6 top tips to choose the perfect dress for your destination wedding
Planning a destination wedding and wondering what kind of wedding dress to choose? We've got you covered! If you're getting married overseas there are a few extra considerations to make when choosing the dream dress that will travel on a plane with you. We asked Australian wedding photographer Anastasia Woolmington from Serenity Photography, who specialises in high fashion editorial style, to share her top tips on choosing a perfect dress for your destination wedding.
1. Consider the location and weather
When you start shopping for your dream gown, consider what kind of dress style and fabric will be a good fit for the location. A heavily beaded ball gown will be too heavy for a beach wedding for example, whereas a flowing chiffon gown will be perfect for breezy cliff top portraits. Location can also inspire you to choose certain fabrics that match the architecture or compliment the surrounding environment, such as a floral dress for a garden wedding. Choose long sleeves for cooler weather and lightweight airy fabrics for warmer climes.
2. Consider two-piece wedding gowns
When real estate in your suitcase is limited, fitting both a ceremony gown and a reception dress might not be possible. Consider the many designs that have an overskirt, a detachable skirt or a cape that will provide you with an amazing two-in-one solution that is very travel friendly.
3. Consider a colored wedding dress
Who says wedding dresses have to be white? I loved coloured wedding dresses as not only do they make a bold fashion statement, they can also express your personality better than a traditional white gown. Whether you choose a soft pastel tulle gown for your Italian villa wedding, or a dramatic dark dress for your French chateau celebration, colored gowns are ideal for destination weddings.
4. Consider the travel logistics
One of the main things to consider when choosing a gown for a destination wedding is the logistics of transporting it to the wedding location. First of all is the size of the gown and how it fits in your suitcase or garment bag. A lot of ballgowns, although beautiful, have a hoop or a long train that are not easy to pack up and transport.
Secondly, consider the dress fabric. Can the dress travel well? Will you have access to a steamer, and also space to steam and fluff the dress? Many hotel rooms, especially in Europe, are pretty small and may not have space for your gown, especially if you want to keep it hidden from your parter.
Most modern fabrics, tulle and lace usually travel very well. Vacuum sealed bags are amazing for travelling and could be an ideal solution for transporting your dress. A vacuum pack will not only protect your gown, it can also significantly reduce the space a tulle gown for example, takes up in the suitcase. Finally, consider the weight of your gown as some embellished styles are surprisingly heavy.
5. Consider your bridal accessories
If you're wearing a veil and storing it in the same bag as your dress, put it in a protective pouch so it doesn't snag on any of the gown's embellishments. The same goes for shoes, especially those with sharp stiletto heels. Carry valuable jewelry in your hand luggage for safe keeping.
6. Ensure you have adequate insurance
I advise doubling up on travel insurance and destination wedding insurance, which your planner should be able to advise you on. Wedding insurance will typically cover you for a lost, stolen or damaged wedding dress from when the policy is taken out until a set period from the start of the ceremony, but be sure to check the wording of your specific policy regarding coverage overseas.
