Your Go-To Guide On What To Pack For A Destination Wedding

Planning your destination wedding doesn’t just include decor and the menu, but also a properly packed suitcase that considers all your needs! Guests and bridal parties of destination weddings need to consider their packing requirements, too.

My first tip? Start prior to your departure! Make sure to leave a copy of your passport and travel itinerary with someone staying behind, call your cell phone company and let them know you’re going on an international trip and see if there’s an international plan, let your credit card company know that you’re traveling, go on USPS.com and secure a vacation mail hold so that your mail doesn’t pile up while you’re away.

The next big tip: if you’re checking in a bag, you’ll want to make sure that your carry-on includes all your essentials to enjoy your time in case a checked bag goes missing. Thankfully, it doesn’t happen too often and usually they’re recovered within 24 hours, plus there’s travel insurance to help with costs. But in the event that it does happen, make sure to include a swim suit and cover up, your outfit for the wedding, your passport, jewelry, medicines, and any cash you’re bringing.

My next pro tip - and this one is big - pack a tumbler and a reusable straw. Not only is it better for the environment, but it will keep your drinks cold and your frozen drinks from melting too quickly. For resorts that use small plastic cups for drinks, your tumbler will get you a whole lot more so you don’t have to keep running to the bar! Don’t forget a beach bag to keep your e-reader/book, sunscreen, etc. plus a smaller bag for your room key (and lipgloss) in the evenings.

Most all inclusive hotels will include beach towels, plus nice toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap bar, and lotion. You might want to pack your own if you use something specific and double check on the hotel’s website to see what they provide.

I recommend printing out the packing list below and checking it off as you go along, but don’t stress since most things can be purchased wherever you are going, they just may be significantly more expensive!

Packing List for Bride & Groom
Packing List for Destination Wedding Guests