Destination Wedding Packing List – Your Ultimate Guide!
Congratulations on your upcoming destination wedding! As you get ready to tie the knot in a breathtaking location, it’s important to ensure you have everything you need for a seamless and unforgettable celebration.
But amidst the planning and excitement, you may not have thought about what to actually pack for a destination wedding!
If you’ve been looking for a destination wedding packing list, I’ve got you covered! This is based on my own experience as well as over 7000 brides!
Packing for a destination wedding requires thoughtful planning to guarantee you’re well-prepared for the big day and the events leading up to it.
While some aspects are like any other vacation (you know, packing the basics!), destination weddings are unique and the items you’ll need go beyond any other trip you’ve had in the past.
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What to Pack for a Destination Wedding
Let’s dive into what to pack for a destination wedding to make sure you have everything you need for your picture-perfect day – and trip!
And because I know you’re probably already stressed about the whole destination wedding planning thing, I’ve made your packing easier and stress-free by creating a PDF version of a destination wedding packing list at the end of this post so you don’t forget anything!
Destination Wedding Packing List: The Basics (and most important items!)
Make sure all of these items go on the plane with you in your carry-on bag! Never, ever check these items!
- Passports
- Wedding rings and jewellery/cufflinks
- Wedding dress – many brides opt for the 66″ Wallybags, or the dupe 66″ Tri-fold garment bag to travel with their gown.
- Veil or headpiece/tie or bowtie
- Wedding tux/suit
- Wedding shoes
- Vows (if you have your own)
- Copies of your birth certificates (if you’re having a legal destination wedding ceremony)
- Boarding pass and travel documents (easy to keep organized in a document holder!)
- Transfer information
- Credit cards and cash (including tips for vendors/wedding coordinator/day to day at resort or venue)
- ID (such as a driver’s license, if you plan to rent a car)
- Trip insurance
- Cell phones
- Travel agent information, wedding coordinator information, and vendor information
- Receipts for welcome bags (if you’re doing them)
- Cake topper
- Outfit change for 1 day, including bathing suit, travel-sized sunscreen, bathing suit, sunglasses, hat, and flip flops (because baggage delays can happen!)
- Headphones/neck pillow/book for flight
- Snacks and gum
- Hand sanitizer/sanitizing wipes
- Prescription medication
- Chargers for phone
It’s easiest to pack these items in a carry-on suitcase, and organize grouped items in packing cubes (which for me, are life savers!).
Check with your airline policy, because you are also allocated a personal item. This, however, may be needed for your dress, so it’s something to keep in mind while packing!
Packing list for Destination Weddings: Wedding-Related Items
Some of these items may not apply to you if you’re choosing not to do welcome bags or favours!
- Welcome bag items
- Welcome letters/thank you notes
- Guest book
- Favours
- Suitcase note for decor (see my free template on my welcome bag guide!)
- Envelopes for vendor tips (but take cash on the plane with you!)
- Rehearsal dress & shoes
- Mr./Mrs. tank top
- DIY signs and decor
- One of your invitations for photographer
- Ring bearer pillow
- Seating cards
- Garter
- Bouquet charm
- Ring box
- Wedding day perfume
- Gifts for parents/bridal party
- Wedding dress hanger
- Wrinkle release & tide stick
- Portable steamer
- Portable fan
Important Paperwork
While I know everything has gone digital, it’s always good to have a paper copy of important paperwork.
- Copies of all vendor information
- Travel agent information
- Resort information and transfer information
- Wedding and vendor contracts
- Proof of deposits
- Receipts for favours/welcome bags
- Photocopies of any vaccination documents/prescriptions/health insurance cards
- Trip insurance
- Marriage certificate (if you were legally married at home, and are having a religious ceremony at your destination. This isn’t always required, but they will sometimes ask for proof of marriage.)
Destination Wedding Packing Guide: Checked Suitcase Items
Packing for a vacation is fun but it’s easy to forget some crucial items! If you’re looking for a more detailed guide for what to bring, here’s a list of what to pack for an all-inclusive vacation to make sure you don’t forget a thing!
Clothing
- Bathing suits (strapless, if you want to avoid tan lines!)
- Coverups
- Beach bag – check out this cute Mrs. beach bag & hat combo!
- Sandals/Evening shoes
- Evening dresses
- Tank tops
- Sun hat
- Shorts
- Underwear & bras
- PJs/Lingerie
- Workout clothes
- Running shoes and socks
Toiletries
- SPF chapstick
- Sunscreen (bring more than you think you’ll need!)
- Aloe vera
- Probiotics
- Bug spray
- Makeup & remover
- Moisturizer
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash
- Hair ties/bobby pins
- Hair products
- Matching nail polish/nail file
- Deodorant
- Razors
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Body wash/lotion (resort provides)
- Straightener/curling wand
- First aid kit (including probiotics, they may come in handy!)
- Sewing kit & double-sided tape
- Contraceptives/hygiene products
Miscellaneous
- Beach bag
- Book for beach
- Bridal party/parents gifts
- TSA approved lock
- Luggage tags
- Blister pads
- Chub rub
Check out my Top 10 Destination Wedding Travel Essentials!
What I didn’t include:
- Camera: Nowadays most people use their cell phone, but if you want to take photos on a camera, be sure to pack that in your carry-on too!
- Travel visas: This doesn’t apply to everyone, but check with your travel agent if one is needed.
- Embarkation Declaration: This doesn’t apply to every country, but if you are travelling to Curacao, Aruba, or Dominican Republic, you will need to fill out an ED card prior to departing. Your travel agent should provide you with the online link to complete it. It’s easy!
Final reminders for packing for a Destination Wedding
- It’s important that you leave a copy of your passport at home with someone who isn’t travelling with you.
- Find out about roaming charges with your cell provider (or keep your phone on airplane mode to avoid excess charges!)
- Be sure to prepare your home for travel, too!
Don’t forget to grab your PDF destination wedding packing checklist!