Disappointment

- Chiffon -without layers of tulle to fluff her up. Chiffon is very slim and hangs nicely in a garment bag. You can also roll it up, but anticipate a few wrinkles! If your gown comes with a tulle underskirt, you may ask your alterationist to replace that layer with a more travel-friendly material or remove it entirely.

-SoftTulle - with no crinoline is always a nice light choice.She will not be too bulky to take in a garment bag and will also pack nicely when rolled, but will likely need a light steaming if you go the roll-route.

If you are not sure how to pack your gown using the roll method, your bridal consultant should be able to show you the best method (after-all she likely unpacked the gown in a similar fashion when it arrived at the boutique). Gowns are almost always sent inside-out to protect any bling from snagging on lace and to keep the outside of the gown in pristine condition. Please remember NOT to pack any liquids or makeup in the same suitcase as your wedding gown. Most airlines will allow you to carry on a garment bag and will even put it in the Captain’s closet for you! If your gown is tulle or chiffon, this is definitely the most ideal situation. I personally would be hesitant to “check” my wedding gown just on the off-chance that luggage gets lost. A gown without crinoline will fit in a carry-on bag! If a steamer is not available, a closed bathroom during a long hot shower will often do the trick for #2: Accessorize lightly! If you get married in a tropical setting and DON’T wear a flower crown, I’m personally mad at you. I mean, you do you, girl but a live flower crown is as ideal as they come for a destination wedding because you don’t pack it at all. Have the florist who creates your bouquet make a matching crown or give you extra flowers to put in your hair. I do not recommend tiaras or stationary hair pieces for situations that could potentially get windy. The last thing you need is your groom trying to get a comb out of your tangled hair while you’re trying to get awesome photos. One thing I do love to see blowing in the wind is a beautiful veil! Since they are all made of tulle, you will want to have your bridal consultant pack it in a box for you- not all boutiques use boxes to store veils, so ask yours! If they don’t, purchase one and take it in for them to place your veil inwe have way more confidence in this department than you will in your apartment the night before your plane leaves, I promise. Throw this baby into your steamy bathroom mix the night before for a light-dewrinkling.

#3: Choose your shoes wisely! Have you ever tried to walk European cobblestone in heels? I have. If my husband wasn’t already married to me, he might have had second thoughts about wedding the sasquatch bride. A chunky heel or even

better, a wedge will get you through any terrain with a lot more grace than a skinny heel. They won’t sink into the grass and are far more comfortable for long wear. A strappy sandal or even a fashionable pair of converse are even more wearable and will allow you to focus on the experience instead of mere survival. An extra pair of flip flops just in case, never hurt nobody.

#4. Don’t swear off all-professional services. You may be a rebel bride, but you don’t need to go totally off-grid. Hire a hair artist, a florist, and most IMPORTANTLY a professional photographer. If you’re a bride that believes in the magic of spontaneity, you definitely want someone there to capture the essence of your escape.

Local rogue brides, we would love to see YOUR destination photos! Please send to EngagedRiverValley@gmail.com to possibly see your nuptials featured in a future issue!

Kassy Lauer of Rose & Bliss by Paparazzi Glamour & Gowns Photos by Rachel Smith