Monday, September 7, 2009

Packing for a Destination Wedding

When you're packing for a destination wedding, you don't need a destination wedding planner to tell you - no one likes to haul heavy luggage down long hallways in large (or small) airports - hoisting oversize suitcases or dealing with overstuffed duffel bags, when traveling to a destination wedding location.

When you're traveling with small children or dealing with any type of debilitating physical problem, you'll want to have everything you need when you reach your destination. And of course when it comes to your destination wedding attire, you'll want to look fabulous, too.

So pack light.

Start with a travel bag itself

Forget about the heavy hard-sided luggage that can tax your joints, even when it's empty. Take something light but sturdy, like virtually indestructible, space-age material polycarbonate luggage.

Yet, going in a different direction... You remember super light weight LeSportsac bags, don't you? Although you don't hear about them very much anymore, the LeSportsac company is still rockin' it! Their bags are great. I used to have a bunch of them. In fact, I still have one big, super sturdy LeSportsac luggage piece, albeit with a broken zipper tab. But boy, have I ever gotten beaucoup mileage out of that bag. I remember buying LeSportsac bags at Sak's Fifth Avenue, back in the day. Anyway, remember to buy luggage with wheels that you can push or pull instead of carrying.

Call ahead

When you're staying at a hotel, after deciding that you'll attend a destination wedding - call first to find out what amenities they have. Most places offer basic toiletries, hairdryers, and irons and ironing boards. If they do, leave yours at home. Easy destination wedding packages, at a hotel or on a cruise ship, also offer on-site laundry or dry cleaning service, pack fewer clothes if you can. The best destination weddings have fun, added attractions and activities for the wedding guests to partake in. Be sure to ask plenty of questions so that you know exactly what to take. For example... Will there be robes? Or even snorkels? Call, and check.

Coordinate your wardrobe

Travel as light as you can when you travel out of town to attend a destination wedding. Choose clothes that you can mix and match and you should be able to lighten your load pretty well. You want to have the ability to create several outfits from just a few pieces. And maybe use the same shoes and accessories with everything you take.

Dress for the trip

If you plan to bring a coat or other heavy clothes, don't pack them - wear them. Or dress in layers to minimize exactly how much you'll have to put in your bag.

Some of the best destination wedding packages available are on cruise ships. When you're packing for a destination wedding that you're attending on a cruise ship, choose lightweight, breathable clothing for warm weather destinations. Layer your clothing for cooler climates - like Alaskan cruises. The layers can come off or go back on as outside and airplane cabin temperatures fluctuate. And depending on your itinerary, pack gloves, hats, and a raincoat.

You'll also want to consider the ship's dress codes. For example, if they include formal evenings, men should wear suits, jackets and ties, or tuxes. Women don cocktail dresses or evening gowns, nothing too skimpy. For your more informal evenings, dressy pants and collared shirts work for men (ties are usually optional), while women should wear casual dresses or dress pants and blouses - again, nothing too revealing.

Cruise ships have everything. Therefore, you should be covered if its laundry services that you need. Cater-Hater Tip: Bring sample-size detergent to wash clothes.

Think small

Purchase travel-size bottles of toiletries you need to take. Or transfer your favorite products in larger bottles into smaller ones and take only as much as you'll need.