After you’ve identified the basic logistics of your out of state wedding, the details for the day of are next. You don’t want to be caught unprepared for anything that might come your way. You won’t have easy access to items you may have been able to retrieve easily from your mom or aunt as when you are close to home. Here are a few items we feel are important to keep on hand for any destination wedding.

Basic emergency kit supplies. You should always have a basic emergency kit, near or far. This should include things like safety bins, scissors, band-aids, cotton balls, Q-tips, a bleach pin, needle and white thread (including thread colors matching your bridesmaid dresses too), super glue, tissues, baby wipes, extra shoe inserts specific to your wedding shoes, bobby pins, and anything else you can think of that may be of help just in case something goes awry. You can also find pre-made wedding day emergency kits on Amazon or at your local Target.

Wardrobe. Be sure to make a list of everything you know will be necessary for your trip specific to the day of. Be sure to pack all indispensable apparel that you know you can’t replace at the destination you choose.  For example, the dress and shoes you plan on changing into for the reception, the robe or button up that you plan to wear while you’re getting ready, or any other unique apparel you know you can’t easily replace (i.e. YOUR WEDDING DRESS).

Carry ons and checking bags. Be sure to plan your arrival at your destination far enough ahead of time to retrieve lost luggage if you know you will be traveling by air. Make a plan to pack your most valuable items in your carry on and pack the most replaceable items in the luggage you’ll check.

Pharmaceutical necessities. It’s always good to be prepared in any scenario; cold medicine or anything that will help in the case of a random headache can be lifesavers when you’re unexpectedly feeling under-the-weather. Hopefully you won’t need this on your special day, but being prepared is essential for a joyful event! Give yourself plenty of rest in preparation and consider taking something like Airborne if you plan on flying to strengthen your immune system.

Vendors. When choosing vendors, consider choosing those already located in the area you wish to travel to. This will make transportation so much easier and keep costs low. We strongly recommend choosing a local florist and baker. This eliminates the extended amount of travel time that will keep flowers fresher and your desserts safer during the move from bakery to venue kitchen, and eventually reception. Consider a makeup artist and hair stylist nearby as well. This will decrease transportation issues such as a chance of delay in travel (flight delays, weather problems, etc.), ultimately keeping your wedding day in check and on schedule.

You want a smooth event, and the better prepared you are for anything, the higher the chance for a successful day! We hope these tips and tricks are something you can incorporate into your destination wedding planning.