Destination Wedding Packing 101: Wedding Travel Tips for Guests

Understanding Destination Weddings: An Overview

Destination weddings are all the rage! Seeing the happy couple exchanging varmalas by the sea in Goa, or taking pheras against the regal backdrop of a Rajasthani fort. Sigh! While regular weddings mean dolling up and hopping to the nearest banquet hall, destination affairs call for extra prep and a bucket of wedding travel tips. You've got to factor in travel, weather, itinerary, and, of course, your fabulous outfits! But trust us, all the effort is totally worth it for the amazing memories you'll make.



Wedding Travel Tips: The Ultimate Guide

Before we dive into the fashion, let's talk logistics. Here are some key wedding travel tips to keep in mind:

Preparation: What to Know Before You Go

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of packing, let's talk about some essential wedding travel tips. First things first, make sure you have all your travel documents in order. Passports, visas, tickets—double check them all. Trust us, you don't want to be that guest who misses the wedding because of an expired passport!

Next, take a good look at the wedding itinerary. Is there a theme? A dress code? Any specific events, like a pool party or a formal sit-down dinner? Make a note of these so you can plan your outfits accordingly. It's also a good idea to check the weather forecast for your destination. You don't want to be caught in a chiffon saree during a surprise thunderstorm!

Lastly, don't forget to pack some travel essentials for weddings, like medicines, just in case. Stomach upset, headaches, allergies—it's always better to be prepared. Plus, you never know when a fellow guest might need a band-aid or an aspirin.

The Bandhgala Suit: A Classic Choice for Men

When it comes to destination wedding fashion for men, you can't go wrong with a classic bandhgala suit. This timeless silhouette is perfect for any formal event, from the wedding ceremony to the reception, and is one of those wedding guest packing essentials you can't miss. Choose a rich, jewel-toned fabric like emerald green or royal blue for a regal look. Don't forget to accessorise with a pocket square and a sleek pair of oxfords.

Pro tip: If you're attending a daytime function, opt for a lighter fabric like linen or cotton. You'll thank our wedding travel tips when you're not sweating through your suit in the afternoon sun!

The Sherwani: A Regal Option for Men

For a more traditional look, you can't beat a sherwani. This long, button-down tunic is usually worn with churidar pants and a dupatta. Go for a classic cream or gold sherwani for the wedding ceremony, or mix it up with a bold colour like maroon or teal for the sangeet. Complete the look with a safa or turban, and a pearl mala.

Styling tip: If you want to add a modern twist to your sherwani, try pairing it with a Nehru jacket in a contrasting colour. It's a subtle way to stand out from the crowd.

The Safa: A Traditional Accessory for Men

Safas and pagdis are the perfect finishing touch for any ensemble. A well-tied safa adds a royal charm to your look instantly. Check out Manyavar's collection of safas in vibrant colours and patterns to amp up your wedding style. You can go subtle with a plain safa or choose an embellished one to match your outfit. Either way, it's the easiest wedding travel tip to take your look to the next level!

The Lehenga: A Beautiful Choice for Women

For the ladies, a lehenga is a wedding guest packing essential for any destination wedding. This full, flared skirt is usually paired with a cropped blouse and a dupatta. Choose a lehenga in a bright, festive colour like hot pink or sunny yellow for the mehendi and a more subdued shade like blush or mint for the wedding ceremony. Don't forget to pack plenty of bangles and jhumkas to complete the look!

The Saree: An Elegant Option for Women

Of course, no Indian wedding is complete without the saree. This versatile garment can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion, making it the perfect travel essential for weddings. For a formal event like the reception, choose a heavy silk saree with intricate embroidery or zari work. For a more casual function like the mehendi, opt for a lightweight cotton or chiffon saree in a fun, flirty print.

Styling tip: Experiment with different draping styles to change up your look. A Bengali-style drape with the pallu draped in front is perfect for a traditional look, while a pre-stitched saree gown is a modern, fuss-free option.

Accessorising for a Destination Wedding

No Indian wedding outfit is complete without the right accessories. When packing for a destination wedding, remember these wedding travel tips: choose versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched with multiple outfits. A statement choker necklace, a pair of chandelier earrings, and a stack of glittering bangles will take you from the mehendi to the reception in style.

For the gents, don't forget to pack a few essential accessories like a brooch for your bandhgala, a pocket square for your suit, and a pair of traditional juttis or mojaris.