reading time: 5 minutes ( 10 with all the quotes)

Summary

What to avoid
Best practices
Potential risks
Essential documents
What to do after the wedding

What to Avoid: No Checked Luggage for Your Dress!

Golden rule: Never check in your wedding dress. Given the frequency of lost luggage, all your most important wedding outfits—your welcome dinner dress, getting-ready outfit, wedding dress, party dress, tux, and even shoes—should be in a carry-on bag. This ensures everything stays with you and arrives safely at your destination.

Best Practices for Traveling with Your Wedding Dress

The Luxury Solution: Let the Boutique Handle It

For a stress-free experience, check if your bridal boutique can ship your dress to a partner boutique in Italy. Many high-end boutiques offer this service, providing storage, steaming, and expert care upon arrival.

The Seamstress Tip: Use a Wedding Dress Box or Suitcase

If you decide to carry your dress yourself, invest in a wedding dress box and ask your boutique to professionally pack it for you. Alternatively, a properly sized suitcase may work even better—acting as a dedicated, protective case for your dress.

The Garment Bag Option

If your dress needs to be hung, travel with a high-quality garment bag, preferably water-resistant and without visible bridal branding. Some brides even book an extra seat to keep their dress close.

Airline Policies: What to Expect

While many airlines accommodate wedding dresses by storing them in a special wardrobe, this is not always guaranteed. If space is unavailable, you may have to place the garment bag in the overhead bin. To prepare for this, choose a tri-fold garment bag that fits in cabin storage.

Pro Tip: Emirates and other premium airlines have a strong reputation for assisting brides. If possible, upgrading to business or first class increases the likelihood of dedicated space for your dress.

quote from a bride about Emirates experience

quote from a bride about ITA Airways experience

Potential Risks: Customs and Taxes

While rare, customs inspections can happen—especially when traveling from the US or Australia to the EU. Customs agents might view your wedding dress as a luxury item rather than personal attire, and could suspect it’s being brought in for resale. In such cases, brides have been required to pay import taxes and duties.

How to Avoid Customs Issues

Be prepared to prove that you are traveling for your wedding by carrying:

The invoice/receipt from your bridal boutique
Contracts with your wedding vendors that include the date and deposit receipts

After the Wedding: Bringing Your Dress Back Home

If your honeymoon begins in the EU, consider asking a guest to take your wedding attire back home for you. Offer to cover any extra baggage fees if necessary. Alternatively, shipping your dress is an option, but it can be costly.

By following these expert-backed tips and insights, you’ll ensure that your wedding dress arrives in perfect condition—just like your dream wedding in Italy. Safe travels and best wishes for your unforgettable celebration!

Traveling to Italy with Your Wedding Dress: The Ultimate Guide for a Luxury Destination Wedding

Summary

What to Avoid: No Checked Luggage for Your Dress!