It’s wedding season, and for some of us, the nuptials will be taking place abroad.
A study by department store Fenwick found over 89% of people were happy to travel for a destination wedding, but with the high costs of such events, many are opting to save money on flights by only taking carry-on luggage.
Subsequently, this has also led to increases in searches on how to pack with the size restrictions.
While we love nothing more than a sunny holiday, it’s common knowledge that packing for a wedding is a different beast than packing to lounge by the pool.
From dresses to heels to beauty products, our suitcases fill quickly, and so does the panic in our chests about wrinkles and creases.
So, how do you pack efficiently and effectively for a destination wedding with limited space at hand?
Suits
For men and women, suits are often the bulkiest addition to travel luggage.
You may attempt to roll it and fit, but Sue Shields, Womenswear Buyer at Fenwick, says to avoid this at all costs to prevent damage or wrinkling.
‘Suits are a tricky one to pack in a suitcase,’ she explains. ‘I would always recommend taking it separately in a suit bag. These can be carried on the plane as part of your hand luggage and laid flat in the overhead compartment.
‘If you can’t get hold of a suit bag, another option is to use tissue paper along the fold lines when packing to minimise creases. Just be sure to unpack and hang up your garments as soon as you arrive to help any wrinkles to drop out.’
Dresses
Sue’s advice for packing dresses is similar.
She says: ‘One option is to put your dress alongside your hand luggage by using a suit bag to carry it.
‘And another option is to roll the dress within your luggage – it may crease depending on the fabric but doing this will take up less space.’
Shoes
Shoes are notoriously bulky, but some smart movements will allow for more room.
‘Always pack shoes towards the bottom of the case near the wheels so that other possessions aren’t damaged when the case is standing up,’ she advises.
‘Also try to pack bulkier clothes between them to keep them in place and prevent any damage.’
Steam, steam and steam
Because of the nature of cabin-only packing, chances are you will have to roll and push, and your items will wrinkle and crinkle.
One of Sue’s most favoured options is to bring a mini steamer with you. It’s compact, and is better equipped than an iron to deal with delicate items.
‘I couldn’t live without one for a destination wedding,’ she says. ‘And there are a lot of smaller options on the market that will fit easily into hand luggage.
‘Alternatively, if you really need to save on space, hang your clothes in the bathroom while you shower and the steam will help any creases drop out.’
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