WEDDING BLOG

How to Travel With Your Wedding Dress

April 8, 2024 | kailey

Are you dreaming of a romantic wedding in a faraway destination? Perhaps you envision an adventurous winter wedding amidst the Scottish Highlands or a summer cliffside soirée in Italy. Regardless of the location, those planning a destination wedding will inevitably encounter some obstacles along the way—beyond hiring vendors or finding a venue from afar.

Planning a wedding from hundreds or thousands of miles away comes with its own set of challenges. And one that’s often overlooked is sorting out travel logistics, especially regarding your wedding dress. Shoving your precious gown into a suitcase and hoping for the best isn’t the best strategy. So, if your destination wedding dreams are becoming a reality, here’s how to travel with your wedding dress to ensure that it makes it safely (and in time) for your big day.

Options For Traveling With Your Wedding Dress

1. Carry-on

Unfortunately, misplaced luggage happens more frequently than one would hope. After spending a lot of time, energy, and money planning your big day, the last thing you want is to be left standing at baggage claim with no suitcase in sight. The only way to avoid this situation altogether is to opt for the carry-on option.

Before booking your flight, make sure it’s the approved size and that there will be extra room for oversized carry-on pieces, should you need it. Some airlines reserve space in the first-class cabin area to store larger items like wedding dresses or suits. However, rather than assuming this is the case, we highly recommend calling the airline ahead of time to confirm.

2. Purchase An Extra Ticket

When it comes to international travel, spending thousands on an extra ticket may not be the most practical solution. However, consider purchasing an additional ticket for your wedding dress for shorter distances where flights are more affordable. If there is room in your budget, this is a great option for those who want to keep their wedding gowns close and spread out, lessening the chances of wrinkles.

3. Check Your Wedding Dress

We know that lugging around a bulky carry-on item can add unnecessary stress to your travel journey. You’ve already got a lot going on, so we understand carrying your dress on may not be appealing to everyone. For those who prefer not to hassle with transporting their dress by hand, checking your gown is always an option. However, it’s important to note that this is arguably the riskiest way to get it to your destination. In fact, you’ll find that most bridal boutiques do not recommend this. If this is the route you take, be sure to arrive at your destination early in case of baggage troubles, and consider adding an Airtag to the luggage so you can keep track of it.

4. Ship Your Wedding Dress

If the thought of traveling with your wedding dress seems daunting, consider shipping it to your destination. Using a reliable shipping service to handle your gown long before your wedding day can relieve any travel concerns. Plus, many shipping companies offer tracking and insurance, so you can be assured your valuable items will be well taken care of if something goes wrong.

Image by The Drakes. See more of this real wedding here.

Tips on How to Travel With Your Wedding Dress

When it comes to traveling with your wedding dress, there are more options than you might have thought. Regardless of which one you choose, there are still many preventative steps you can take to ensure your gown is fully protected. Here are a few Junebug-approved tips that will help ease any concerns you may have.

1. Call Your Airline Ahead

If you’re flying to your destination, call your airline ahead of time to discuss your options. They can clarify any confusion and provide all the logistical and pricing information needed. Plus, they may be able to make special arrangements to accommodate your dress.

2. Steam or Press Before Packing

Before packing your dress, make sure it’s clean and wrinkle-free. Consider getting it professionally cleaned, steamed, and pressed to remove any wrinkles or creases. This is an important step for those having a destination wedding because it saves you the hassle of finding these services when you arrive. If you’re worried about wrinkles during traveling, pack a handheld steamer and do a little DIY touch-up on your wedding day.

3. Invest in a Quality Garment Bag

If you’re traveling with your wedding dress in hand, invest in a high-quality garment bag designed for wedding dresses. Finding one that is sturdy, made of good material, and has enough space to accommodate the dress without cramming it is key to protecting your gown. Not sure where to start? Consider Wally Bags, which you can have shipped to your doorstep quickly with Amazon.

4. Watch Tutorials on Folding

Every wedding dress is unique, so the folding strategy will vary depending on the style and material. For those shipping their wedding dresses or packing their gown in a suitcase, we suggest searching for tutorials on the best folding technique tailored to your dress.

The key is to have tissue paper and cardboard on hand to place between folds to keep your dress safe and sturdy, especially if it has delicate beading.

Image by Hakuna Matata. See more of this real wedding here.

5. Pack in a Waterproof Box

Using a waterproof box is essential for those shipping their dress or packing it in a suitcase. Remember, in these situations, you won’t have complete control over how your dress is handled. That’s why it’s crucial to set yourself up for success, and a waterproof box provides an extra layer of protection.

6. Arrive Early

If you’re planning to pack your wedding dress in a suitcase, aim to arrive at your destination early. As we’ve said, lost luggage is not uncommon. Arriving early gives you the extra time needed to address any potential mishaps or, in the worst-case scenario, arrange for a new last-minute wedding outfit.

7. Pack an Emergency Kit

You have to be prepared for anything and everything on your wedding day. That’s why we recommend putting together a fashion emergency kit to save the day if anything needs last-minute touch-ups. Having a sewing kit, instant stain remover, and a handheld steamer can be a lifesaver when you least expect it.

For those planning a destination wedding, ensuring your wedding dress arrives safely is stressful. But you still want to be prepared for any unexpected emergency that may pop up when you arrive. That’s why having a wedding day emergency kit is so important. Not sure what to include our guide breaks down the must-have items that’ll solve almost every problem under the sun.

Image by MemoryBox Photography. See more of this real wedding here.

Colorful Jackson Hole Vow Renewal Overlooking The Tetons

April 7, 2024 | justine

light pink purple

Cheyenne and Titus felt it was time to reinforce their love and fortify their marriage. So, they opted for a special vow renewal ceremony, selecting the spot where they got engaged near the Grand Teton National Park—a place brimming with meaning. Returning there felt like the perfect way to reaffirm their commitment. In a vibrant Jackson Hole vow renewal, they basked in the beauty of their surroundings, surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery. It was an intimate moment where they shared their love exclusively with each other, reminding themselves of the profound bond.

The stunning setting of the Tetons provided the ideal canvas for them to declare their love anew. With the breathtaking view serving as a picturesque backdrop for their vows, they expressed their deep love for each other in a heartfelt ceremony. Following this touching moment, they indulged in a sweet cake cutting against a beautiful tablescape designed for just the two of them. Wrapping up the celebration, they captured this significant milestone with portraits, ensuring that the love and joy of the day would be immortalized forever.

If you and your partner dream of an intimate celebration embraced by stunning natural scenery, this is the perfect inspiration for you! Every exquisite detail–flawlessly captured by Junebug vendor Foxtails Photography–will inspire you to add these images to your wedding mood board.

The Couple:

Cheyenne and Titus

The Wedding:

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, United States

The Special Reason Why They Chose a Jackson Hole Vow Renewal

We got engaged in Jackson, right outside of Grand Teton National Park. It only felt right to return there for the opportunity to renew our vows. It is one of the most unique places on earth with its unparalleled natural beauty. This vow renewal was spontaneous, fun, and modern. There was nothing classic or traditional about it; in this case, that’s exactly what we wanted! It had a very intimate feel, and all the vendors we worked with were instrumental in bringing this artistic vision to life. We loved our wedding, which had a timeless feel, so it was fun and memorable to take an entirely different direction with this.

How The Bride’s Millia London Gown Set the Tone for Their Vow Renewal

My dress was by Millia London, and everything centered around that! It was the inspiration behind the vision, and I loved it because it was very fun and non-traditional, which was perfect for an intimate vow renewal. It gave movement and texture for memorable photos, and the pop of color was stunning with the Wyoming landscape in the spring. We kept the rest of the look classic and elegant—natural glam and sleek, simple hair that balanced everything out beautifully. The dress was the moment. I’m still inspired by it. I loved that while it was out of the box, it still made me feel like a glamorous bride and matched the fun, carefree tone of the day. Our vow renewal was a celebration, just like the dress.

Elevating Their Celebration with Pops of Purple

We planned this based on the spring lilacs and pops of purple. Purple can be a challenging color, and we wanted to showcase how you can make it a bit more luxurious. Along with the shades of purple, we added some blues and greens to tie into the mountains and accent the ombre of the Millia London gown. The gown also inspired the cake, and Madeline created a stunning textured cake in the lilac shade with a fun party cake flavor and color pops.

Heartfelt Vows Amidst Jaw-Dropping Views

Our favorite part was definitely our intimate vow renewal overlooking the Tetons. The sky had cleared, the snow stopped, and everything felt peaceful, surreal, and magical. The location was jaw-dropping, and everything culminated in that short, perfect moment. It was such a celebration. Doing an intimate vow renewal didn’t subtract from that; it added to it because we could focus only on ourselves and the fun and spontaneity of the moment. We loved celebrating with our friends and family with a traditional wedding, but this was the perfect way to refresh our commitment for a vow renewal. It was out of the box and an absolute dream.

Tips for a Stress-Free Celebration: Focus on Your Top Three Priorities

Our greatest piece of advice is and will always be: choose a few (three or fewer) things that are very important to you. These are your highest priorities, which must happen exactly as planned, or you will feel upset about them. If anything else happens on the day/weekend of your event and it’s not on your list, let it go! It’s not worth getting upset about. I’m a very type-A personality, and this helped me be in a relaxed state the day of. I wasn’t worrying about the tiny details or things I couldn’t control. For example, the day of our vow renewal was so cold and snowy. Of course, it would have been more convenient if the sun had shined all day and it had been warm, but the cold actually served to make it memorable in the end, and now I wouldn’t change that factor because I was able to accept it and move on with the fun while it was happening.

Prioritizing Memories: Investing in Photography and Videography for Their Jackson Hole Vow Renewal

When crafting our wedding budget, we knew prioritizing our photographer and videographer was essential. After all, once the festivities end, all that remains are the cherished memories captured in photos and videos. We firmly believe that investing in top-notch photography is one of our most significant decisions. Thanks to this prioritization, we have no regrets. Additionally, we found that hiring a planner or day-of coordinator was invaluable. Attention to detail is crucial even for intimate events like elopements or vow renewals. With someone else handling logistics, we could fully immerse ourselves in the joy of the moment, focusing solely on each other.

The Wedding Team:

Photography + Videography + Event Planning + Floral Design + Rentals – Foxtails Photography
Venue – Grand Teton National Park
Cake – Sprinkle & Crumb
Makeup Artist + Hair Styling – Teton Valley Beauty Co.
Wedding Dress – Millia London

Congratulations to Cheyenne and Titus for their vibrant Jackson Hole vow renewal! A heartfelt thank you goes out to Junebug vendor Foxtails Photography for immortalizing this unforgettable moment. For more intimate celebrations like theirs, don’t forget to explore their profile in our directory of talented photographers from around the globe.

A vow renewal like this is a fantastic way to break free from traditional wedding norms and create a celebration that truly reflects you as a couple. And with such breathtaking scenery as your backdrop, the memories and photos are guaranteed to be extraordinary. Are you looking to infuse the outdoors into your big day? Explore our list of the most beautiful national parks to find the perfect location for your special celebration!

Embrace the Sunshine With These 21 Summer Wedding Ideas

April 6, 2024 | riley

Image by Jaime Denise

With constant sunshine and warmer temperatures, there’s a reason that summer is one of the most popular seasons for weddings. If you’re tying the knot between May and August, you’re in luck because there’s no shortage of summer wedding ideas and inspiration. To help you plan your special summer day, we’re rounding up 19 of our favorite summer wedding ideas that will keep you and your guests feeling cool. From the best types of weddings to summery color palettes to favors that will help your friends and family beat the heat–we’ve got it all.

Types Of Summer Weddings

Beach

Beach weddings are by far one of the most popular types of summer weddings. There’s just something special about tying the knot while the waves crash behind you and the ocean breeze flows through your hair. It’s an ideal setting for anyone looking for a more laid-back, bohemian vibe for their day.

Garden

If you’re a fan of fairytales and all things whimsical, consider saying “I do” in a garden or greenhouse. The greenery and natural florals serve as beautiful backdrops, making for some incredible photos. It also helps you save money on decor.

Image by Efege

Destination

If you and your significant other have a travel destination that is special to you, invite your guests there for a destination wedding. It could be somewhere tropical where you can lay in the sun for hours on end or somewhere in the mountains to cool down from the summer heat–the options are endless. If you have the time to spare, turn it into a weekend-long celebration so you can soak up time in your favorite place.

Recommended Reading: How to Plan a Wedding Weekend Itinerary

Vineyard

Whether you’re a wine aficionado or you’re looking for a more rustic aesthetic for your special day, a vineyard makes the perfect wedding venue. With rolling hills, plenty of sunshine, and some delicious food and drinks, there are quite a few benefits to tying the knot in a vineyard. And the best part? You can get a special bottle of wine on your wedding day to save for special occasions like anniversaries or birthdays.

Barns and Farms

To take the rustic aesthetic to the next level, opt for a barn or farm wedding. These venues are typically blank slates that allow for a lot of personalization with decor and florals while still offering a country feel that you can’t find anywhere else.

Image by Payton Urueta Photography

Backyard

There’s something incredibly romantic about getting married in the backyard of a home that’s special to you or your partner. Backyard weddings are intimate, nostalgic, and budget-friendly. Because they’re not typically used as wedding venues, you have free rein to tailor the decorations to precisely what you’re looking for, no matter what’s on your mood board. If you don’t have a backyard big enough for a wedding but love the idea of a backyard wedding, take a look at Airbnbs!

19 Fun Summer Wedding Ideas

Now that you’ve got an idea of the types of summer weddings available for your big day, here’s a list of our favorite summer wedding ideas for you to use.

1. Destination-themed invites

If you’re jet-setting for your special day, tie in the destination theme with your invitations. You can find personalized invites for your destination all over Etsy–from Greece and Paris to Hawaii and Las Vegas.

2. Minimal wedding decor

One of the best reasons to get married in the summer is that many outdoor venues have built-in decor already. At the beach, you have the sunset and the waves. At a vineyard, there are fields of grapes. Use this to your advantage and let the scenery do the talking.

Image by NJ Duncan Photography

3. Bright florals

If you do choose to add florals to your summer wedding, consider a bright color palette. Think bright reds, pinks, oranges, and yellows. These bold colors will make your special day feel more tropical, even if you aren’t heading off to a remote island.

4. Short reception dresses

We’re huge fans of reception dresses, and the summer heat is the perfect excuse to change into a shorter hemline for your party. Not only will your guests be shocked by the outfit change, but you’ll also stay cool on and off the dance floor.

Image by Michelle Gonzalez

5. Choose lodging with a pool

Having a destination wedding typically involves booking a room block at a hotel or opting for an Airbnb for your guests. Turn it into a multi-day affair that everyone can enjoy by choosing lodging that has a pool. This way, you can spend your days off lounging around and catching some rays with your loved ones.

6. S’mores bar

One of the best parts of summer is spending the nights outside cooking s’mores over the fire. So bring that fun to your wedding with a s’mores bar. If the wedding is outside and a bonfire is permitted, do it the old-fashioned way. If you’re indoors or unable to have fires, you can set up mini tabletop fire pits using food-safe candles.

7. Welcome beach bags

While guests will most likely bring everything they need for a weekend at the beach, surprise them with welcome beach bags full of goodies you would need for a day under the sun. Fill it with things like a water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, bug repellent, and sunglasses. It’s a fun, easy touch that they will appreciate.

8. Festive favors

If you have too many guests for welcome bags but still want to incorporate the summer season in your favors, consider festive favors. Give gifts like personalized hats or water bottles, flip-flops for the sand, fans, or sunglasses.

Image by Jordan Voth

9. Lawn games

Dancing is arguably one of the best parts of a wedding, but there are other ways to keep your friends and family entertained if they don’t feel like getting down on the dance floor–like lawn games. Break out the corn hole and oversized Jenga, and they’ll be playing all night long.

10. Coconut water bar

What says summer more than drinking coconut water out of a real coconut? Setting up a coconut water bar is a refreshing way to cool down, and it doubles as an adorable piece of wedding decor.

Image by Heather Jackson

11. Fresh fruit

Fruit makes for adorable table centerpieces when paired with bold florals and candles, especially citrus fruits like oranges, peaches, lemons, and grapefruits. Citrus fruits give you a bright, colorful palette that ties in beautifully with the season.

12. Seafood bar

If you’re opting for a waterfront ceremony, consider a nautical-themed food bar. You can serve oysters, calamari, mini shrimp cocktail, or sushi–the world is your oyster.

Image by Sophia Veres Photography

13. Popsicle cocktails

There’s something about summer that reminds us of our childhoods, so bring that essence of nostalgia into your wedding day. Turn popsicles into an adult-only treat by serving cocktails that include mini popsicles in them. Not only do they taste delicious, but they also make for really cute photos.

14. Mini margaritas

One of the hottest cocktails in the warmest months is margaritas. While you could serve them as your signature cocktail, you can also take it up a notch by passing out mini margaritas in small Patron bottles during cocktail hour.

Image by Iron and Honey Photography

15. Drink canoe

Want to showcase your beers and other canned beverages in a unique way? If you’re having an outdoor wedding–specifically one near a lake or one with a summer camp theme–consider a drink canoe. Simply fill up a boat with ice and place your canned drinks throughout for guests to quickly grab throughout the evening.

16. Pool decor

Saying “I do” next to a pool is a surefire way to embrace the summer. If you do decide to go down this route, don’t leave the pool bare. Throw in monogrammed floats, floating lanterns, or retro floats shaped like flamingos and palm trees.

Image by The Hendrys

17. Palm leaf florals

Palm leaves are one of the few florals that will never go out of style–especially in the warmer months. Use them in bouquets, backdrops, centerpieces, seating charts, and more. If you’re aiming for a more boho aesthetic but you still want to tie them in, opt for dried palms.

18. Colored suits

There really is no wrong time to wear colored suits, but boy do we love them in summer. Lighter colors will pop, and they’ll also keep you cooler under the sun. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors like teal, baby blue, yellow, orange, and even beige.

19. Family style BBQ

One of the highlights of summertime is barbecuing outside with friends and family, so why should your wedding be any different? If you’re throwing a laidback backyard wedding, fire up the grill and treat your guests to your favorite BBQ foods.

20. Alfresco dining

For a dinner party feel, host your reception dinner under the stars in the warm air. It’s an easy and romantic way to take advantage of the beautiful weather. Bonus points for the whimsical feeling that comes from eating outside with your loved ones.

Image by Apollo Fotografie

21. Ice cream

No wedding is complete without a sweet treat. Even if you opt for a traditional wedding cake, treat your guests to a late-night snack of ice cream to help cool them off. There’s nothing we love more than when couples hire one of their favorite ice cream trucks for the end of the night.

Now that you’ve got all of your summer wedding ideas fresh in mind, it’s time to dive in even more. Check out our guides to a backyard wedding, destination wedding, or an Airbnb wedding to keep your planning train on track.

Image by Helopixel Photo

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