Destination Wedding Dress

By Amy Hoover

If you're planning a destination wedding, you'll need to purchase a wedding dress that not only looks good, but is suited to your destination. Additionally, you'll need to make sure that your dress arrives to the location intact.

Different Dresses for Different Destinations

The first thing to consider when you are shopping for a destination wedding gown is your actual destination. You may choose a different dress for getting married abroad than the dress you might have envisioned for a traditional wedding. Each place will have a different ambiance, as well as cultural norms, associated with it.

Destination Style Tips

Keep these tips in mind for finding the right dress style for your destination:

Wear a dress that reflects your destination.

Mountains: Brides who are heading to the mountains should consider heavy ball gowns with layers of petticoats. Long sleeves, or at least a long sleeved bolero jacket, are also good options for a chilly mountaintop wedding.
Beaches: Look for a dress without a train. It should be lightweight, like chiffon, with spaghetti straps or a strapless top to keep you cool. Short and tea length dresses are perfect for the beach.
Castle: A corset wedding dress with a sweetheart neckline and long train give an air of royalty to a wedding in a castle. Look for a dress that is elegant and over-the-top.
Boat or cruise ship: If you're getting married on a boat, a mermaid style wedding gown is the natural choice.
Historical site: Search for a vintage wedding gown from the era of the site, or for a gown with similar styles. Simple lace and hemline ruffles are perfect for an American Western wedding, while a wedding at a historical garden in Europe may necessitate a Victorian wedding dress.

Typically, destination dresses tend to be more informal wedding dresses than those worn at a local wedding. This is because traveling with an informal dress is easier. However, you still want to keep in mind your final destination before purchasing a dress. Some places may have restrictions on what you can wear. If you plan to wed in a famous church overseas, you may want to check on their rules regarding necklines, hem length and sleeves.

Places to Purchase Destination Gowns

Once you have figured out the general style of wedding gown you need to look for in your search for the perfect destination dress, you need to find a place to purchase the dress. While most bridal boutiques do have a large variety of styles, it may be helpful to seek out a designer that has a collection devoted to destination weddings.

Destinations by Mon Cheri offers brides a selection of styles perfect for the beach or for European weddings abroad.
Inweddingdress.com has affordable beach wedding dresses.
Winnie Couture Reception & Destination gowns are perfect for brides who want that desginer dress.
For a larger selection, check out an online retailer like Jay's Bridal & Special Occasion, that offers a number of different designer destination collections in one place.

Most designers and retailers focus on warm weather locales when it comes to their destination wedding gown selections. If you plan to wed in the fall or winter on a mountain top or in foreign country north of the U.S., it may be necessary to seek out wedding shops and inform the clerk that you need a dress designed for cold weather. Check out fall and winter collections from your favorite designers and see if the seasmstress can seperate the petticoats from the dress to make it easier to ship.

Traveling with a Wedding Gown

Protect your gown.

Traveling with a wedding gown can be problematic. One way brides take care of this problem is to have their gowns shipped to their destination wedding location. This way, they do not have to worry about losing it on a plane or train. Make sure you get insurance and delivery confirmation from whatever service you use to ship the gown to ensure its safe arrival.

If you are close enough to your destintation that you can travel by car, make sure you have a good garment bag. Lay down the backseat of your vehicle so you can spread the dress out. This helps eliminate wrinkles.

Whatever your destination, make sure you have access to a gentle steam iron. This way, you can smooth out any wrinkles in the fabric from the shipping or traveling process by which it arrived. Make sure you hang the dress up as soon as you arrive at your hotel or location.

Renting a Destination Gown

Renting a wedding gown is an option if you're heading to a popular destination. It can be much cheaper to rent a dress than to purchase a new one and ship it to your destination. You also won't have to worry about getting the dress wrinkled before the wedding. On the other hand, wedding dress rentals may not fit perfectly and the selection might be limited to what is in the shop when you arrive. Consider calling in your measurements early to have an idea of what gowns are available in your size. A destination wedding planner can help you locate a rental in your wedding location.

Dream Destination Dresses

With a little extra effort, it is possible to find the perfect destination wedding dress. Look for one that fits the weather and mood of your location. Be sure to pack it carefully before travel and take it out once you arrive on site to smooth any wrinkles. The dress is the final touch on your dream desintation wedding.