While this may seem simple enough there is nothing worse than arriving for your wedding and finding that your jewels are broken, misshapen, missing stones or otherwise. Jewellery packing is often overlooked as unimportant until an occurrence happens.  The fact is that you have to be very meticulous with your jewellery and just as much if it is costume (as settings and general construction will not be as secure as genuine pieces); so that you can be the image you want for the day.

• Pack pieces separately to prevent tangling and damage from one piece to another
• Place in a sturdy box which will be resistant to reasonable weight
• Ensure that the piece is snug and fixed firmly in the box to prevent damage from unsecure movement while in transit
• Do not place the item in a position where it is subject to excessive weight as this can distort and deform the contours of the design
• Do place cotton wool around the pieces for padding and protection
• Do envelope the box with blister pack protective covering to absorb knocks and bumps
• It is best to place jewellery in carry-on or hand luggage if possible

Your veil needs to flow and stream, no room for creases or rips.  You can minimise transit accidents by packing with care.

• It is preferable to place your veil in a box which will aid to protect it from pressure which will create wrinkles.  The box does not have to necessarily be very deep, your veil is light, so a fairly flat style box with suitable width will also do
• Place tissue paper between the folds to minimise crumpling
• If you cannot find a suitable box, roll it in a clean white towel and place in a drawstring pouch, placing it in the corner of the suitcase
• Do not leave loose in your suitcase or near shoes etc as this can leave it vulnerable to catching and ripping

Of course even with the most meticulous packing you may still encounter some creasing:

• Do not attempt to iron the veil, an accident at this stage would be a catastrophe
• Hang your veil so that it can drop the crease/s naturally, preferably in the bathroom where the steam of the shower will help
• Use the jet release steam from an iron to steam the hanging veil in a downward motion.  Do not allow the iron itself to touch the veil, only the steam
• If there is a balcony or someplace with natural wind, hang the veil securely to blow in the breeze

 

Generally a long wedding dress is shorter at the front than at the back even if it does not have a train; so your shoes will be on show.  Not only can shoes be damaged if they are not packed correctly, they can also damage other items. 

Certain things need to be secure like the shoe heel which can be scuffed or subsequently catch and rip packed articles.  Shoes need to be padded correctly to retain their shape and protected from objects which could dent or damage the tops.

• It is always best to keep shoes in their box when travelling and place in a corner of a suitcase
• Place tissue or foam shapers in the inner area to retain shape and cushion any impact
• If space is an issue wrap each shoe by itself in cloth or place separately in drawstring shoe sleeves to prevent abrasion
• If you simply must place them together, pack tightly with the soles out, heels at opposite ends and place in a shoe bag

 

GOWN BY CAR

Naturally the less squashed your gown is the smoother it will remain, so start by considering a fairly spacious car with a good back seat to transport this item.  Lay a clean white sheet on the seats first and then lay out the dress, then cover the front or use a dress bag and lay out as extensive as the seat allows, ensuring that it is secure. 

• Cushion the folds of the skirt with tissue and stuff the bodice to prevent wrinkles
• Use the convenience of the car clothes hanging hook if one is available to anchor the gown, laying the rest across the seat
• It is best to not have anyone sitting in the same seat with the dress, give it as much room as possible
• Leave early so that you can take a leisurely drive
• It is best not to open the back windows where the gown is stored, raindrops or unexpected external splashes could spoil the finish

GOWN BY PLANE

When travelling by plane it is often tempting to consider taking the gown as carry-on luggage.  Generally because it means that it is close to you and you are in control but there are challenges with this practice.  It may not be the approved size; the overhead bins may be too small for it etc.  It is best to make sure with the airline first, for maximum sizes and also if they have any considerations for bridal gown storage, as unfortunately some airlines insist that you check in your gown with your other luggage but carrying it in a garment bag might make it easier for them to accommodate you.  Ask if there is a coat closet which you can use.

If you really have to check in your dress:

• Make sure that your travel container is secure so as not to absorb odours and is able to withstand general transit
• Ensure that it is well labelled

If you are packing your gown yourself

• Ensure the suitcase or box is lined with plenty of tissue paper or a clean sheet
• The gown should be placed over the box with the middle of it in the centre of the container and the bodice and rest of skirt facing down outside the box area
• Fold the side seams of the skirt inwards over tissue paper
• Begin to fold backwards into the container, bottom first buffering with more tissue as you fold
• Do the bodice last, stuff with tissue and fold back, so that when you make the final fold the bodice is facing upwards
• Cover with the sheet or tissue paper
• Close the box or case
• Ensure that there is no inner movement
• If movement is detected add more tissue until gown is snug in the container

 

GOWN BY POST

If you are considering posting your gown to your destination, ensure that it is a reputable company like UPS or FEDEX.  These firms are established in the safe arrival of items, are particularly effective with the handling of the unique needs of boxed articles and provide tracking services.  Pack your gown in the same fashion as for preserving it.

• Use an acid free box
• Try to make as few folds as possible, preferably at join points like the waist, sleeve and other seams or the skirt
• Stuff the bodice to retain shape
• Place acid free tissue between the folds
• Ensure there is no movement in the box
• If in doubt ask your bridal store or a specialist to pack it for you