[ad_1]
Destination weddings are more popular than ever. Whether you are headed for the beach, the mountains, or your hometown, you want to make sure that your gown arrives safely. With a little advance planning, you will be able to relax and enjoy the trip.
Wedding gowns are large! Fitting them into tight spaces is often a challenge. Salons carefully pack bridal gowns into extra long garment bags with the train folded up (usually there is a bust form to hold the bodice of the gown in place). Although some brides like the idea of shipping their gown ahead to their destination, I would not recommend it. No amount of insurance will take the place of your gown if it does not arrive safely. Hand carry your bridal gown – it is too important to entrust to anyone else.
If you are traveling by car, you at least have a little flexibility on how you arrange your luggage. Plan to pack everything into the car first, and then gently lay your gown across the top of the bags in the backseat (I have yet to hear of a bride being able to fit everything for her wedding into the trunk!). Hang the top of the gown from that little hook for your drycleaning in the back of the car. One word of advice – if you are traveling in the winter, you should know that the stiff plastic garment bags used by bridal salons can actually crack in extreme cold. If your gown is likely to be sitting in a parked car for any length of time, be sure to pack it in a fabric garment bag (with a plastic cover folded over the gown inside to protect it from moisture).
Traveling by plane is a hassle, as everyone knows. There are endless restrictions on luggage, and they change all the time. The best thing to do is to check with your airline shortly before your trip for their specific requirements. The most important thing to know is that you should NEVER put your wedding gown in checked baggage! The risk is too high that it could arrive damaged, or heaven forbid, not at all. Then what would you do?
You will not be able to use the standard length bridal gown bag as carry on luggage. It is too long, and too easily torn. For instance, US Airways states that wedding gowns must be in garment bags no longer than 54 "long. to hang the garment bag in the first class closet (everyone has a soft spot for brides).
It is not only your wedding gown that you should make plans for – your accessories are also very important. Pack your shoes, tiara, and other accoutrements into a carry on bag. With all the limitations these days, you may have to ask your fiancee to take your bag as his one carry on item (remember, you also have the garment bag). Another option is to stuff your gown and accessories together into one carry on bag. I know it is terrible to think of cramming your beloved dress into a tiny bag, but you will need to have it professionally pressed when you arrive at your destination anyway. Be sure to keep your wedding jewelry in your purse. You should never let any jewelry out of your sight, but especially not your fabulous wedding jewelry!
Believe it or not, I once knew a bride who flew halfway across the country before realizing that her gown was still sitting in the bridal shop (the shop owner was in a total panicking trying to reach the wayward bride!). She had to fly back, retrieve her gown, and then once more head for her wedding destination. So, the most important thing of all to remember is: do not forget to pick up your gown from the bridal salon before you hit the road!
[ad_2]
Source by Bridget Mora
