Your wedding day outfit isn’t just clothing – it’s a treasured symbol of one of the most meaningful days of your life. Whether you’re transporting a heavily embroidered lehenga, a delicate silk saree, a well tailored suit or a classic gown, keeping your attire pristine during travel or even for your destination wedding takes planning and care. Today on Polka Dot Wisdom, the lovely Sally of Association of Wedding Gown Specialists is providing some much needed tips for delivering your wedding attire safely. 

Photography: Maryna Cherednikova via Romantic Wedding Inspiration Shoot at Redleaf Wollombi

Car or Ship Travel – Simple but Not Without Precautions

If you are traveling by car or by ship, keeping your wedding attire safe and ready to wear is relatively simple because it will be with you at all times, and space is not really an issue.  Also, very probably your clothing is in a garment bag that will protect it, but you might want to add tissue to sleeves to keep them from getting creased. If you are traveling with a gown in a garment bag, use a bust form or lots of tissue to keep the bodice from crumpling. Wherever you fold the skirt to fit it into the bag, use tissue to buffer the golds to prevent deep creases. Following this, hang your gown so the bodice is facing the car door and lay the skirt across the seat. You may even choose to pin fitted sheets together to protect your gown rather folding it into a garment bag.

The High-Stakes Journey for Your Wedding Attire

Traveling by air can be tricky, and it’s much more difficult to keep your things where you can see them. Unless you are on a direct flight with no stops, it is not a good idea to check your wedding attire. You might be able to find a substitute at your destination, but it would be a shame if the gown or outfit of your dreams goes missing. You can try calling the airline to see if they can help you out and whether something special is available. Even if the airline promises something special, everything depends upon the crew the day of the flight, and even then, the crew may not be able to assure you an option. Other passengers can put their luggage into the overhead meant for you when a crew member is not looking.

Photography: Belos Photography via Neha & Sufian’s Glittering Glam Wedding in Melbourne 

Your chances of being certain to find safe space will be much better if you fly business class, and perhaps your gown can hang in the closet near the door to the pilot’s cabin or at least you will have access to specific overhead space. A less costly option is pre-booking specific seats.  Then you will be one of the first to board and can capture an entire overhead compartment for your gown.  Close the door to the overhead and keep watch over it until everyone is on board to be sure suitcases are jammed in with your gown.

Photography: Belle Martin Photography via Meg & Sally’s Bright Relaxed Wedding at Farm Vigano 

Consider a Portable Steamer – With Caution

Finally, consider buying a portable hand steamer such as the Jiffy ESteam. Portable steamers are easy to pack and can also be used on other trips for your other clothing. However, please note, different countries use different plugs, sockets, and voltage for electricity. If the electrical system at your destination is different from your home country, be sure you have the right adapter on hand with you. In addition to this, when you are using your steamer, be sure to place a sock or a towel secured with a rubber band over the holes for the steam. The temperature changes as you are using the steamer, and it can then spit water instead of steam and leave spots on silk. The sock absorbs the water, and the silk may get damp, but the water will dry without leaving a ring.

Photography: Olguin Photography via Brianna & Brody’s Fun-Filled Wedding at Worrowing Jervis Bay 

Professional Help May Be Closer Than You Think

Of course, always consider professional help. Cleaners or wedding gown specialists at your destination may offer steaming or pressing services, especially at the luxury hotels or boutiques. It’s worth calling ahead to check, as they’re experienced in handling delicate fabrics and embellishments and can ensure your outfit looks flawless before the big day.

Photography: Redbook Studios via Victor & Stephanie’s Love-Filled Homestead Wedding 

Travel Smart and Pack with Purpose

Whether you’re crossing a continent or cruising along the coast, a little extra planning can go a long way in protecting one of the most important outfits you’ll ever wear. Travel smart, pack with care, and arrive knowing your wedding attire is as ready as you are to say “I do.”

Photography: By the Wilde via Tracey & Shane’s Romantic Tasmanian Elopement at The Point 

Thank you to Sally for these much needed practical tips and advice for those couples who are planning to travel a distance for their wedding day! 

About the Author: Our members, represented in more than 500 cities around the world, offer very special care for wedding gowns, both old an d new.  Our award-winning gown care includes your personal inspection, a museum-quality container, and a written international guarantee.  Restorations return yellowed and stained vintage gowns to the true colour.  We also offer cleaning and pressing for your wedding day as well as destination wedding kits for travelling with your gown. Endorsed by Association of Bridal Consultants. We are pleased to announce that couples can now preserve the beauty of the planet along with their wedding gowns. We’ve established a Reforestation Fund™ and will provide support to the Arbor Day Foundation by planting a tree for every gown our dry-cleaning partners preserve. Celebrated in Australia as well as worldwide, Arbor Day Foundation is the largest members nonprofit dedicated to planting trees in neighbourhoods, communities, cities and forests around