Once you've said "yes" to the dress, the very last thing on your mind is probably how you'll ship it.
Although it may be difficult to imagine giving up your ideal dress once you have it in your hands, transporting a wedding dress is perhaps more frequent than you might believe.
If you've sold your wedding dress to a buyer outside of your city, you'll likely need to find a way to deliver it to them swiftly and safely. It's a personal choice, but it's grown increasingly common to resell your wedding dress after the big day.
Giving your clothing a new home can not only earn you some additional income, but it will also help promote more environmentally friendly methods of maintaining one's wardrobe.
One more argument in favour of shipping is you have to get dressed and travel to your wedding venue in one piece.
However, there are a few important details to think about before you take an old box and shove your garment inside.
Learn the ins and outs of shipping a wedding dress, from the essentials you'll need to pack to the precautions you should take.
Wedding Dress Shipping: What's Needed?
The task of transporting a bridal gown is very complex, despite first appearances.
The great news is that you won't have to adjust how you pack or how you safeguard your gown just because you're going somewhere different.
Traveling across the nation or across the ocean, you should take the same precautions to preserve your appearance.
So, whether you're sending your dress across town or around the world, here are the steps to take to ensure it arrives in pristine condition.
A Box
A good, durable box is the first requirement for shipping.
Don't ever risk theft or damage by sending your bridal gown in its individual preservation box.
You should also avoid any box that reveals its contents, as doing so could render your insurance null and useless.
You can use any strong box you find online (Amazon, USPS, FedEx, etc.) but if you're in a pinch, you can always ask nearby wedding shops if they have some extra boxes you could have; they may even be willing to give you one just for free!
The standard measurements for a wedding dress are 18"x16"x9" or 30"x20"x8", however the box you choose should be no larger than necessary to safely transport your dress and accessories.
You may save money and prevent the garment from getting creased or damaged by preventing it from moving around too much in the box during shipping.
Carefully fold the dress and take its width, length, and height measurements to determine your ideal fit.
Plastic Covering for Protection
Though plastic shouldn't be used to keep a wedding dress for an extended period of time, it is absolutely OK and even encouraged for shipping purposes. It's best to have a plastic bag handy in case your dress becomes wet while you're out and about.
Anything from a plastic clothing bag to a transparent recycling bag can be used.
Your dress may come with one, if it does not, you may probably find one at a nearby wedding shop for a nominal price.
Shipping Costs
There will definitely be some sort of charge, but how much depends on factors like where you live, how heavy the dress is, how quickly you need it delivered, etc.
Also, the cost of the procedure is not as high as it first appears.
While there aren't any packages designed just for shipping wedding dresses, you can still find a courier service that fits your budget.
Before everything else, make sure you pick a box that's large enough to hold your dress without leaving much room for movement.
The next step is to compare prices among several carriers by requesting online estimates.
Your box's dimensions, the dress's weight, and the final destination's zip code will be required for this.
Paid Duties
The primary difference between local and international shipping costs is the amount spent on import taxes and tariffs.
Make sure the person accepting the gown understands that they are responsible for these costs.
Fees and minimum order values for clothes imports vary widely from one country to the next.
Make sure the [receiver or] buyer is aware that the package will be sent DDU or delivered duty unpaid and that they are responsible for paying any customs duty, taxes, or fees upon delivery.
Insurance
One thing you must not forget about while transporting a wedding dress is insurance.
Don't ever neglect to pay your insurance premium. It's for your own safety, after all. You, the shipper/seller, are responsible for any loss or damage to the dress.
If you are sending your dress for a wedding, the value should reflect the total price you paid after adjustments were made; if you are shipping it for resale, the value should reflect the asking price.
You shouldn't save money here because the carrier's liability is limited to $100 if you don't have insurance.
Tracking
While it may seem apparent, obtaining tracking information and checking its progress on a regular basis can greatly increase the likelihood that the gown will arrive undamaged.
You should contact the shipping firm if there has been no progress in two business days.
This could mean that the box was lost in transit; the sooner you report this, the better your chances of getting your dress back.
Receipt of Drop-Off and Signature
For liability reasons, whether selling the dress or delivering it to its destination, you should have confirmation that you delivered the dress to the carrier.
This proves that the shipping firm, and not you, is responsible for your dress at this time.
Get a receipt when you drop off your wedding dress and keep it until you know for sure that it has been received.
The significance of having the recipient sign for the package is also emphasised.
If you don't have this, your shipment will be delayed. If your magnificent gown is left on a doorstep without being signed for, porch pirates may steal it.
How Do You Pack a Wedding Dress for Shipping?
It's time to pack your gown now that you are familiar with the shipping necessities and an idea of what to anticipate along the way.
The following is a detailed guide on how to ship wedding dresses from the hands of brides all the way around the world:
- Prepare to clean up. Get your hands clean, trim your nails, and take off any jewellery that could get caught.
- Take photos of yourself in your outfit. Document the state of the dress before sending it out for shipping by taking pictures and video of it from all sides. Keep them for evidence in case something goes wrong.
- Make sure your dress is closed. Keep your dress from bunching by zipping or buttoning it up the back.
- Please tuck in your dressing gown. Turn the dress inside out if you want to see the smooth, unadorned surface of silk, lace, or similar fabric. Not the best idea for dresses with a lot of embellishment. If the bed is freshly made, you can put the dressing gown on it and fold the sides in. The same should be done with the garment's train, skirt, and sleeves. To avoid snagging and creasing, acid-free tissue paper should be inserted between the folds. Then, stack extra tissue paper between every layer as you fold your bodice over the skirt.
- Keep the dress safe. Get a plastic bag and toss the dress in there. If you don't have a clothing bag, a plastic grocery bag will serve.
- Label it so people know what it is. To prevent the dress from getting dirty, it is a good idea to have spare shipping documents inside the box.
- Use tape. Seal the box with sturdy mailing tape that is at least 2 inches wide. You will have to double up at the holes and make sure everything is sealed up.
What Should You Keep in Mind When Shipping a Wedding Dress?
Shipping a cotton shirt is as easy as folding it, placing it in a poly mailer, and labelling it.
Even if it arrives wrinkled, all the buyer has to do to fix the problem is use an iron.
The delicate fabric and intricate cut of a bridal dress make it more challenging to ship.
The bride will appreciate not having to iron the dress, which can damage the fabric if she is not experienced with ironing, so make sure it arrives to her in pristine condition.
Also, check to see that your shipment arrives without any missing parts.
You should take the following precautions before sending your client's wedding dress in the mail so that she will be singing your compliments on her big day:
Sequins and Beads
These lovely accessories are commonly found on bridal gowns. Inadequate packaging increases the risk that they will become detached during transit.
In the worst case, they will catch on an above fabric layer, ruining your well planned layout.
The method you use to package the clothing must prevent these kinds of mishaps from happening during shipping.
Garment Material
One potential issue concerns how long the fabric will stay wrinkle-free while shipping. If the bride opts for this fabric, the dress should fold up more easily for travel.
If, however, she selects a fabric that is prone to wrinkles, you may need to add extra cushioning between the pleated layers or find another method of delivery.
Another issue is the discrepancy in heaviness between the top and the skirt.
During transport, the skirt could pull at the bodice if it is significantly thicker than the latter.
Correctly folding the clothing and limiting its movement while in transit will prevent this from happening.
Ensemble Dimensions
While some brides like shorter trains, others insist on longer ones, the dress itself is a personal preference.
If you know the dress size, you may better plan your shipping approach and save money.
Customers are turned off by poor packaging, but they may also be put off by excessive delivery costs. Consider the gown's dimensions before selecting the appropriate box.
Packing Materials
Packing materials for a bridal dress must have the following characteristics:
- They need to be the appropriate proportions.
- They ought to be able to hold their shape and not get creased or snagged.
- They have to make sure that the outfit stays together during shipment.
- They have a responsibility to protect the dress against dust, dirt, and wetness.
The following items are recommended by professionals for packing a wedding dress during shipping:
Wrapping Paper
Both acid-free tissue paper and newspaper paper are acceptable for use as the dress's inner packaging.
Tissue paper has greater adaptability because of its suppleness. However, this increases the likelihood of movement during transport. If the tissue paper is tucked in different directions, the protection it provides for the bridal dress may be reduced.
Retailers often use newspaper paper to ship bridal gowns across the globe. It's not as flimsy as regular paper, but it won't crumple either. This means you can save money while still being able to bring home a larger wardrobe.
Garment Bag
Bags constructed of fabric or plastic with a form designed to hold garments are known as garment bags.
The most common materials for garment bags are nylon and muslin. Both serve to shield delicate bridal attire from dirt and sunlight.
They won't contribute much to your shipping charges because of how light they are. They won't release any dangerous chemicals into your hands, making them safe to work with.
Though cloth garment bags are more common, shipping professionals recommend plastic garment bags.
They function similarly to dust masks by keeping dust out of clothing. If you have trouble with light sensitivity, dark ones might shield your eyes from harmful UV rays.
However, plastic's primary benefit is its resistance to moisture.
Plastic is preferable if the dress has to travel a long distance or if there is a chance of precipitation at its final destination.
Padding Materials
With the right amount of padding, you can ensure that your fragile items survive the trip to their final destination in one piece.
You can choose between bubble wrap and the newspaper for your wedding dress.
When shipping light packages, newsprint paper provides adequate protection. It won't crumple as quickly beneath a wedding dress as it would under heavy vases or dishes.
In contrast, many shops that sell bridal gowns choose bubble wrap because it is easier to work with, more aesthetically beautiful, and more cost effective.
Stickers that are fragile and this-side-up
Stickers like these alert workers to take extra care with your package.
For added precaution, you might add a label reading "delicate dress" or "wedding gown" on the package.
If you plan on utilising these tags, check with your carrier to see if there will be any additional costs.
Conclusion
Find out what you need to know about shipping a wedding dress, such as how to properly pack it and what safety measures you should take.
A strong box is the primary requirement for shipping.
Sending your wedding dress in its preservation box leaves it vulnerable to theft or damage in transit. Pick a box that is just big enough to hold your dress and any accessories you plan to bring with you.
There will be some sort of fee, but the exact amount will be determined by variables such as your location, the dress's weight, how quickly you need it delivered, etc.
The value of your wedding dress should match the price you're asking if you plan to resell it.
If you don't have insurance, the carrier will only be responsible for up to $100 in damages.
Verifying the shipment's status and checking its progress can help ensure the dress arrives in pristine condition.
Because of its delicate fabric and intricate cut, shipping a wedding dress can be tricky.
The dress will be saved from the bride's inexperience with ironing, which can cause irreparable damage to the fabric.
Poor packaging raises the possibility that they will separate during shipping. Poor packaging turns off customers, but high shipping costs can do the same.
Before deciding on a packing option, measure the dress to ensure it will fit. If properly cushioned, your fragile goods should arrive at their destination unscathed.
Garment bags are specialised tote bags made of fabric or plastic that have an interior shape that is ideal for carrying clothing. Nylon and muslin are the most typical fabrics for garment bags.
Content Summary
- Learn the ins and outs of shipping a wedding dress, from the essentials you'll need to pack to the precautions you should take.
- A good, durable box is the first requirement for shipping.
- The standard measurements for a wedding dress are 18"x16"x9" or 30"x20"x8", however the box you choose should be no larger than necessary to safely transport your dress and accessories.
- Carefully fold the dress and take its width, length, and height measurements to determine your ideal fit.
- It's best to have a plastic bag handy in case your dress becomes wet while you're out and about.
- Before everything else, make sure you pick a box that's large enough to hold your dress without leaving much room for movement.
- Your box's dimensions, the dress's weight, and the final destination's zip code will be required for this.
- If you are sending your dress for a wedding, the value should reflect the total price you paid after adjustments were made; if you are shipping it for resale, the value should reflect the asking price.
- This proves that the shipping firm, and not you, is responsible for your dress at this time.
- Get a receipt when you drop off your wedding dress and keep it until you know for sure that it has been received.
- It's time to pack your gown now that you are familiar with the shipping necessities and an idea of what to anticipate along the way.
- Document the state of the dress before sending it out for shipping by taking pictures and video of it from all sides.
- If the bed is freshly made, you can put the dressing gown on it and fold the sides in.
- To prevent the dress from getting dirty, it is a good idea to have spare shipping documents inside the box.
- Seal the box with sturdy mailing tape that is at least 2 inches wide.
- Also, check to see that your shipment arrives without any missing parts.
- The method you use to package the clothing must prevent these kinds of mishaps from happening during shipping.
- Another issue is the discrepancy in heaviness between the top and the skirt.
- If you know the dress size, you may better plan your shipping approach and save money.
- Consider the gown's dimensions before selecting the appropriate box.
- Packing materials for a bridal dress must have the following characteristics:
- They need to be the appropriate proportions.
- Both acid-free tissue paper and newspaper paper are acceptable for use as the dress's inner packaging.
- However, this increases the likelihood of movement during transport.
- If the tissue paper is tucked in different directions, the protection it provides for the bridal dress may be reduced.
- Bags constructed of fabric or plastic with a form designed to hold garments are known as garment bags.
- The most common materials for garment bags are nylon and muslin.
- Though cloth garment bags are more common, shipping professionals recommend plastic garment bags.
- They function similarly to dust masks by keeping dust out of clothing.
- With the right amount of padding, you can ensure that your fragile items survive the trip to their final destination in one piece.
- You can choose between bubble wrap and the newspaper for your wedding dress.
- When shipping light packages, newsprint paper provides adequate protection.
FAQS ABOUT TRAVELING WITH A WEDDING DRESS
Can I take my wedding dress on the plane?
Your wedding dress is permitted as one piece of carry-on luggage; however, there is a limit of one piece per passenger. This means it must be small enough and light enough to be considered carry-on luggage. During the flight, you'll need to store it in the overhead bin.
How do you sit in a car with a wedding dress?
If you're taking a vehicle trip, the best way to keep your wedding dress wrinkle-free is to suspend it from a hook or flip down the handle above one of the back seat doors, then drape the remainder of the garment across the back seat.
Can you hang a dress on a plane?
Dresses should be dried and stored in a plastic dry-cleaning bag, which should then be put in a garment bag for travel. You can bring the dress in your carry-on luggage if your airline has a closet where you can hang your garment bag. Even if you have to check your suitcase, clothes will not get wrinkled as much if they are stored in a garment bag.
How do you transport a satin dress?
Layer another piece of clothes over the top of the garment bag to keep the contents from shifting around. As soon as you get to your location, unpack your silk goods and hang them up to allow any minor wrinkles or creases to fall out.
Can I put my wedding dress in a vacuum bag?
Dresses should never be kept in a plastic bag or other sealed container. Putting your dress in a plastic bag or container can seem like a good idea, but the chemicals released by the plastic can cause the fabric to yellow and even discolour. Also, if there's condensation within, mould and mildew can start to grow.