Destination Wedding Packing List: 10+ Items You Don’t Want To Forget

The countdown is on for your destination wedding and it’s time to start gathering a list of all the items you’ll need to bring with you. Packing for general travel can be stressful enough, but packing for your destination wedding comes with a whole other level of detail you’ll want to consider. Of course there are obvious things you’ll definitely want to pack, but in this post we’re going to focus on the items that are often forgotten or not even considered until it’s too late! 

First thing’s first — PACK EARLY!

Don’t wait until a few days or even a week before your wedding to start loading up your suitcase. You should start gathering your must-have items as far in advance as you can, that way you’re not left scrambling at the last minute trying to find something you know you want to bring. There’s already enough to do right before your big event, so don’t add any unnecessary or avoidable stress! Once you arrive at the resort or hotel you can’t turn around and go back home to grab anything that may have slipped your mind, so be proactive and think ahead. 

My next tip is to think about the types of detailed shots you want your wedding photographer or videographer to capture.

Items like personalized hangers, a perfume bottle, vow books, and ring boxes make for some of the most beautiful and memorable photos. The tricky thing is, these kinds of items are often smaller in size and can easily be forgotten among all the major items such as bathing suits if you’re headed to a tropical location, your passport, and of course the wedding attire itself!

Don’t let the more intimate details fall through the cracks. 

Save the dates and wedding invitations are lightweight and super easy to squeeze into any suitcase, even if it’s already full to the brim. Wondering why I recommend bringing these along for the ride? Similar to the vow books and ring boxes we just talked about, these stationery items can result in stunning images. Picture it… Your passport wedding invitation is placed on the beach where you’re saying “I Do” with waves crashing in the background, along with tropical flowers from your destination. WOW! What a perfect shot that you’ll have to remember the detail that went into every aspect of your wedding, your wedding colors (which are often included on the invite itself), and a taste of your destination location.

Photos credit: Lauren Dixon Photo

Remember that you want to feel your absolute best on your wedding day, so be sure to prioritize yourself when packing!

If you’re getting your nails done professionally before travelling, purchase a bottle of the nail color used so you have it on-hand for any last minute touch ups. Many brides love having a signature wedding day scent, but perfume is another item that’s often forgotten. Jewelry elevates every wedding look, especially if you have any sentimental pieces that you want to wear down the aisle. Packing all of these little but equally as important items will make your wedding day go that much smoother and be even more memorable.

You’re the star of the show, but it’s also important to also keep your guests in mind while preparing your suitcase for travel! Do you have thank you cards you want to hand out before everyone heads back to reality at the end of the wedding festivities? What about wedding favors or welcome packages with useful items for their stay? Although they get a vacation to a beautiful destination out of it, your loved ones are still going out of their way to travel and celebrate YOU! Make them feel appreciated and valued by bringing little ‘thank yous’ to show how much you care. 

Is there someone you wish could attend your destination nuptials, but they can’t for one reason or another? Whether you pack a photo, a family heirloom, or memento belonging to that person, these items are critical to your packing process. You’d hate to arrive at your destination and realize you forgot photos of your grandparents who passed, or the necklace that your mom wore on her wedding day, so get these items ready and secured for travel well in advance. 

Below is a list of the top items I recommend packing for your destination wedding travels.

This list doesn’t cover everything but it includes the most common things that I’ve seen brides regret not bringing with them throughout my years working in the wedding industry. Happy packing!

• Wedding Invitation
• Save the Date Card
• Any Stationery Embellishments
• Day-Of Stationery (Menus & Programs, for Example)
• Welcome Bag or Any Items for Your Guests
• Vow Books
• Personalized Hanger
• Perfume Bottle
• Nail Polish
• Shoes
• Attire & Accessories for the Couple & Bridal Party
• Rings
• Ring Box
• Any Sentimental Items (Like Something Blue!)
• Memorial Pieces or Photos of Loved Ones
• Jewelrey