A Guide to Wedding and Honeymoon Packing

Packing for travel may not be the most exciting aspect of wedding planning, but very important nonetheless. Your packing needs will depend on the type and location of your wedding and honeymoon. Creating a travel packing list is the best way to ensure that you're prepared for your destination wedding and honeymoon.

Packing for Travel to a Destination Wedding

A destination wedding is a great way to turn your wedding into a vacation for both you and your guests. It also means a little extra packing for travel, as you will need to pack for the days leading up to the wedding and the wedding day itself, as well as the honeymoon. The most important items to pack for your destination wedding are the wedding gown and the groom's tuxedo or suit. The best way to transport these items (and ensure you have them on your wedding day) is to carry them on the plane instead of packing them in your luggage. Most airplanes have closets for passengers to hang garment bags. Other items to carry onto the airplane with you include:

• Minimum toiletry necessities, like a toothbrush, toothpaste and comb
• One change of clothes
• Original travel documents, such as passports, birth certificates and contracts
• Snacks and bottled water
• Valuables and anything you would not be able to go without if something happened to your checked luggage
• Wedding rings and other jewelry.

A packing checklist helps to ensure you include everything you need as you pack for your travel destination. A basic wedding travel packing list for your checked luggage includes:

• "Day of" bride and groom accessories
• "Day of" shoes for the bride and groom
• Guest book
• Hair accessories, such as a blow dryer, curling iron, straightener or waver
• Hosiery and undergarments to wear with the bridal gown

• Makeup and hair care products
• Toiletries.

These are only the most basic items for the day of the wedding. Your packing checklist should include any additional items pertaining to other wedding activities, such as a bachelor/bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, the day-after brunch and daytime activities in the days before and after the wedding. If your honeymoon is somewhere different from your destination wedding, you'll also need to prepare an appropriate honeymoon packing list.

Tips on How to Pack for Travel

What you pack to wear for your wedding and honeymoon will depend on the location of your wedding. A couple planning an autumn wedding in North Carolina will pack much differently than a couple having a summer wedding on a beach in the Caribbean. Nevertheless, the following tips on packing for travel can help you prepare your packing checklist, no matter where the location:

• Avoid packing unworn items. If you have new shoes, break them in first.
• Bring an extra bag. You'll likely end up with more than you started with.
• Bring versatile wardrobe pieces that you can mix and match, along with comfortable shoes.
• Don't overstuff your bags. You don't want an overstuffed bag to break open en route. When a bag is full, tap it on the floor a couple of times to free up a little extra room.
• Double-bag liquids, or use a specially-lined bag.
• Line the inside of your bag with your belt, instead of rolling it.
• Pack heavier items on the bottom of the bag and lighter items on top.
• Plan coordinating solids for your outfits in "travelable" wrinkle-resistant materials, like nylon, spandex and Tencel®.
• Roll clothes instead of folding to avoid wrinkles.
• Stuff socks in shoes and purses to help these items maintain their shapes.
• Unpack, organize, smooth-out and hang up your clothes as soon as you arrive.

Begin compiling your packing checklist at least one week before you leave--a hastily composed travel packing list will likely result in forgotten items.

Packing for Travel to Your Honeymoon Destination

When you pack for travel for your honeymoon, pack clothes suitable for the climate. While the most common honeymoon destinations are tropical, you might opt for a winter wonderland or an autumn escape. Do your research on the average temperatures and weather patterns for your location and pack accordingly. For example, if rainfall is moderately common for your timeframe, pack an umbrella, raincoat and other wet-weather gear. If you're heading somewhere sunny and hot, bring necessities such as sunscreen, hats and lightweight cover-ups. The more you prepare and pack ahead of time, the less likely it is that you'll have to spend money purchasing these items at your destination. Regardless of your destination, here a few universal items to include on your honeymoon packing list:

• Camera: This includes batteries, your battery charger and extra storage space.
• Electrical converters/adapters: If you're traveling outside of the United States, you may need adapters to operate your hairdryer, computer and other items.
• First aid kit: Although insect repellant and medicine for bites might not be necessary everywhere, plan to travel with basic first aid items, including ointment for scrapes and burns, bandages and moleskin for blisters.
• Medicine: Pack aspirin, ibuprofen, Pepto-Bismol®, antacids and laxatives to alleviate common ailments.
• Special items: This is your honeymoon, after all, so include any special romantic items you like, such as lingerie, massage and body oils and mood music.

No matter where you're traveling on your honeymoon, chances are you have planned a range of activities, from lounging on the beach to hiking in the woods, followed by a nice dinner at a fancy restaurant. As you prepare your travel packing list, make a list of all your activities so you can pack appropriately for everything you have planned.

How to Pack: Have Backup Documents Ready

Leave an itinerary and contact information with your close friends or family members, so they can reach you in an emergency or contact the appropriate governmental agency if something happens to you while traveling. You should also leave photocopies of your passport, credit cards, traveler's check receipts, wills, life insurance policies and any other pertinent financial information with trusted individuals back home.