Traveling Tips for Brides: How to Safely Travel with Your Wedding Gown (and Keep it Perfect)
When you're traveling for your wedding, the last thing you want to worry about is your gown getting lost, wrinkled, or damaged by the airline. As a designer who’s crafted dozens of dream wedding dresses, I’ve heard every “airline horror story” you can imagine. But don’t worry—you can avoid those nightmare scenarios with a little pre-planning and savvy packing. Let’s dive into some of the best tips for safely transporting your wedding dress without the drama!
1. Carry-On is Your Best Friend
While most brides want to avoid carrying their gown, trust me when I say that it’s worth the effort. If you can fit your dress into a garment bag and into the overhead bin, do it! The last thing you want is for your gown to be tossed around with the checked luggage. Carry your gown with you to ensure it stays in one piece. Once when I was traveling from Paris to Oslo for a family reunion, my bags were lost and it took them six of the eight days I was staying there to get it back to me! That’s not the sort of stress you need before such an exciting day.
2. Invest in a Quality Garment Bag (or Two)
The bag you choose can make all the difference. Look for a durable, breathable garment bag that has enough room for your dress, but also fits the airline’s carry-on requirements. A travel garment bag with reinforced straps will keep the gown secure and prevent it from shifting around. I also recommend packing a second, lightweight garment bag for any additional accessories like a veil or shoes. Think about how well it folds up/hooks together and make sure it has handles so your hands aren’t carrying it around on the hanger all through the airport.
3. Call Ahead to Your Airline
It may sound extra, but trust me—this is a must. Call your airline before your flight and let them know you’re traveling with a wedding gown. Some airlines will allow you to hang your gown in a closet on the plane, especially for international flights or premium cabins. Make sure you double-check baggage policies (in case you end up needing to check it). Knowing the rules ahead of time can save you stress when you get to the airport.
4. Keep Your Dress in Tip-Top Condition
Even though your gown is in the bag, you want to make sure it’s properly prepared for travel. I recommend steaming it before your trip to remove any wrinkles. Avoid ironing—it’s too easy to burn delicate fabrics. If you're unsure, check with me for advice on how to prep your gown for travel. Pack extra care instructions (in case your gown is fabric-sensitive) so you can pass them on to your hotel or venue staff when you arrive.
5. Protect Your Gown with Layers
You’ve spent months (maybe even years!) finding your dream dress, so treat it like the masterpiece it is. Layer your gown with tissue paper or soft cloths inside the garment bag to keep the fabric from creasing. This is especially true if you have a molded cup or boning in the bodice. Don’t let this area be folded, and feel free to roll up a few t-shirts and put them in the cups to help fill them out and prevent squishing. Be sure the gown isn’t too tightly packed—let it breathe. For added protection, some brides choose to put their gown in a plastic garment bag first (to protect it from dirt and moisture) before placing it in the fabric garment bag.
6. Consider Using a Dress Preservation Service
If you’re particularly nervous about airline mishaps, consider using a specialized dress preservation service. There are companies that offer wedding gown travel packaging, ensuring your dress stays safe and secure during transit. You can even opt for premium services that will pick up your gown from your home, protect it during travel, and deliver it to your destination in pristine condition.
7. Don’t Forget Your Emergency Kit
Along with your gown, pack a small wedding emergency kit with some essential items, like a stain remover stick, extra white thread, pins, clear nail glue, and a mini sewing kit. You never know when a little tear, loose thread, or stain might appear, and being prepared can save the day. I’ve seen a dad’s watch tear off beads before when he was hugging his daughter, and a quick drop of glue will keep the dress from unraveling further. Keep this kit with you, just in case!
8. Arriving at Your Destination
Once you arrive at your destination, unpack your gown ASAP. Hang it up immediately to allow the fabric to settle and any creases to naturally fall out. If there are any wrinkles, most hotels have steaming services that can help freshen up your gown before your wedding day. If you’re in a pinch, many hotels also offer portable steamers for guest use, which is a perfect solution, but check our ‘favourites’ list for a great, packable option.
9. Do a Final Check Before the Big Day
Before you step into your gown for the wedding, check it over one last time the night before. You’ll sleep better knowing your beautiful gown is ready for your big day.
Final Thoughts from Leiren Designs
I’ve always said that your wedding gown is more than just a dress—it’s the embodiment of your love story. Traveling with it should be treated with the same care and attention that went into choosing it in the first place. A little extra effort on the front end can ensure that your gown arrives in perfect condition, ready for your walk down the aisle.
Safe travels, happy planning, and congratulations on your upcoming wedding!