Allow us to clean, press and package your gown for your destination wedding. We will package it to reduce the wrinkling and creasing likely when traveling. If you do need pressing when you arrive at your destination, we will work with you to find a quality cleaner to make that gown look perfect. We can also pack your gown in a carry-on size box so it never leaves your sight when flying.
If you’re traveling far or near, here are some tricks to help you and your gown arrive at your destination wedding safely!
Traveling by Car
Since most bridal shops protect your gown with a garment bag and stuff it with a bust form plus lots of tissue to keep the gown from being crushed while it is in the bag, the most your gown should need for transporting to a destimation wedding is a little touching up for any wrinkles arriving with your gown. See more on this below.
If you don’t have a bag, stuff the bodice with as much tissue as possible and buffer the folds of the gown's skirt with still more tissue. This doesn't have to be acid-free tissue used for preserving your gown because it will not be exposed to the tissue for very long. Take one large sheet (fitted sheet works best) to cover the front of the gown and another one to cover the back and then pin the sheets together.
Hang the gown so the bodice faces the car door, and the bust form and tissue will protect the bodice from wrinkling. Lay the rest of the gown across the back seat and your bridal gown will be set for your destination wedding.
Traveling by Ship
Pretty much the same advice applies to water travel because you can carry your gown with you when you go on board for your special destination wedding. And most cruise lines offer pressing services if needed!
Traveling by Plane
There was a time when you could carry the gown with you and hang it in a storage cabin. Today airlines insist you check your gown with your other luggage so unless your gown is very informal, you will need a large box or an extra suitcase to protect it. We offer a Destination Wedding Kit which includes a carrying case that fits into the overhead space above your seat. It comes complete with tissue, packing instructions, with a handle for easy carry-on and carry-off.
Packing at the Bridal Salon
You could ask your bridal salon to pack the gown for you, but the salon may not have a box that is large enough to carry your wedding gown safely for a destination wedding. Gowns are often shipped to the salon in very small boxes, and pressing out the creases is one of the amenities offered by full-service shops. Make sure whatever box you use has a handle to make carrying the gown easier.
Packing by a Professional
You can also ask Champion Wedding Gown Specialist™ to prepare your gown for transporting to your destination wedding site. We will be glad to help you pack for a trip at no charge, other than for the cost of the Destination Wedding Kit. We are experienced in packing gowns and have boxes with shipping cartons with handles on hand.
Packing at Home
You can pack the gown yourself in our Destination Wedding Kit or simply use a large box about one-third of the length of the front of your gown. Line the box with tissue and lay the gown over it--face down. Make sure you have the gown centered in the box and that the part that is face down is spread flat so there are no creases or folds.
Beginning at the side seams, fold the skirt lengthwise over bunched tissue until the skirt is no wider than the box. Then add more tissue and fold the bottom of skirt into the box. It is important to use plenty of tissue in the area of each fold to reduce the creases.
Add still more tissue and fold the top of the gown over into the box. The top of the gown will now be facing up. Think of yourself doing the impossible: lying on your stomach with your legs folded over backwards while your head and shoulders are lying on top of your legs--facing up!
Now use still more tissue to stuff the bodice and cushion anything else such as bows or sleeves that should be protected. When you are finished, the dress should not move or “dance,” even if you shake the box. Save the dancing for the wedding day!
Dealing With Pesky Wrinkles
There are three ways you can reduce the wrinkling in your gown after arrival at your destination wedding:
- Hang your gown in the bath room, turn on the hot water for about 10 minutes to create a moist, steamy air and let the steam reduce the wrinkles. Once the mirror is fogged up you should be ready to go. Don't turn on the exhaust fan in the bath room since it will remove the steam that you need. Caution: Don’t hang your gown from the shower curtain rod because the weight of the gown on the rod could cause the rod to fall and your gown could end up worse off. Be especially careful with water-sensitive fabrics like silk.
- Invest in a portable steamer and spend a few minutes working out the wrinkles. Again, be especially careful with water-sensitive fabrics including silk when working with a steamer.
- Of course, the easiest solution to the wrinkle problem is to have Certified Wedding Gown Specialist professionally press your gown once you arrive at your destination. We can help you find the right wedding gown specialist for this job.