Are you preparing to travel for your destination wedding? Navigating the logistics of how to fly with a wedding dress to your Italy wedding can seem daunting, but with the right preparation, you can ensure you AND your gown arrive safely and in perfect condition.
Here are our five essential tips on how to fly with a wedding dress to your destination wedding in Italy and what to do to make the journey as stress-free as possible:
Know the Airline Policies
Before you head to the gate, take the time to research the policies of the airline you'll be flying with. Many airlines have specific guidelines for transporting wedding dresses, including restrictions on carry-on sizes and fees for oversized baggage.
Make sure you're abiding by any weight limits and size requirements to avoid surprises at the airport. Some airlines may even offer special accommodations for brides-to-be, so it's worth picking up the phone to inquire about their policies in advance.
Photographer: Alessandro Pardi
Choose the Right Travel Bag
Once you know the policies your airline has for baggage, investing in the right travel bag is essential to your wedding dress arriving safely and in perfect condition for your wedding in Italy. A quick search on Etsy or Amazon will bring up many options for a sturdy garment bag with plenty of padding to protect your delicate fabrics and embellishments.
An ideal garment bag will boast water-resistant material, zipper accessibility, and should include either an incorporated hanger or provision for your own one. Plus–what a sweet keepsake for you, if you choose a personalised style, perhaps with your name on it. Make sure to read reviews and know that your selected bag is durable enough to withstand the rigours of travel and spacious enough to accommodate your dress.
Pack with Care
Before you get your suitcase out, consider reaching out to your dress shop and let them know that you're ready to travel to Italy with your wedding dress. Oftentimes, they are willing to pack it up for you or can do so in your selected travel bag.
If you have to pack your wedding dress yourself, take extra care to minimise wrinkles and creases by laying your dress flat or folding it gently, then carefully placing it in your travel bag and padding any delicate areas with tissue paper or soft fabric. Avoid packing heavy items on top of your dress, as this can cause unnecessary pressure and distortion and dreaded creases.
Photographer: Innocenti Studio
Board and Carry Your Dress with You
Important! Bring your dress on board as a personal or carry-on item to guarantee it receives the best care during transit and successfully arrives in Italy. You don't want to arrive for your destination Italian wedding and find that your dress has been left behind and is now heading back home. It's a good idea to check ahead but depending on the airline, you can either put it in the overhead bin or hang it up in the dedicated wardrobe.
Additionally, considering purchasing priority tickets that allow you to board early, giving you enough time to find the perfect overhead space for your dress and communicate with the air stewards and other travellers so they know to be careful. Travel insurance is another option to give you peace of mind for your dress.
Photographer: JoAnne Dunn
Prepare for Arrival
Upon arrival in Italy for your wedding, take precautions to make sure your garment remains in pristine condition. If you're staying in a hotel, ask about their facilities for steaming or pressing garments, or consider bringing a portable steamer with you for touch-ups.
If your accommodation is somewhere more remote, in the countryside, research local dry cleaners or bridal shops that offer garment care services so they know you're coming ahead of time. By planning in advance, any imperfections that happen during travel can be addressed quickly, ensuring your dress is aisle-ready when the time comes.
How to fly with a wedding dress Tips
Travelling to Italy for your wedding day is an exciting, romantic adventure that requires careful planning and preparation–especially for your wedding dress. By following these five tips, you can get your gown from one aisle to another safely, allowing you to focus fully on enjoying your Italy wedding.
