What Should Guests Pack for a Destination Wedding?
You’re invited to a destination wedding! Not only are you thrilled to see someone close—who may have given you this wedding guest packing list—say, “I do,” but you also get to experience a new location. As you do your research about the area and what to wear on the wedding day, don’t forget about the full experience. From standard items to things that may not have crossed your mind, here is what guests should pack for a destination wedding.
Things to Consider for Your Wedding Packing Checklist
Before we get into our destination wedding packing checklist, you must consider a few things before heading out.
How far away is the wedding? It makes a big difference whether you’re attending a wedding overseas or one in the next state. The distance impacts many other factors, and your mode of travel and arrival time also plays a part.
What is the season at your destination? Of course, heading to the snowy Alps differs from a beachside wedding in the Caribbean. Research the weather in your final destination as climates vary worldwide. Check the temperature, but also look for things like rainfall and potential wind speed.
Do your accommodations have amenities? Consult the hotel website ahead of time. Sure, you may be somewhere in the dead of winter, but do they have hot springs or an indoor pool? Also, check on amenities, such as a sauna, spa, beach, or fitness center if you are prone to utilize those things.
How long will you stay at the location? As with any trip, a quick overnight requires less packing than a week of vacation built around a destination wedding. If space is limited—and many airlines are charging for checked bags now—see if your accommodations have a laundry service so you can re-wear items.
What kind of ID is required? Overseas destinations will require a passport. However, some locations, such as Puerto Rico, currently only require a valid US identification. If you need to get or renew your passport, do that ASAP.
Are you invited to any special events? Check your invitation and the couple’s wedding website to see if any additional activities surround the wedding day. You’re possibly invited to the rehearsal dinner or a brunch the day after the wedding. Be in the know about events that require you to dress up—or down.
Wedding Packing Checklist for Your Carry On Bag
Anything can happen, especially when you are traveling by plane. Therefore, be sure to pack essentials in your carry on luggage. You may be able to live a day or two without some items, although pack the following necessities in your hand luggage.
Medication - This includes vitamins, prescriptions, and anything you need to take regularly, such as headache medicine.
Change of Clothing - Having something to sleep in and a day’s worth of clothing can prove helpful if it fits into your bag.
Essential Toiletries - Be careful only to place travel sizes in your carry on. Liquids must be 100 ml or less, and all fit into a quart-sized, see-through bag.
Electronics and Chargers - Computers, e-readers, phones, and cameras should be kept with you, if possible. When traveling internationally, check on the electric current and whether you need a converter to use electronics.
Well-stocked Wallet - Your wallet probably goes without saying, but keep your ID, cash, and credit cards close by.
PPE - Masks are essential, so keep at least one with—or on—you. Hand sanitizer is considered a liquid and should be placed with your toiletries.
Destination Wedding Checklist for Guests
Wedding Day Attire
What you wear on the day of the destination wedding is essential to take. Just be sure actually to pack it! People often place wedding day attire in a place where it won’t get wrinkled, which makes sense. However, put them somewhere they won’t get overlooked and left hanging on a door or rack.
Vacation Wear
Are you building a vacation around the destination wedding? If you’re headed somewhere exciting and can take time off, it’s a beautiful idea. Research what there is to do in the area that aligns with your interests. Head to the beach, take a hike or go skiing—simply pack accordingly. If you’re a foodie, check out the local restaurants and dress codes to be prepared ahead of time.
Weather Protection
Beach wedding weather can be unpredictable. The sun, sand, and glare can make it unbearably hot during the day. However, breezes after dark can be chilly. Depending on your location, take a sun hat and sunscreen. Consequently, having an extra layer—such as a shawl or scarf—can protect you from the sun during the day and keep you warm in the evening. If the climate is rainy, take a thin raincoat and shoes that can withstand water.
Appropriate Shoes
Of course, this depends on the season, but do some research about the wedding venue. High heels are tough to wear on a sandy beach or wooden dock. Choose comfortable and stylish shoes for the wedding day and beyond. Selecting footwear also includes other activities, such as sightseeing, visiting the beach, and other wedding-related events.
Wedding Gift (or not!)
If you’re giving something that can be tucked into an envelope, feel free to bring it along. Although you may want to leave extra cash at home, checks work well. However, in our day and age, items can be purchased from online registries and shipped directly to the couple. Take advantage of this and leave bulky gifts to a delivery service. Don’t place an extra burden on the newlyweds to take large items home—especially if they aren’t planning on it.
Personal Essentials
What one person considers essential, another can do without. You may need your full makeup kit, whereas your BFF may only use lipgloss and mascara. However, she may need her flat and curling irons, but you leave your hair natural. Whatever it takes to have you looking and feeling your best—even if that includes a luxe bath bomb—bring it along! Guys, don’t forget your shaving and personal necessities, too.
Wedding Involvement Items
When you’re involved in the wedding—parents, officiants, and attendants—you will have a few extra items to pack. Be sure to bring whatever the couple requires you to wear, including attire, shoes, and accessories. Beyond that, if you are giving a toast, singing, or reading, remember to bring those things with you. If you’ve personally written anything, bring both digital and hard copies along so that you don’t have to rewrite it.
Extra Bag
Having an extra bag can be as simple as bringing along a tote to carry souvenirs home. If you feel that you will purchase lots of mementos, roll up a zippered bag inside your luggage that can serve as a checked bag on the way home. If you are touring, take a backpack or large purse along. Also, pack a small clutch or evening bag to carry the essentials on the destination wedding day.
Whether you are building a vacation around an event or only making a quick trip, use our destination wedding checklist. Packing looks a bit different when someone’s big day is involved. Knowing what to pack for a wedding guest ensures that you’ll have a fabulous time and not leave any essentials at home. And—above all—have fun!
Courtnie is the founder & CEO of TravelBash. After years as an ambitious fundraiser, she took her passion for travel full-time. She has lived all over the U.S. and abroad and after planning her own destination wedding, she decided to help other couples plan their big day abroad too. She has written “Passport to Paradise: The Complete Destination Wedding Guide,” a top seller on Amazon. She has also been featured in Travel + Leisure, Destination I Do and The Washington Post. As a certified travel advisor, expert event planner and natural connector, she uses her powers to create VIP travel experiences.
