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Destination weddings are certainly popular these days, but flying with your wedding dress can be a daunting task. To get your dress to where it needs to be without wrinkles, creases, or stains, our readers weigh in with their recommendations for the best garment bags and ways to pack your precious cargo!
How to Fly With a Wedding Dress
Table Of Contents
Who doesn’t want to look their best on their special day? Part of making that happen is having a picture-perfect, ready-to-wear gown, which is easy to do when you’re getting married locally, but becomes a little more tricky when traveling to your destination wedding.
The transportation logistics for getting your dress to where it needs to be in one piece may seem impossible, but it’s not—it just takes a little leg work and the proper piece of packing equipment.
70″ Bridal Wedding Gown Garment Bag
How to Pack a Wedding Dress
Readers who have traveled with wedding dresses have shared two main strategies for packing them securely—in a hardside carry on suitcase, or the more popular option, a garment bag.
One reader says, “I would roll your wedding dress with large, shipping bubble wrap. The bubbles will stop it from creasing and it should be placed in a hard sided carry on.” If this option will work with your dress, this is a fantastic way to carry your precious items throughout the airport and to your wedding venue, hassle-free. Readers have noted that because wedding gowns can be quite bulky, long, and heavy, they’re a tad difficult to maneuver through an airport. Though, if carrying it by hand in a garment bag is a must, readers have shared that that’s absolutely doable, and have shared tons of positive experiences doing this!
The Samsonite Omni 20” Hardside is highly popular with readers
If you’re going with a garment bag, start by sticking the hanger of the garment through the opening at the top of the bag, then hang it with the gown still out. Fold the left and right sides of the dress in toward the center and roll the bottom up to place it in the bag. Zip carefully by putting your finger between the zipper and the garment so no fabric gets snagged.
A reader shares her experience, “I flew from the US to Europe with my wedding dress. We just put it in a garment bag and asked that it be hung up in the closet. We had one shorter flight where a closet wasn’t available, so we draped the garment bag over our carry on bags in the overhead bin. I was a bit nervous before the flights, but it was simple and easy – no complications!”
Readers agree that before you do anything in regard to actual packing, it’s best to check with your airline to know what to expect—each varies on how they handle large, delicate items like gowns. You may want to purchase priority boarding so your dress can be stored in the plane’s front closet, if it has one. Or, if your flight isn’t full, you may be able to travel with the dress beside you on a seat (some readers have even purchased an extra seat next to them to do this!). And you can always check with your flight attendant upon boarding for additional help.
Discover the best luggage brands for travel and why they love them!
And overall, readers say that you should definitely carry on your wedding dress, as well as your shoes, hair accessories, and absolutely everything else you’ll need for the big day — just to be on the safe side. It’s not worth the risk of checking a bag when it comes to something so precious!
Below you’ll find the most recommended options according to our trusted readers. No matter where your wedding is, you’ll walk down the aisle in effortless elegance!
Best Wedding Dress Travel Bags
Bags for Less Wedding Dress Garment Bag
Bags For Less
This inexpensive Bags for Less offering is perfect for storing your dress at home or traveling with it. Made from ultra-soft vinyl that is both rip and water resistant with a snag-free zipper and reinforced stitching, it’s an absolute must have for storing dresses with larger trains, and the price is right too!
You’ll want to look your best when you travel! Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly!
MISSLO Bridal Wedding Gown Dress Garment Bag
MISSLO
At 70 inches with an 8 inch gusset, this extra-long bag by MISSLO will easily fit a wedding dress with a long train and also includes a transparent zipper pocket for any small accessories that go with it. It has a sturdy zipper which doesn’t snag, and it’s made from non-woven materials that protect your precious cargo against dirt while allowing it to breathe. A win-win for the well-organized bride!
Your Bags
Functional, practical and strong, this garment bag by Your Bags will keep your wedding dress in mint condition for its entire journey. It’s super roomy with a gusseted/box bottom and is made with durable 80 GSM, which prevents tears while providing solid coverage against outside elements like dirt or dust.
We’ve rounded up all the things you may (or may not) need to bring on your trip carefully organized by category.
Zilink
A perfect two-in-one purchase for a bride and groom, Zilink offers breathable, black garment bags that are handy for just about any travel situation from storage in a hotel closet to long hours of air travel. The bigger of the two is roomy enough to hold a wedding dress with a long train and veil, and the second, smaller bag is perfect for storing up to two additional dresses, a suit and a skirt.
Both feature large, mesh pockets for accessory storage, durable zippers, and clear PVC windows. They are sturdy and at a perfect price point for the couple on a budget.
Sleeping Lamb 72” Wedding Gown Dress Garment Bag
Sleeping Lamb
A SLEEPING LAMB bag allows you to travel in style, all while keeping your clothes well organized, clean, and wrinkle-free with room to spare. A clear panel allows for quick identification, and reinforced zippers and heavy-duty PVC material offer extra protection. Handles on both sides offer ease of use, so you can fold and go.
I Create Style
This massive bag by I Create Style is made with the bride in mind. A whopping 71×28 inches,
It comes with a 7-inch gusset, extra-long zipper (in back), and three pockets for your much-needed accessories. Its thick material keeps your dress looking as fresh as the day you bought it. It’s also lightweight, has handles on either side and is easy to transport. Last but not least, it’s stylish, fun, and elegant addition to carrying around your wedding gown!
Gyssien 66” Tri-fold Extra Long Dress Garment Bag
Gyssien
This extra long bag by Gyssien has plenty of room for your wedding dress, and can even hold up to four dresses, and two full suits for the honeymoon. It protects all your formal wear from outside dust and keeps everything fresh and neat. With two pockets at the bottom to hold your accessories, it’s a solid travel and storage companion.
Wallybags
This sleek, elegant carry-all by WallyBags rises to any special occasion and fits perfectly in most overhead bins. Durable, polyester fabric protects your garments from outside elements and the bag’s superior construction keeps your clothes neat and clean. Its patented WallyLock hanger clamp holds multiple garments without causing them to drop at the bottom of the bag.
Best Travel Bags for Wedding Accessories
Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Duffle
This cute duffle from Lo & Sons is an incredible carry on companion to hold the rest of your wedding day accessories and gear. One of the best parts is the a bottom compartment which is perfect storing your shoes and keeping them looking perfect for the big day. It’s incredibly roomy, with a few handy pockets and space for toiletries, accessories, and everything in between, and it’s durable and stylish, too!
And check out the smaller version if you’re traveling on the lighter side!
Check out our readers’ list of the best tote bags for travel!
Baggallini Avenue Tote Top Handle Bag
Baggallini Avenue Tote
A reader favorite for travel, the Baggallini Avenue Tote is another fantastic option for your wedding travels. It’s spacious enough to fit all of your wedding day accessories, your makeup, and even your shoes! Lightweight, water-resistant, and equipped with plenty of pockets, this tote will keep you ultra organized and keep your special items secure.
Aosbos Shoe Bag
This structured shoe bag is ideal if you’re using a carry on suitcase or a larger duffle. It’s waterproof and dirt-resistant, so you can have peace of mind that your shoes will stay pristine, plus it’s padded for extra protection. You may be able to fit a few pairs of shoes depending on the style, and there’s even a little extra sleeve on the front to stash a pair of slippers!
MISSLO Shoe Bags
These classic nylon shoe bags can fit any style of shoe and will protect them from moisture, dirt, scuffs, and scratches. They’re super lightweight yet tear-resistant, and have smooth zippers that’ll keep every bit of dust out. Plus, with this pack of four, you’ll be able to store your backup dancing shoes, and perhaps your groom’s shoes, too!
Here are some of my favorite packing tips for traveling with jewelry!
BAGSMART Travel Jewelry Organizer
BAGSMART Travel Jewelry Case
Keeping your jewelry sparkling and untangled is a must, so it’s best to keep everything safely tucked away into a travel jewelry case, like this reader-favorite jewelry case from Bagsmart. It has space for truly every type of jewelry, with a ring tube, earring panel, necklace straps, and more. It also has protective cushioning that’s lined with a soft and gentle fabric, and folds into a slim little pouch that packs flat to fit perfectly into your suitcase, duffle, or even your handbag!
What are your recommendations for flying with a wedding dress? Share and comment below!
For more travel packing tips, please read:
- How to Pack and Safely Transport Souvenirs
- How to Pack Creams, Toners, Foundation, and other Liquids
- How to Pack Necklaces and Avoid Tangled Jewelry
- Learn How to Pack Travel CPAP Machines With These Reader Tips
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