Choosing your destination wedding dress

If you’re going to get married ‘on location’, it’s important to choose a gown that suits the destination. If you're tying the knot on the Amalfi Coast, for example, a sexy, sheath dress or an A-line cut will add to the film-star glamour, while for the Caribbean, a short gown or a less structured, floaty style that catches the breeze is perfect. Think about your groom, too – put him in a morning suit and he’ll just be hot and bothered.

Little touches
If you’re heading off somewhere exotic, tropical blooms can be sourced locally and look stunning in the bright sunshine. Your tiara and jewellery can also be themed with the location – how about freshwater pearls for a beach wedding or a Roman-style circlet for a rustic Italian celebration?
 Remember too that wedding-day shoes need to be fit for purpose – high heels on a sandy beach won't look good!

Comfort zone
When you’re shopping around on a bleak Saturday afternoon in Britain it’s hard to imagine how hot it can be at your overseas destination. You need to feel comfortable, so if you opt to get married in a tropical climate, a sleeveless dress is a real advantage. Halter-neck styles are cool and look wonderful on a beach location. A strapless style is another good choice, although a dress like this may be more structured and therefore will feel less comfortable in the heat – you should avoid boning and hoops at all costs!

Be natural
To be really cool in a hot climate, pick natural fabrics such as silks and cottons that are loosely woven and will ‘breathe’. Fabrics such as soft satins, lightweight silks, charmeuse and chiffon or georgette are ideal. As Charlotte Balbier explains: “Paper taffeta and lace fabrics are a popular choice, but the perfect material is a crinkle taffeta as it travels very well.” Bridalwear manufacturer Dessy has worked with Sandals Resorts to create a collection of dresses specifically for weddings abroad. Noticing that brides often wanted to be photographed frolicking at the water’s edge, they’ve designed a range that won’t stain when wet.

In the bag
Once you have found the perfect gown for your destination wedding, you need to think about how to transport it. One solution is to invest in a purpose-made box, such as from the Empty Box Company, which makes pH neutral travel boxes (from £28.90) with cord carrying handles that are sized for overhead lockers. Not only is it suitable for transporting your dress, it is the perfect place to keep it after the wedding. If you choose the right fabric, you should be able to unpack your dress and hang it up as soon as you can to let any folds or creases drop out.