How to choose the perfect wedding dress for your destination wedding: 4 factors to consider

Destination weddings offer a unique blend of adventure, romance, and breathtaking scenery in an exciting setting. From a sandy beach in Portugal to the rolling hills of Tuscany or the backdrop of a majestic mountain range in Colorado, the possibilities are endless when it comes to choosing the perfect destination for your wedding abroad. However, planning a destination wedding comes with its own set of challenges and considerations, which, among other aspects of your wedding, also affect the choice of the wedding dress. Choosing a dress for a destination wedding involves several important considerations to ensure that you look and feel your best on your special day. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Climate 

While you can’t know for sure what the weather will be like on your wedding day, you can consider the general climate of your chosen destination. If you're marrying in a tropical paradise or a sunny beach, opt for lightweight fabrics that are made from natural materials like silk, bamboo, linen and cotton that will keep you cool and comfortable in the heat. For colder destinations, you might want to consider a dress with sleeves. A good thing to keep in mind is that natural materials also keep you warm in cold weather. Avoid polyester in any climate, as it tends to make you sweaty because it doesn’t breathe.

Practicality and versatility

Consider the practicality and versatility of the dress in the context of the location and venue. Destination weddings often involve unique settings and slightly more difficult terrains, such as sandy beaches, cobblestone streets, or rustic villas. Choose a dress that allows you to move freely and comfortably, enjoying the day through different activities. You can both look stunning and feel effortless in a wedding dress that’s practical for navigating different environments.

Location's aesthetic

Take the venue and destination’s vibe into account and let them inspire your dress choice. The setting will influence the style of dress that is most fitting, whether you're getting married in a vineyard or in a historic city. Consider a bohemian wedding gown with delicate lace or a flowy silk skirt for a beach wedding. If you've chosen a romantic European city as your destination, a classic and timeless silhouette like an A-line or sheath dress may be a better choice.

Travel-friendly design

When committing to a dress, keep in mind that you will need to transport it to your destination. Choose a dress that travels well and can be easily steamed upon arrival. Or better yet, like some lace dresses, won’t need steaming at all! Also, consider the weight and volume of the dress to ensure it can be transported without a hassle. A huge ball gown dress with heavily beaded bodice might not be the best choice unless you’re prepared to spend a lot to get the dress shipped to the destination. Shipping your dress or putting it in the cargo can lead to devastating situations and if your dress gets lost or damaged during travel. If you want to avoid this scenario, choose a dress that you can neatly fold in your cabin bag or take in the plane in the garment bag.

Choosing the perfect dress for a destination wedding involves considering several factors that can affect the smoothness of your travel and wedding day. But by keeping these factors in mind and staying true to yourself, you’ll find a dress that makes you look gorgeous and feel stunning on your dream wedding day abroad. For more inspiration for a destination wedding, head over to our real brides blog, where you can read more about Katie’s beautiful destination wedding in Croatia or Lucy’s gorgeous boho wedding in France.

- Miina -

Pssst. The wedding gowns pictured in this blog post are all perfect for travelling to your destination wedding. Headdresses by Debbie Carlisle.