DESTINATION WEDDING? DON'T FORGET THESE 10 THINGS

by Rosie Williams June 03, 2019

Wedding season is fast approaching - in fact, I'm in the middle of planning my own in the South of France. Believe me when I say - weddings abroad are lots of fun when you're a guest but planning one is a logistical nightmare - it's not like you can nip to the local shops if you forget something.

If you're anything like me, you need a hell of a packing checklist. Here are the must-have essentials I have on my list:

1. The Capsule Wedding Wardrobe

Dazzle in the ivory crepe jumpsuit at Friday night drinks, shimmer in our champagne silk slip on the wedding day and relax in our oversized monogrammed shirts before (and after) the wedding.

2. The Make-Up Bag

Treating yourself to brand new make-up has to be one of life’s little pleasures, so what better way to kick-off married life than with a pristine bag of the latest products. When it comes to destination weddings, it’s all about light, dewy make-up that sets off your natural 'just-married' glow. Here are my top picks:

Nars Orgasm Illuminator, Clarins Tanning Oil Drops, Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser

If you don’t trust the local make-up artist to do a good job, why not do it yourself? Book a make-up lesson at Harrods to get some tips beforehand. The cost of the session is redeemable against the price of the make-up.

3. The Best of Beachwear

Let’s face it, you’ve not slogged away for months in the gym only to keep everything under wraps. Make sure you have the hottest luxe beachwear to hand:

Honeymoon beachwear www.theownstudio.com

Hunzag Jean Bikini, Lucy Folk Cartouche Sunglasses, & Other Stories Woven Straw Tote Bag, Artesano Toscana Crochet

Toquilla Straw and Ribbon Hat, Cloe Cassandro Resort 18/19 (main image)

4. The Hair Kit

Hair can take on a mind of its own abroad, especially in hotter climes where suncream and humidity come into play. Here are some of our must-have accessories to keep your hair sleek and stylish...

OUAI Wave Spray, Moroccan Oil Treatment, Valet Tortoiseshell Hair Slides, Ganni Scrunchy, Alighieri Apollo's Dance Hair Slide (main image)

5. The Skin Protection
The last thing you want on your wedding day is a big old mossie bite or an inconvenient tan line. Lather up with sensitive sun cream Ultra Sun to avoid any greasy marks or breakouts and take a mosquito net with you for extra precautions! To keep your skin refreshed, toned and moisturised in the heat try Caudalie Grape Water Spray. For maximum effect keep it in the fridge when you can - so refreshing to use around the pool when sunbathing!

6. The Jewellery Box
Is an outfit even an outfit without a gold accessory or two? (Not in our book). Here are some of our top wedding jewellery must-haves:

Honeymoon accessories

Alighieri Flame Earrings (main image and top right), OWN Molten Hoops, Zoe and Morgan Ketama Gold Earrings

7. The Purse

While you’re unlikely to carry a bag around with you on the day itself, it’s always handy to have all your essentials in one place. This chic Comme Des Garcon Play Pouch will be something you can wear again too.

8. The Tech

From planning your itinerary to translating menus, BRIDES have shortlisted some of the best wedding apps that help take care of the logistics so you can focus on enjoying yourself.

9. The Wedding Day Emergency Kit

Make sure you pack extra hair grips, mini sewing kit, safety pins, cotton buds, eye drops, baby wipes, tweezers, mints and a mini medical kit including Gaviscon and aspirin.

10. The Luggage
If you're anything like me you'll have spent a small fortune on excess baggage! Use this lightweight suitcase from AWAY as your carry on as it has an in-built phone charger which always comes in handy. To feel special from the moment you leave the house book the AirPortr service - they collect your bags from your doorstep and put them on the plane for you - more time, less stress.