HOW CHOOSE A WEDDDING DRESS WHEN YOU ARE PLANNING A WEDDING ABROAD?
  
Photo Credit Tali Photography
When it comes to weddings abroad, I hope in Italy, a lot more serious concerns must be considered. Depending on the climate, your ideal location, the style of your wedding, the way you transport your wedding dress, you need to find a lot of sensible and practical thoughts in order to find the perfect wedding dress to fit your ideal location.

If you are planning a wonderful winter wedding in some fairy tale castle or amazing Italian city, then you will need a dress according to the weather. If you are planning a religious ceremony in the Catholic Church, you will have to choose a dress with covered shoulders. For a summer wedding dress for escape, you will need the lightest of light fabrics: from flowing chiffon and lace to light tulle. These fabrics not only make you look like an Italian goddess, but also keep you calm and give you complete free movement in the sun. While location shouldn't decide the gown you are going to wear, some things to consider are silks + natural fabrics are going to breathe better in the heat than polylines. If you have your heart set on that big tulle ball gown in +40 degrees Celsius, maybe consider getting a lighter gown for the reception/dancing.

Keep reading for some great pointers from  Simone Martin
Firstly I would say when it comes to buying the gown; is to go into the whole experience with an open mind. Be prepared to fall in love with something you thought you'd never wear, because that's what happens to all of us.

I, myself, swore I would wear the biggest ball gown that could fit through a doorway, and when I tried it on, it wasn't me AT ALL. I ended up wearing a beautiful full lace, fitted trumpet gown.

Everything looks different in person than it does on Pinterest, and while it is nice to flip through the beautiful weddings, and gowns you see in photos (I am guilty of doing it, daily) each bride/groom is unique, and you don't need to follow anyone’s idea of what a wedding should be, except your own.

If you are doing a destination wedding, and going to be travelling with the gown, here are some tips for you;

- Make sure you get a dress bag/garment bag for travel. It will ensure the gown stays pristine during transport.

- If you are flying with your gown, take it as carry on in its dress bag/garment bag. If you let the stewards know at check in, or at the gate before you board, they will usually hang it in a closet for you, or find a safe place to lay it flat. I have also heard back from several of my brides who have received a nice little perk from the airline because they are travelling to their wedding. Some brides get free upgrades or even a glass (or two) of champagne on the flight to celebrate.

- When you get to your destination, leave the gown in its bag until a day before the wedding. It may be a bit wrinkled, so if you are staying at a hotel that has access to dry-cleaning, see if they offer a complimentary press or steam out of wedding gowns. Most will if they have the facilities. You can email or call ahead and check if this is something you really want.

- If you are staying at a location that does not have professional cleaning facilities make sure you bring a small hand steamer, as you will want to give the gown a light steam before the wedding. Read the label/consult your bridal shop before you do this, as some silks and gowns can only be pressed, and cannot be steamed.

- If you forget the steamer, fear not! A quick little trick is to go into the bathroom and hang your gown behind the door, have a hot shower, and the steam from the shower will get the wrinkles out by the time you are done! Usually only takes about 10 minutes!

Hope these tips help you find the perfect gown for you, and get it to and from the destination in impeccable condition.
   
Photo Credit Tali Photography