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Packing for Your Destination Wedding

Many couples decide to forego the big reception and ceremony at home and bring their wedding to a destination that fits their dreams of romance. Whether it's a tropical beach wedding or in a charming European village, getting married in a far away setting can add to the enjoyment of the day and create memories to treasure through the years.

If you are planning a destination wedding... Congratulations!

Before you head off to your dream wedding and honeymoon, don't forget the packing for the wedding itself. Much will depend on where you're having your wedding and your own personal style.

If you're getting married in a formal wedding dress, be sure to carry it with you.
Don't trust your dress to checked luggage. Most airplanes have coat closets and will allow travelers to hang garment bags. Check with your airline.

Grooms should also carry the clothing needed for the ceremony.
If you're getting married in the Caribbean, you won't find many tuxedo rental shops in the islands. It is easiest to bring clothes with you.

We recently saw a panicked groom in the Bahamas wearing a tuxedo shirt, coat, cummerbund — and a pair of jeans. The stressed-out groom was racing for the lobby door to meet a clothier who had located a pair of tuxedo pants after the groom's were lost in his luggage. Don't let this happen to you!

Carry all original documents.
Make sure that all the paperwork you'll need, including birth certificates and divorce papers, if applicable — are in your hand luggage. Don't pack these in checked luggage!

Many resorts have on-site beauty salons, so you can make sure your hair is perfect for your wedding day. (If you plan to do your own hair, be sure to check first on the electrical current and plugs at your destination. You may need to bring converters for hot rollers and other appliances.) Many resorts also have on-site spas which can pamper the two of you with a massage to work out the kinks from your flight.

For the wedding,
You'll want to pack some of these items, depending on your plans:

• wedding dress

• special hosiery or undergarments

• shoes (if you're planning a tropical wedding, remember that high temperatures and humidity, coupled with a long flight, can make feet puffy)

• guest book

• wedding rings

• groom's tux or suit

• groom's shoes

• address book

• thank you cards if you'd like to write them on the way home

• special decorations, wedding music

Once you're packed with everything arranged all you'll need to do is... enjoy your destination wedding!