Tips for Traveling with Your Wedding Dress
Advice to ensure a smooth journey
Planning a wedding abroad, in an exotic destination, or any destination wedding? Whether you're heading to Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, or a far-off tropical paradise, traveling with your wedding dress can be a bit daunting. As a bridal boutique owner, wedding coordinator and someone passionate about weddings, I’ve gathered some tried-and-true tips to ensure your dress arrives safely and looks stunning on your big day.
1. Plan for Wrinkle Prevention
Whether you're driving or flying, the goal is to minimize wrinkles:
Flying? Always carry your dress as hand luggage in a high-quality garment bag. Contact the airline ahead of time to understand their policies on carrying wedding dresses. Many will allow you to hang your gown in the first-class closet or lay it flat in an overhead bin.
Driving? Lay the dress flat across the backseat or hang it by the reinforcement straps in your vehicle. Avoid cramming it into the trunk with other luggage and avoid plastic bags or other cramped spaces that can crush the fabric.
If folding the dress is unavoidable, place acid-free tissue paper between layers to reduce wrinkles and prevent snags.
2. Invest in a High-Quality Garment Bag
A good garment bag isn’t just for the journey; it’s also perfect for post-wedding storage. Look for a breathable, sturdy garment bag that protects your dress from dirt, moisture, and creases.
Bonus tip: Keep the hanging straps intact if you plan to store your dress upright after the big day!
3. Bring a Steamer or Improvise
A portable steamer is your best friend when traveling with a wedding dress. If you can’t bring one, check if your hotel/accommodation, or wedding planner has one available.
No steamer? Hang the dress in the bathroom during a hot, steamy shower. The steam will help relax any wrinkles naturally.
4. Pack Accessories with Care
Bridal accessories like veils, jewellery, and shoes deserve just as much attention as your dress. Use small, protective bags to avoid damage, and keep everything organized and easily accessible.
5. Be Prepared for Emergencies
Pack a bridal emergency kit with essentials like stain remover, safety pins, and a mini sewing kit. These small tools can save the day if anything unexpected happens during transit.
6. Store Your Dress Properly Post-Wedding
Once the celebrations are over, your dress deserves the same care as when it traveled. Use a breathable garment bag for long-term storage and avoid airtight containers that can trap moisture. If placing the dress in a box, place acid-free tissue paper between the layers to protect from snags and the dress yellowing overtime.
Celebrate Your Style with Cariad Bridal
Whether you’re heading abroad or staying closer to home, your wedding dress deserves the best care on its journey. At Cariad Bridal, we’re passionate about helping brides create memories that last a lifetime. Book an appointment at one of our pop-up shops or enjoy a private, at-home fitting in Calgary, Canmore, or Banff to find your perfect gown.
Your dress is more than an outfit—it’s a reflection of your unique love story. Let us help you tell it beautifully, no matter where your journey takes you!
