Your destination wedding packing guide

Planning a destination wedding is an exciting adventure, but packing for it can feel like a job of its own. There are outfits to sort, documents to organise, beauty items to remember and all the little extras that keep the day running smoothly.

Before you start filling up your suitcase, make sure you download your complete guide to planning a destination wedding. It is the perfect companion to help you stay organised from the moment you book your flights to the moment you say your vows.

Below is your ultimate packing guide, inspired by our Easy Weddings Destination Weddings team and designed to help you feel calm and prepared for your dream celebration.

1. Start with your essential documents

No wedding, trip or honeymoon can begin without the right paperwork. Gather everything early and keep it in a folder you can access easily in your carry-on bag.

Make sure you pack:

• Passports for both of you
• Wedding licence paperwork or any required legal documents
• Travel insurance
• Flight details
• Accommodation confirmations
• Copies of vendor contracts
• A printed rundown of your wedding day timeline
• Emergency contact numbers for your planner, venue and key suppliers

It is a good idea to take both printed and digital versions. If something goes missing, you will still have backup copies.

2. Protect your wedding outfits

Your wedding outfits are among the most important items you will pack. Whether you are taking a wedding dress, suit or something more relaxed, protect each item properly.

Tips for travel ready wedding outfits:

• Carry your wedding dress or suit in a garment bag on the plane rather than checking it in
• Ask the flight crew politely if they can hang it in the onboard wardrobe
• Pack a travel-sized steamer or confirm your hotel has one
• Bring spare accessories like cufflinks, ties, earrings or hair pieces
• If your ceremony is outdoors, consider a backup outfit or extra shoes in case the ground is soft or the weather changes.

3. Pack beauty and grooming essentials

Your destination wedding beauty kit should include everything you need for both the ceremony and the days leading up to it. The climate in your destination can affect your hair and skin, so choose products that suit the weather.

Include items like:

• Travel sized skincare
• Waterproof makeup if you are going somewhere humid or seaside
• Hair spray, pins and bands
• Razor, grooming tools or beard products
• Sunscreen
• Perfume or cologne
• Mini first aid essentials like band aids, blister patches and pain relief tablets
• If you are hiring a makeup artist or hair stylist overseas, bring any specialist items they may not have access to.

4. Organise your wedding day accessories

Small items can make a big impact. Pack a wedding day accessories bag so everything is in one place.

You might include:

• Wedding rings
• Vows
• Ring box
• Jewellery
• A handheld fan if the weather is warm
• A small sewing kit
• Fashion tape
• Tissues
• A touch up kit with powder, lipstick and blotting papers

It is smart to keep this bag in your carry on to avoid the risk of losing anything important.

5. Plan your outfits for the entire trip

A destination wedding usually means events across several days. This might include welcome drinks, a rehearsal dinner, a day after recovery party or even a mini honeymoon.

Pack with intention so you are ready for every step of the celebration.

Think about:

• Welcome party outfit
• Rehearsal dinner outfit
• Swimming gear
• Casual daytime clothing
• Comfortable footwear for exploring
• Sun hats, sunglasses or shawls
• Eveningwear

Packing by outfit rather than by item helps you avoid overpacking and ensures nothing is forgotten.

6. Bring wedding decor and important extras

Some couples choose to take a few decor pieces that have sentimental value or are difficult to source at their destination.

Consider packing:

• Stationery or signage
• Special table decor
• Favours
• A small cake topper
• Any ceremonial items
• Flat lays and styling items for your photographer

If you are working with a local planner or the Easy Weddings Destination Weddings team, check what is already available on site so you only travel with what is necessary.

7. Create a wedding day emergency kit

No matter how organised you are, little surprises happen. An emergency kit helps you handle anything that pops up.

Include:

• Stain remover wipes
• Spare button and thread
• Deodorant
• Band aids
• Hair pins
• Clear nail polish for small snags
• Hydration tablets
• Mints
• Safety pins

Give this kit to a trusted friend, bridesmaid, groomsman or planner on the day.

8. Think about technology and entertainment

Make sure your tech is ready to go so your wedding trip runs smoothly.

Pack:

• Phone chargers
• Portable power banks
• International adapters
• Camera or GoPro
• A playlist for your wedding morning
• E reader or book for travel days
• Headphones

Do not forget to clear storage on your phone so you can capture all the moments.

9. Pack for the climate

Your destination plays a big role in what you need to bring. Beaches, mountains and tropical locations all need different essentials.

For tropical or beach weddings:

• Light clothing
• Extra sunscreen
• After sun gel
• Anti frizz hair products
• Sand friendly footwear
• Insect repellent

For cooler destinations:

• Layers
• Wraps or jackets
• Closed in shoes
• Thick hosiery
• Lip balm
• Hand cream

Check the forecast again the week before you fly.

10. Leave space for souvenirs and wedding gifts

Most couples find they return home with more than they left with. Whether it is a gift from family, a bottle of local wine or beautiful decor from the reception, extra space in your suitcase helps avoid last minute shuffling at the airport. A foldable duffle bag can also come in handy for unexpected items.

Packing for a destination wedding does not need to be stressful. With a little preparation and a clear checklist, you can arrive relaxed, organised and excited for the days ahead. Remember to start early, keep your most important items in your carry-on, and lean on your planner or the Easy Weddings Destination Weddings team whenever you need support.

And before you zip up your suitcase, make sure you download your complete guide to planning a destination wedding. It has everything you need to plan your perfect celebration from start to finish.

Our top packing tips for your destination wedding:

1. Start your packing list early.

Give yourself at least two weeks to plan what you’ll bring. It helps you spot what needs dry-cleaning, tailoring, or buying before the big day and ensures nothing important is left behind in the rush.

2. Keep wedding-day essentials in your carry-on.

Whether you’re the bride, groom, or guest of honour, never check in your outfit, rings, or key documents. Lost luggage can happen, so keep anything irreplaceable, from your wedding attire to your vows, right by your side.

3. Stay organised with packing cubes.

Destination weddings often mean multiple events: welcome dinners, beach days, ceremonies, and after-parties. Packing cubes let you separate outfits by occasion, so you can grab what you need without rummaging through your whole suitcase.

4. Think “multi-use” when choosing accessories.

Pick versatile pieces that can transition from day to night. Perhaps a shawl that works for a beach ceremony or a dinner, or shoes comfortable enough for dancing and sightseeing. The goal is to look great without overpacking.

5. Leave space for memories.

You’ll likely return home with a few extra keepsakes, gifts, souvenirs, or leftover wedding favours, so avoid filling your suitcase to the brim. A little extra room now means no stress (or excess baggage fees) later.

6. Go for wrinkle-free revelrie.

After long travel days, even the sharpest suit or gown can look a little worse for wear. A compact steamer or wrinkle-release spray works wonders and keeps your wedding attire crisp and camera-ready without calling housekeeping.

7. Pack a personal health & comfort kit.

Alongside any prescription meds, tuck in pain relief, plasters, blister pads, and a few hydration sachets. Throw in insect repellent or motion-sickness tablets if the setting calls for it. A little preparation means a lot less panic later.

8. Have a “just-in-case” emergency kit handy.

Safety pins, stain remover, double-sided tape and a mini sewing kit can save the day, literally. Keep it handy in your bag or with the wedding party’s essentials so you’re ready for quick fixes.

9. Tech preparedness is key.

Between phones, cameras and speakers, capturing moments relies on charging your devices. Bring a universal adaptor, a power bank, and extra cords, and test them before you fly. You’ll thank yourself when you capture every moment without a flat battery in sight.

10. Weather the weather.

Check the forecast for your destination and pack accordingly. Humidity, a sudden chill or unexpected showers tend to sneak up on you in foreign lands. Light layers, a wrap, or a compact umbrella ensure you stay comfy and stylish, rain or shine.