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Congratulations! You and your sweetheart have decided to get married in a beach locale that is a flight (or two) away. Now that your venue is secured, your date is set, visas have been acquired, and your guests have RSVP'd, it's time to think about all the things you need to bring for this once-in-a-lifetime trip. (Pro-tip: If you plan on having a legal wedding in a foreign country, make sure you bring a notarized, long-form copy of your birth certificate.) Book mark this page for your special day!
Wedding Dress: First and foremost, be sure you pack your wedding dress! While you should wear any style you'd like, one with a slimmer silhouette like the BHLDN Ludlow Gown ($975) will be easier to travel with. Be sure to call the airline beforehand to let them know you're bringing some precious cargo aboard, and see if you can secure hanging space.
Hair Adornments: You could pack a veil or go with a simple updo, but one rising trend in bridal fashion is a tiara à la Meghan Markle. We're loving the gorgeous Floral Tiara With Navette Crystal Arches ($200) by Twigs & Honey.
Wedding Bands: It's hard to say "I do" without a ring, like the Tiffany's Etoile Band Ring ($2,350), so make sure you stow these babies in a secure location. We'd recommend keeping them boxed up in your hand-carry luggage so that they don't go missing in transit.
Wedding Day Accessories: Don't forget to complete your look with a couple of tasteful gems, like these BaubleBar Flori 18K Gold Plated Huggie Hoop Earrings ($52).
Wedding Shoes: When it comes to your footwear, you should look and feel your best. We love a good stiletto, but a glittery block heel, like the Jewel Badgley Mischka Giona Sandal ($99) offers more support, so you can dance the night away.
Reception Shoes: To preserve your feet, you'll want to change into something flat for the reception portion of the evening. Willow Crystal Embellished Wedding Flats ($315) by Bella Belle are hand- beaded with milky rhinestones and gems for maximum blingage. Plus it comes with a "something blue" imported leather insole.
Vow Books: Put your feelings into words in a pair of matching vow books, like this personalized set ($25) by blushprintables. The plus side of having pretty vow books is there's no memorization involved — and you can stash some Kleenex in it too!
Guest Book: With your guests flying in from all over the globe, your party is destined to be one for the books. That's why bringing along a place for folks to sign and leave sweet messages in will let you relive the day all over again. This personalized guest book ($45+) by Juniper and White comes in three sizes, including a nine-by-six-inch option that is packable.
Sleep Mask: Looking and feeling rested is essential, especially because traveling can disrupt your sleep cycle. To combat any jet lag you might encounter, the Slipsilk Sleep Mask ($50) is a luxurious way to catch some shut eye. After all, they don't call it beauty sleep for nothing.
Get-Ready Outfit: Pack a robe and slip, like the Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Satin Kimono ($58) and Satin & Lace Slip ($49), to wear as you get ready in the morning ahead of your nuptials. It also makes for some sultry wedding night lingerie.
Sunglasses: If you're headed someplace sunny, you're going to want to protect your peepers. Bring along a pair of versatile shades, like the Warby Parker Gemma ($95) in Rose Marble.
Straw Hat: Keep yourself shaded from UV rays while you're taking in the sights or lounging on the sand with a wide-brimmed hat, like the playfully colorful Ban.do Woven Sunshine Hat ($77).
Travel-Friendly Dress: A shirt dress is comfy enough for wearing on the plane but also doubles as a quick coverup for when you're hitting the pool. Our pick is the Known Supply Wren Dress ($59), which is made with 100 percent organic cotton and Spandex.
Strapless Swimwear: On your wedding day, the last thing you want is unsightly tan lines, so pack a bandeau bikini, like this Indah Toss Bandeau Top ($66), or a strapless one-piece.
Slides: Complete your beachside look with a pair of comfy leather slides, such as the Dooney & Burke Sahara Slides ($125). This lightweight, hand-crafted in Portugal sandal is sure to last you well beyond this destination wedding trip.
SPF: Lobster red is not a good look for wedding photos. Be sure to slather on sunblock whenever you're stepping outdoors. We recommend a non-oily formula that won't clog your pores, like La Roche-Posay's Anthelios Clear Skin SPF 60 Sunscreen ($20). Note: you have to reapply throughout the day, or it's a moot point.
Setting Spray: This Lilah B Aglow Face Mist ($48), formulated with soothing lavender and firming knot grass extract, is a cult-fave because of its ability to hydrate and smooth your complexion. It's also refreshing when your face needs an extra boost on the plane.
Hydrating Mask: Grab a travel-sized Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask ($22) to even out skin tone and keep oil at bay.
Wedding Day Perfume: Scents are tied to your memories, so personalizing a special fragrance is a sweet (and non-traditional) way to help you recall your "I dos." There are plenty of options now to create your own perfume, but one of our faves is newcomer Olfactory NYC, which allows you to order a Custom Scent ($75) with your name printed directly on the bottle.
Nourishing Cleanser: Before you get fully glammed, you want to make sure you start with a clean base. Georgette Klinger Coconut Cleansing Milk ($22) from the legendary facialist's line is one of the best for washing impurities without stripping your skin. Also, did we mention it smells incredible?
Makeup Brush Set: Whether you plan on hiring a MUA or are hoping to beautify your own face, it's a good idea to invest in a quality set of brushes that can travel with you. There's a reason why the Artis Elite Mirror Five Brush Set ($170) is such a hit with professionals and makeup lovers alike. Their extra soft proprietary CosmeFibre brushes apply cream and powder products like a dream, and this set of five has foundation, blush, shadow, liner, and bronzer covered.
Multi-tasking Base: There's nothing more tedious than hauling your entire makeup collection on the road. Instead, consider streamlining your cosmetics bag with hardworking beauty that can do double (if not triple) duty. The CLE CCC Cream ($31), which stands for color control and change, is a skincare, primer, foundation, and SPF all-in-one super product. It goes on white, mauve, or yellow and as you spread it on your skin, the micro-capsules in the fluid break and release pigment for a smooth, even color.
Double-duty Palettes: The Jane Iredale Great Shape Contour Kit ($49) comes in Cool and Warm, and while it's perfect for contouring, highlighting, and blush, you can also use it on your eyes as shadows and as an all-over bronzer.
Highlighter: To really give you that bridal glow, use a blendable highlighter that will give you gleam without glitter. The Paul & Joe Stick Highlighter Limited ($30) is formulated with silver, gold, and orange pearl extracts for a gorgeous, effortless sheen AND it's shaped like a cat!
Waterproof Mascara: You might tell yourself you won't cry, but hey, you never know. The fan-favorite Buxom Lash Waterproof Volumizing Mascara ($20) has over 10K loves on Sephora for its long-lasting, lash-defining formula.
Long-wearing Lipstick: Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Suede Lipstick ($4) comes in an array of shades so you can pick and choose your flavor, and it won't lose its pigment after toasts, food, smooches.
Travel-friendly Hair Tools: Many a hot tool has died when plugged into an outlet with the wrong voltage. To avoid this mess, consider a travel set with a dryer, wand, and straightener made to accommodate 110V to 240V, like the NuMe Travel Set ($159). After all, you want to make sure your coif is #flawless from landing to departure.
Anti-frizz Product: While having a tropical wedding sounds romantic as heck, the reality is humid climates are murderous on your locks. To keep the frizz at bay, invest in a tried-and-true de-frizzing product, like the OUAI Anti-Frizz Hair Sheets ($18). The added bonus is these sheets are TSA approved since they're not a fluid!
Emergency Kit: Packing a Minimergency Kit ($18) by Pinch Provisions in your bag can be a lifesaver. It comes with items like clear elastics, lip balm, a safety pin, a mini sewing kit, and pain reliever to name a few.
Wear-anywhere Dress: The Silk Laundry '90s Slip Dress ($193) in Big Polka Blush is an effortless choice that's made with 100 percent sandwashed silk and finished with French seams.
Multi-function Bag: Ultimately, even your destination wedding trip is that — a trip. So you want to make sure you have the right travel accessories to match. The Lo & Sons Waverley Leather Crossbody Bag & Belt Bag ($148) is made with lush Nappa leather and can convert into a crossbody, a wristlet, a shoulder bag, and even the most stylish fanny pack you've ever seen.
Socks: This whimsical embellished Richer Poorer x Ban.do pink ones ($16) will dress up your sneakers OR you heels.
Bridesmaid Gifts: Luggage space might be tight, but you don't want to forget your ride-or- dies who will be standing beside you when you say your vows. A deeply thoughtful and space-saving option is the Catbird Dollhouse Heart Locket ($58+) made with sterling silver. You can even engrave your pal's initial for $10 (note: Chain is sold separately).
Groom's Gift: Before you meet your honey at the altar, send him a note and a little present to let him know how excited you are to marry him. An adorable touch is this monogrammed Wedding Cufflink and Tie Bar Set ($76) from MonogramNecklace2014.
Gift for Your Parents: Let your folks know how much you love and appreciate them with the Artifact Uprising Brass & Wood Display Box ($55). Each holds up to 50 Square Prints ($8+). Fill it with memories from childhood, family vacations, and life milestones.
Welcome Bags: Prep a delightful welcome bag for your guests using the reusable Large Package from Scout ($15). The added bonus is that the coated fabric totes are water-resistant and also double as fantastic beach bags.
Will you be using this packing list? Tweet us @BritandCo!
Will you be using this packing list? Tweet us @BritandCo!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Will you be using this packing list? Tweet us @BritandCo!
Will you be using this packing list? Tweet us @BritandCo!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
(Photo via BlushPrintables, BHLDN)
