I’m going to a wedding in Croatia in June, so with only a month to go, I’ve started thinking about what I’ll be packing. My outfit for the wedding day itself was first on the list, quickly followed by all of the summer outfits I’m desperate to wear after a long winter of jeans and jumpers. But, when you’re only going somewhere abroad for a few days, you really don’t need to pack that much. For this holiday, I want zero packing stress and unnecessary clothes, and only easy outfits that I’m really excited to wear.
My destination wedding guest packing list:
- Airport outfit
- Wedding guest outfit
- Day outfits
- Party outfits
- Cover ups
- Co-ords
- Swimwear
- Shoes
- Jewellery
- Bags
Carry on bags
You’ll only need a carry-on suitcase if you’re going away for a long weekend or just a few days. If style points are your priority from the moment you leave for the airport, both Antler and Rock Luggage have sleek and stylish hard cases. While for suitcases that are easy to carry and fit loads into, It Luggage cases never fail for practicality and lightweight design.
What to pack for a destination wedding
1. Airport outfit
My favourite airport outfit will always be comfy trousers (cargos are perfect) and a lightweight jacket (cue, the shacket). Keep everything tonal for maximum airport chicness and you’ll have pieces that will mix in with everything in your case for the rest of your trip too.
2. Your wedding guest outfit
Now that the summer wedding season has begun, lots of friends have been asking me where to find the best wedding guest dresses for this year. My top priority for picking out a destination wedding guest outfit is finding something in a pop of colour (obviously avoiding anything too neutral and bridal) and in a lightweight fabric that fares well in high temperatures. Linens and viscose materials seem the most sensible, and stylish choice.
3. Party outfits
As well as the wedding guest outfit, you’ll need to pack some outfits to wear in the evenings leading up to and post-wedding. If you know there’ll be big nights out, it’s time for sequin dresses and statement minis. Then, from dressy dinners to day-to-night drinks, you can’t go wrong with a slip dress that’ll roll up easily into your suitcase. If anything becomes crumpled, just hang it in the bathroom while you shower and the steam will help to minimise any creases.
4. Day dresses
Pack a couple of beautiful, throw-on, summery dresses like these into your case if you have some spare days either side of the wedding for exploring and long lazy lunches.
5. Crochet & cover ups
If you’re staying by the sea, make sure you have a beach cover-up packed into your case. Crochet is everywhere for summer 2023 and whether you prefer crochet dresses or separates, they’re all super-useful for quick beach getaways as they can fold into your case without any creases so will always look good.
6. Useful co-ords
I’ll be taking a linen co-ord with me on every holiday from now on. Dress up with summer heels or wedges for a low-key evening outfit, wear them as a cover-up over a bikini the next day, and then lounge around in them after a day at the beach… a cover-up is the easiest, comfiest outfit you’ll want to wear all the time on holiday.
7. Swimwear
When you’re away with friends or family for a big destination wedding, you’ll want your favourite swimwear to hand that you feel confident and comfy in.
£49 £108
Melissa Odabash at The Outnet
Barbados Paisley Print Underwired Bandeau Bikini Top
8. Shoes
The key to packing everything into a small carry-on suitcase is keeping shoes to a minimum. Travel in a pair of trainers or chunky sandals, and then you’ll only really need one pair of flat sandals and one pair of wedges or strappy heels packed into your case. Smart metallic and neutral styles like these are some of the most versatile and will go with all your outfits.
9. Jewellery & accessories
There’ll always be room for jewellery and hair accessories, so don’t hold back on some of your favourite stacking pieces.
10. Holiday handbags
To finish off your packing, a basket bag is always a good idea – you can take it with you alongside your carry-on case for any books, magazines and pieces you want to hand (check your airline’s restrictions, obviously).
You’ll then only need to pack a small clutch bag for wearing to the wedding and using on evenings out. This gorgeous woven Anthropologie Frankie clutch and pink raffia bag from Mango are my top holiday bag picks, because they’re not too big but would have enough room to fit a phone, purse, pair of sunnies, and make up essentials in, while looking cute and summery.
;
