Don’t lose your bag or veil: Your destination wedding packing list

If you’re planning your nuptials in an exotic, far-off land, you’ll have a lot to think about. So, we’ve put together your destination wedding packing list to take some of the mental load.

Packing for a destination wedding isn’t exactly like throwing a few outfits in a carry-on and heading off to Byron. No, no. This is a mental Tetris game and you’re running out of moves! Packing for destination weddings is also preparing for the most photographed, emotional and high-stakes event of your life… in another country! So, absolutely no pressure, right?! 

Between the chaos of the airport, the humidity that you thought your hair was ready for and the inevitable “wait, where’s my passport, where’s your tie, where’s our vow book?!” panic. So, instead of running around last minute, we’ve got your destination wedding packing list – so it’s one less thing to worry about.

Get inspired! Our Instagram has lots of tips and inspo for you.

Carry-on essentials (AKA: If this bag goes missing, we’re in trouble)

These are your non-negotiables. Basically, the way to remember it: if it’s got your name, your face, or your bank account? Keep it on you!

Make sure to pack your passport, any necessary visas, printed boarding passes, a credit card, and your phone charger. If possible, scan copies of your travel documents and email them to yourself or save them to the cloud for peace of mind. 

Also, phone numbers of important people written down – in case phones die or something doesn’t work. This is the number of your driver, your tour guide, your wedding planner or the hotel. You know, the transit before you can relax.

Our carry-on checklist: 

• Passport (because no passport = no wedding)
• Visa (if your destination requires it)
• Printed boarding passes (yes, still print them… airports love drama)
• Credit card (bonus points for no foreign fees)
• Phone charger (because it always dies when you need Google Maps)

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The glamour bag (aka your suitcase)

In your suitcase, protect the star pieces of your wedding wardrobe: your wedding dress, wedding suit, veil, and wedding shoes. If the airline allows, it’s a good idea to carry your dress or suit in a garment bag in the cabin just to be safe.

Our suitcase must-haves:

• Wedding dress
• Wedding suit
• Veil
• Wedding shoes

Destination wedding planning? Leave it to the experts.

The wedding add-ons

This is the stuff that you wouldn’t ever be packing for, you know, a normal holiday. One that doesn’t involve the most important day of your life. This is the box of magic that turns a regular day into your wedding day.

Our wedding essentials checklist:

• Undergarments (yes, spanx)
• Lingerie
• Jewellery
• Vow books (the tearjerkers)
• Second look (because outfit changes = main character energy)
• Garter
• Accessories (hair pins, gloves, statement earrings, etc.)
• Cake topper (pack with bubble wrap)
• Linen styling bits (napkin rings, runners, or other Pinterest-inspired chaos)
• Stationery (menus, place cards—your Type A side thanks you)
• Guest book (what’s a wedding without the written down advice: “never go to bed angry”)

Tropical destination specialities

Getting married in the warm Thailand or Bali air, with the sand between your toes. The moonlight bounces off the ocean and you dance the night away under the stars. Oh, the dream! But, with every dream, there’s also a bit of a reality – and in this case the reality is that as beautiful as tropical destinations are, they need a bit of prep work. 

Don’t let sunburn ruin your pictures or mosquitoes ruin the atmosphere. And please, for Murphy’s law, prepare for all food outcomes. 

• Regular medicine (Panadol, antihistamines, anti-nausea—you know your body)
• Mosquito repellent (because romance doesn’t include itching)
• Hydralite
• Immodium
• SPF 50+ (minimum: this is your glow, not a lobster look)
• Your usual skincare (now is NOT the time to test a new serum)
• Band-aids (for blisters from those cute-but-evil heels)
• Wide-brim hat (for beach strolls and Insta-perfect pool shots

Your ultimate destination wedding packing list

Carry-On:
☐ Passport
☐ Visa
☐ Boarding pass (printed!)
☐ Credit card
☐ Phone charger

Suitcase:
☐ Wedding dress
☐ Wedding suit
☐ Veil
☐ Wedding shoes

Wedding Day Must-Haves:
☐ Undergarments
☐ Lingerie
☐ Jewellery
☐ Vow books
☐ Second look outfit
☐ Garter
☐ Accessories
☐ Cake topper
☐ Linen/decor styling pieces
☐ Stationery
☐ Guest book
☐ Something old
☐ Something new
☐ Something borrowed
☐ Something blue

Tropical Extras:
☐ Medicine
☐ Mosquito repellent
☐ SPF 50+
☐ Skincare
☐ Bandaids
☐ Hat

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