Getting hitched outside your locale begets extra challenges, and one of which is making sure your wedding dress gets to your destination of choice in one piece--and on time. While the solution to this potential dilemma is to hire a designer who is a local in your destination venue, the problem of logistics regarding measurements, number of fittings and the fact that you need to travel just for these adds another angle to your predicaments.
To resolve this difficulty, most brides just hire a designer near their own locales and transport the gowns to their destination venues. This is easier said than done though. Here are a few things to keep in mind to help you ensure a safe transport of your wedding gown.
If you're hand-carrying your gown
If you're using public transportation to your destination, remember that it is safer to handcarry your wedding gown rather than putting it in your checked-in luggage. Luggage get a beating and might get lost during transfer--you wouldn't want to end with a damaged dress or worse, having no dress at all to wear on your special day. Invest in a high-quality waterproof garment bag to help you carry your gown.
If you'll be riding a plane, and ask your flight attendant if you can hang your garment bag in the first class cabin closet of your plane. You may also fold your dress in a suitcase and put it in your overhead bin. Carefully put tissue papers in between folds to prevent wrinkling. Also keep in mind that your gown will go through the X-ray machine, or the airline attendants will have to make you open the box or garment bag to check what's inside, so make sure to pack it properly.
In case you'll be driving to your destination, allot ample space in the car for the dress. You can hang or lay down your dress in the backseat so you can check on it from time to time.
If you're checking in your gown
If you're riding a plane and the airline management doesn't allow garment bags for handcarry, you can fold your gown in a large suitcase--again, make sure to put tissue in between layers. Properly label your luggage with the address of your destination. It is best to ring your local airline ahead of time to organize accommodation of your gown on board. Freight carrier management may also have a protocol of regarding handcarried garments (i.e. paying extra for handcarry or purchasing an extra seat)--ask about those ahead of time.
In foresight, opt for a crease-resistant fabric like chiffon or charmeuse when choosing your gown fabric. These fabrics are floating light, make for easy packing, and are durable enough to withstand travel. Try to avoid silk satin or other textured silks like Dupioni, raw shantung or Thai silk, as these crease too easily. Subject the fabric to a test: crumple the fabric of choice by balling it up in your palm and making a fist. Likewise, stay away from a dress style that has lots of layers as these will make the gown bulky for transport. Opt for simple cuts and lighter materials instead.
Remember to pack a steam iron just in case the garment gets creased during transport, and ask your designer about the proper settings for the gown.
If you're shipping your gown
Another option is to get the services of a reputable carrier for an expedited shipment of your dress to your destination. You need to put your prized frock in a high-quality bag to prevent moisture leaks, and pack it with a bubble wrap to prevent damage during transfer. You can also ask your gown designer if s/he offers shipping services for an extra fee. Your designer can expertly pack your dress for you. Do remember though that shipping your gown can also be tricky, especially if you're unsure about the shipping system in your destination.
Allow ample time for shipping to ensure that your gown reaches your destination venue with extra time to spare just in case it needs steaming to remove creases. You might want to pay extra for speedier shipping. Tell the staff at your hotel that you're expecting a package so that they can receive it on your behalf if it arrives ahead of you.
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