Packing for a Wedding Abroad

22 June 2024. Editor · Lorraine · Merchandiser

For a wedding abroad it is handy to take your most important guest clothes and accessories with you carefully and, where possible, in hand luggage. Check the dress code and the weather at the destination, and lay out shoes and accessories. That reduces the chance of last-minute problems.

Rosamund blouse with lavallière collar and satin look for Women in light blue | Issu & Lloyd

Why packing for a wedding is different

At a wedding abroad you have less room to replace forgotten or damaged clothes. That is why you pack differently from a city trip. The guest outfit takes the leading role, and everything that goes with it, from shoes to spare tights, goes in a fixed place in your luggage. A short packing list beforehand helps you forget nothing.

First the questions

Question	Why	What you do
What is the dress code?	Determines your outfit	Ask the couple or read the invitation
What is the weather?	Determines fabric and layer	Check the forecast a few days beforehand
Where is the ceremony?	Church, garden or beach	Choose shoes and cover-up
How long do you stay?	Number of outfits	Make a list per day

Choose fabrics that crease little

In a suitcase everything creases. Preferably choose fabrics that are not extremely prone to creasing. A blouse with a satin look can be a practical festive option. The Rosamund in light blue is a blouse with lavallière collar of 96% acetate and 4% elastane. Combine it with the Arabelli in black, high-waist trousers with pleats, and you have a guest outfit that can also cope with a long journey. For cooler evenings the Veronique cardigan in light grey suits, a fine-knit cardigan of 100% lyocell. You will find more festive looks at the Signature Occasions for Women.

For Men: shirt and trousers

For Men, the shirt is the most vulnerable garment. The Hamilton shirt in white is made of 100% cotton. Fold it with cardboard or tissue paper, or hang it in a garment bag. Pack the Vincent in black, slim-fit trousers with a mid-rise of 33.5% viscose, 31.6% polyamide, 29.1% polyester and 6.8% elastane, rolled up or folded over the hanger. If you want a softer option for the day before or after the wedding, the Julian in cool grey is a knitted polo with quarter zip of 84.3% cotton, 10.9% silk and 4.8% linen. You will find more inspiration on the Signature Occasions for Men page.

Hand luggage or hold luggage?

Preferably take your guest outfit and shoes in your hand luggage. If it fits within the luggage rules, rather keep your most important outfit with you. Check your airline's rules for the size and contents of hand luggage, especially for liquids. Pack the outfit in a garment bag or fold it with tissue paper between the layers, so there are fewer creases. Put the rest of your clothes in the hold luggage.

The packing list per day

Day of arrival: comfortable travel clothes and a light outfit for the first dinner.
Day before the wedding: a casual outfit for a welcome drink or a tour.
Wedding day: guest outfit, shoes, accessories and a spare.
Day after: an airy outfit for a breakfast or brunch.
Journey home: the same clothes as the outward journey, or a simple second set.

Shoes, accessories and spares

Shoes: wear them in beforehand and take them in your hand luggage. Women may take flat shoes for the dance floor.
Accessories: keep jewellery in a small case and preferably leave valuable pieces in your hand luggage.
Spare: a second blouse or shirt, spare tights or socks and a lint roller, and possibly a compact steamer, if the material allows steam.
Small emergency kit: needle and thread, safety pins, plasters and a cloth for stains.

Arriving and unpacking

Take the outfit out of your luggage on arrival and hang it up. Use steam only if the care label allows it. Check that there are no stains or loose threads. Lay out shoes and accessories in one place, so you do not have to search on the day itself. If you have a few hours, ask reception for an iron or a dry cleaner nearby, in case something is wrong.

Time, time difference and timing

If your travel schedule allows, arriving before the wedding day can give extra calm. If you are dealing with a time difference, give your body time to adjust. A small tip: take a photo of your outfit and of the contents of your bag, so that in case of doubt you can quickly check what you have brought. Keep the most important documents and arrangements in a folder or on your phone, including the address and the start time of the ceremony. That way you avoid having to search on the day itself.

Colours and style for abroad

White, ivory and very light shades are best coordinated with the couple as a guest. Choose a colour that suits the season and the place: light blue, soft grey and navy are calm choices. A soft blouse with neat trousers is a good choice for many Women, and a shirt with a blazer for Men. Add an accessory that you can keep safe in your hand luggage during the journey and that makes you stand out on the day itself, such as a lovely brooch or a silk pocket square. You will find more blouses for this kind of occasion in the blouses for Women collection.

Weather, culture and dress code

In some countries or at some ceremonies additional rules apply, such as covered shoulders or knees in a church. Check this beforehand and bring a scarf or overshirt. Adjust fabric and layers to temperature, wind and location. Adapt your outfit to the place, not the other way round, and if in doubt ask the couple or another guest for advice.