Photo: Chloe Murdoch Photography
When your wedding involves whisking away your fiancée and friends to a dreamy destination, the last thing on your mind should be the state of your gown once you've checked into your hotel after a long flight. However, traveling via plane, train, or automobile requires a more low-maintenance gown than your average hometown affair, unless your notion of marital bliss is attempting to remove deep-set wrinkles from a mille feuille confection or a satin ball gown. Thankfully, a plethora of gowns are created with destination brides in mind, and it all comes down to the type of fabric used for each look.
1. Embroidered Tulle
Creative Director Don O'Neill of celebrity-favored brand Theia states that gowns constructed in silk tulle make the ideal companion for jet-setting brides. Pamella Roland, whose ultra-feminine designs are loved by Emily Blunt and Kellie Pickler, seconds the tulle trend for far away nuptials, explaining, "One of the most versatile materials we use in bridal gowns is silk tulle. It is lightweight, travels well and holds its shape without much effort once you arrive. At most, a little steam, and you are picture perfect!"
2. Rayon Crepe
Though many brides may flock to opulent fabrics like duchesse satin or silk, sturdier synthetics are a logical — and elegant — option for brides embarking on a global adventure for their nuptials. Created with the sensuous, silky appearance of crepe but the durability of a man-made synthetic, rayon crepe serves as an affordable and easy fabric for destination brides.
See more: How to Transport Your Wedding Dress
3. Wool and Knits
The Fall 2015 bridal runways (including O'Neill's collection for Theia) were inundated with an unexpected number of knitwear pieces, from plush cashmere sweaters to cozy, woolen dresses. Brides planning to take their vows in a wintry locale may find their perfect ensemble is rendered in a knit; the fabric won't wrinkle even after being bundled in a suitcase for hours, and its thick weave will keep the arctic chill at bay.
4. Re-Embroidered Lace
Brides who wish for a more traditional look that still captures the spirit and ease of a wanderlust-inspired wedding may wish to don a lace gown for their big day. Beloved for her whimsical-meets-modern designs, Lela Rose favors re-embroidered lace for an overseas wedding. "A lace [gown] with re-embroidery always travels well and doesn't wrinkle", says the designer. "I find it's the perfect fabric for all types of weddings as it can look formal as well as more casual depending on the setting."