “We recommend that passengers take important items as carry-on luggage, as check-in luggage can never be absolutely guaranteed.”

Instead of hastily stuffing your items into your carry-on, consider organizing them into small bags and laying them out the night before to eliminate day-of anxiety.

Seek Packing Advice from the Designer

Before contemplating how to carry your dress or suit, consider consulting with the designer for packing advice. “Nobody can advise you better than the designer,” says Bjornsdottir. “They have expertise on how to hang, roll, fold, and store your garments.”

Utilize Garment Bags

There’s no way around this one. The best approach to ensure your clothing remains safe from spills or damage is to pack it in a garment bag. Always follow the designer’s packing guidance, as each outfit may have different care needs. “Seek a garment bag with a hanger for easier transport through the airport. This allows you to hang it on strollers and some suitcases,” advises Groeneweg. “Ensure it can fold easily in case you need to use the overhead compartment and verify it has a zipper for security checks.”

The market offers an overwhelming selection of garment bags, so check with your designer for specific recommendations. Reliable features to look for in a garment bag include water-resistant material, zipper access, and a built-in hanger. Space is limited, especially with a voluminous wedding dress, so choose wisely.

Communicate with the Airline Ahead of Time

Don’t wait until you’re at the airport to inform the airline about your valuable cargo. If possible, request an extra carry-on allowance well in advance to prevent any complications at check-in or security. “Make sure the extra allowance is noted in your booking,” advises Groeneweg. “Notifying the airline of the reason you’re bringing a garment bag is beneficial, too.” It is also wise to document any communication about your extra carry-on allowances for easy reference when checking your bags.

Ensure Access to a Steamer at Your Destination

It may seem obvious, but ensuring you have access to a steamer at your destination can easily fall off your packing list. “I can’t tell you how many steamers we’ve needed at Pink Iceland,” remarks Bjornsdottir. “Not all accommodations provide steamers, and in some cases, ironing isn’t feasible.” If you lack a local contact, consider packing a powerful travel steamer or confirm with your lodging the night before your wedding to see if they have one available. Furthermore, be sure to check the voltage and plug type before you leave to avoid wasting space on an unusable item.

Board Early and Notify Gate Personnel

Enhance your chances of securing closet space by notifying gate personnel during boarding. “It’s crucial to board early, before all other passengers have boarded,” Groeneweg advises. “Being one of the last to board leaves storage space to chance.”

Understand Airplane Storage Limitations

While asking flight attendants to hang garment bags is a common suggestion, it’s not guaranteed to be possible on all routes. “If a coat room or wardrobe is present, your outfit might be stored there,” explains Groeneweg. “However, not all aircraft are equipped with this feature, as is the case with our 737s.” Should closet space be unavailable, a crew member will assist you in placing your dress in the overhead compartment, making it all the more important to board early.

In summary, do not let the excitement of securing the perfect outfit be overshadowed by travel stress. By implementing these tips for transporting your wedding dress or suit and weaving them into your planning process, you can enjoy your journey to your dream destination wedding.