Dress for the Weather
If your wedding locale is tropical, opt for something that flows with the island breezes, like silk, light satin, or even cotton. Warm wedding destinations allow for informal destination wedding gowns including spaghetti straps, capped sleeves, or a romantic and sexy off-the-shoulder looks. If you're the traditional type, it's perfectly acceptable, and very lovely, to wear a sleeveless gown with a floor-length skirt. More daring brides might opt for a Hawaiian or other style batik dress to really get into the spirit of the islands.
If your destination runs cool, wear sleeves and heavy or layered materials. A wedding in the Swiss Alps will be fairytale-perfect when you show up in a ballerina-skirt gown with long, tight-fitting sleeves.
Many brides-to-be opt for simple cuts and less-bulky materials when planning a destination wedding. The reason is a practical one: it's easier to transport flexible fabrics than voluminous yards of tulle and lace. If you're unsure of what you want, ask your local bridal shop if it offers a "destination wedding gown" line, or search the web for options.
Choose Your Color
Destination weddings are usually (though not always) a little less formal than traditional ones. If you're planning on tying the knot on a sandy beach, have fun with your look. Try out the idea of wearing a print, such as tiny, pale roses, on your big day. Or consider a pale pastel material topped with a soft white veil for contrast and romance.
Don't discount tradition. If a full skirt and lots of lace have always been your dream, go for it. With a destination wedding, the sky really is the limit.
Transporting Your Gown
Once you've selected the perfect dress, you'll want to transport it with care. Follow these tips to ensure its safety:
- Travel can wreak havoc on formal wear. Call the hotel ahead of time and ask if they can press your gown on the morning of the wedding. Most hotels offer this service.
- It's always easier to tote less material. If you're worried something will happen to your dress in transit, choose a simple-style gown that you can fold.
- If you're the traditional type, pack the dress and train separately.
- Don't overstuff one suitcase with yards of material.
- Your safest bet when flying is to take your gown with you on the plane rather than checking it as luggage. Most airplanes have a coat closet. See if your airline will allow you to hang your dress there.
Above all, have fun! Try on as many gowns as you like in order to find the one that will make your wedding day truly memorable. Be creative, and you will find a gown fit for the occasion.