Planning a destination elopement in Italy? You’ve likely imagined yourself standing during your vows, the wind catching your dress just right. But first — you have to get that dress to Italy. And if the idea of folding your wedding dress for plane makes you sweat more than hiking to the peaks in Dolomites, don’t worry. I’ve got you.

As an elopement photographer who helps couples travel across the world with their wedding attire, I’m here to walk you through exactly how to take your wedding dress on a plane—without wrinkles, stress, or drama.

Should You Pack or Carry On Your Dress?

Short answer: Carry it on. Always.

Checked luggage gets lost. It gets tossed. And sometimes, it ends up in another country. Your wedding dress is one of the most meaningful and delicate parts of your elopement—and it deserves better treatment than a suitcase with socks.

Most airlines allow wedding dresses as a personal item or carry-on item on plane, and some will even let you hang it in a closet (if the plane has one—more on that below).

Step-by-Step: How to Fly with Your Wedding Dress

1. Call the Airline Ahead of Time

Before your flight, give your airline a quick call or check their website to ask:

• Does your plane have a closet for hanging garments in first/business class that a flight attendant might allow you to use?
• Are there any size restrictions for garment bags in the cabin?
• Is your wedding dress allowed as an additional personal item?

💡 Pro tip: Flying with a smaller airline in Europe (like Ryanair or EasyJet)? They’re strict with carry-on sizing, so it’s safer to fold the dress carefully and pack it inside a compliant carry-on bag.

2. Use a Quality Garment Bag

Invest in a breathable, lightweight wedding garment bag. Bonus if it folds in half with a secure zipper or snaps and a handle, making it easy to carry or slide into the overhead bin. The ideal garment bag has

1. Sturdy Protection
   • Weather-protective exterior
   • Fresh-air-friendly fabric
   • strong zippers and handles
2. Smart Design
   • Pockets for accessories like your wedding day jewelry, shoes, veil
   • Reliable hanging system

You can get these bags for example from Amazon. Make sure the chosen garment bag size fits your airline regulations for carry-on size! Here is one example:

Premium bag that can fit a dress and a suit

3. Or Use a Carry-On Suitcase instead

If your garment bag is bulky or your airline has strict rules, pack the dress in a carry-on-sized hard-shell suitcase.

4. When you start to pack: Fold It (Yes, It’s OK!)

I know… folding your wedding dress sounds like blasphemy. But most fabrics are surprisingly resilient when folded with care. If you have a minimal or travel-friendly gown (like many of my couples do), folding it is easy — and it often pops back into shape right out of the bag.

5. Ask (Kindly) for Special Treatment

Once you board, ask a flight attendant if there’s room in a closet. Many will say yes if you’re polite and the space isn’t full. If not, place it gently in the overhead bin—on top of other bags, not underneath. Some have had the option of unfolding the garment bag and laying it flat over several carry-on suitcases in the overhead locker.

6. Steam It When You Arrive

Even with careful packing, a few wrinkles may happen. That’s totally normal and easily fixable.

Options:

• Bring a travel-sized steamer (make sure it’s dual-voltage if coming from the U.S. to Europe).
• Hang the dress in a steamy bathroom for a DIY refresh.
• Ask your hotel or Airbnb if they have a steamer or recommend a local dry cleaner.

What About the Suit?

If your partner is wearing a suit, they can do something similar:

• Fold it carefully into a carry-on suitcase.
• Use a travel garment bag.

TL;DR: Your wedding dress deserves to be on plane with you!

Taking your dress on a plane is totally doable—and not nearly as scary as it sounds. With the right prep and packing, you’ll step off that plane ready for the Italian elopement of your dreams! 🤍

Other blog posts you might be interested in:

How to choose your elopement dress
How to write your vows
5 creative first look ideas
How I help couples make their elopement day true to them
How to include family in your elopement