Pack Like a Pro: Everything You Need for a Stress-Free Destination Wedding
Planning a wedding abroad is exciting, but packing for it can feel overwhelming. With our comprehensive Destination Wedding Packing List, you’ll have everything you need to ensure your big day goes off without a hitch. Get ready to pack like a pro and focus on enjoying every magical moment!
1. General Items to Pack
Let’s start with the general items to pack. Regardless of whether you are traveling for your destination wedding or just for a holiday, make sure to pack these ten items.
- Passports and IDs
- Travel itinerary and tickets
- Phone chargers and portable chargers
- Medications and personal health items
- Luggage tags and locks
- Snacks and water
- Sunscreen and insect repellent (if applicable)
- Weather-appropriate clothing and accessories (sunglasses, hats, umbrellas)
- Cash and credit cards in local currency
- Adapters and converters
These ten essentials double as a perfect guest packing list. Share it with them to avoid a chorus of “Got an adapter?” or “Mind if I charge my phone in your room?” requests!
2. Destination Wedding-Related Items
Now, let’s list the essential items related to your destination wedding:
- Wedding rings or wedding bands
- Gifts for the wedding party
- Copies of vendor contracts
- Marriage license and other important documents (not applicable to symbolic weddings)
- Emergency kit (sewing kit, stain remover, pain relievers, etc.)
- Vow books or printed vows
- Day-of timeline and contact list
- Wedding day stationery (save the date, invitation, envelope, table numbers, programs, menus, etc.)
- Copies of speeches or toasts
A wedding binder is a great tool to keep all of these documents organized. Click here for a free, downloadable spreadsheet template.
3. Bride’s Attire
- Dress (make sure to read our wedding dress packing tips here)
- Veil
- Wedding shoes and accessories
- Comfortable shoes for dancing
- Shapewear
- Jewelry
- Hair tools and accessories
- Outfits for pre- and post-wedding events
- Emergency beauty kit: compact mirror, blotting papers, mini hairspray
- Backup outfit
- Bridal clutch or bag
- Steamer
Bride’s Emergency Kit
- Nail Glue
- Ibuprofen
- Sewing kit
- Hair ties
- Contact solution
- Eyedrops
- Phone charger
- Steamer
- Stain remover
4. Groom’s Attire
- Suit
- Shirt
- Backup shirt
- Shoes
- Socks
- Belt
- Cufflinks
- Wedding Band
- Cologne
- Watch
- Pocket Square
5. Decorations, Photos and Games
- Decor items from home
- Guest book and pens
- Polaroid camera
- Table games or required equipment (cups, ping pong balls, …)
- Drone
Adding these items to your destination wedding packing list will ensure you have everything covered for a seamless and stress-free destination wedding!
If you’re thinking, “I wish I had an actual checklist instead of just reading about it,” you’re in luck! This packing list is part of our complete wedding binder, which you can download for free right here!
Destination Weddings: What Not to Pack
Before we wrap up, let’s also note down what not to pack or how to pack efficiently:
1. Ask friends to bring items that can easily be borrowed or shared.
If you are worried about bringing too many things, ask your bridesmaids, groomsmen, or family to pack items that can easily be borrowed or shared, such as phone chargers, makeup, or Polaroid cameras.
2. Don’t pack bulky items.
Avoid packing large or heavy items like hairdryers or irons, as most hotels or venues provide these. Save space for essentials! If in doubt, contact your venue to ask about the items you need.
3. Don’t pack too many valuables.
Leave expensive jewelry and irreplaceable valuables at home to avoid the risk of loss or theft. Bring only the essentials for your wedding day. Similarly, bring some cash, but don’t overdo it. Most destinations have ATMs, and using cards can be safer than carrying a lot of money. If your vendors are asking for payment in cash, ask if a transfer would also work.
What did we miss in our destination wedding packing list? Leave a comment and share your knowledge with other brides to complete our packing list!