Heading abroad to get married? Here’s our must-follow guide to adding that VIP touch to your international nuptials. From getting to the airport to the logistics of transporting your wedding dress, we’ve all the information you need right here…
Before you leave for the airport
Make sure your wedding dress arrives looking as great as you
You’ve organised the service, booked the perfect blue sky… but there’s still one very important job to do before heading to the airport…
How to transport your wedding dress and cake: While vacuum-packing your jeans and smalls into an airline-friendly suitcase might be okay, your wedding dress and multi-tiered cake are unlikely to look so happy when emerging at the other end. Don’t panic – we’ve a comprehensive airline-by-airline guide to ensuring your dress and cake makes it to the church/beach on time and looking just as great as you. Here’s all you need to know about airlines and their policies for transporting wedding dresses, cakes and other wedding essentials.
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Air ASIA Air ASIA WEDDING DRESS AS HAND LUGGAGE WEDDING DRESS AS CHECKED LUGGAGE WEDDING CAKE RESTRICTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION Aer Lingus Aer Lingus WEDDING DRESS AS HAND LUGGAGE WEDDING DRESS AS CHECKED LUGGAGE WEDDING CAKE Normal baggage rules apply RESTRICTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION Wedding dresses must be packaged carefully Air Canada Air Canada WEDDING DRESS AS HAND LUGGAGE The dress should be stored in a garment bag and should be folded in half to reduce wrinkling WEDDING DRESS AS CHECKED LUGGAGE WEDDING CAKE RESTRICTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION Items placed in overhead bins may have other items placed on top of them by other passengers British Airways British Airways WEDDING DRESS AS HAND LUGGAGE Cabin crew may be able to assist in hanging the wedding dress up but this cannot be guaranteed as the flight could be busy or the wardrobe space may be limited (short haul flights to and from London Gatwick don’t have any wardrobe space) WEDDING DRESS AS CHECKED LUGGAGE WEDDING CAKE RESTRICTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION easyJet easyJet WEDDING DRESS AS HAND LUGGAGE Dresses will be classed as one maximum-sized piece of cabin baggage WEDDING DRESS AS CHECKED LUGGAGE WEDDING CAKE Cakes must be stored in the overhead locker or under the seat in front of the passenger and not carried on the passenger’s lap The cabin crew are unable to store cakes RESTRICTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION Flybe Flybe WEDDING DRESS AS HAND LUGGAGE These will be classed as the passenger’s one piece of cabin luggage It may be acceptable to take the item to the gate where the item will be taken by a member of ground staff to load into the aircraft hold – subject to local airport procedures WEDDING DRESS AS CHECKED LUGGAGE Kilts/kilt sets: The kilt pin and sgian gubh, (the decorative knife which goes into the sock), must be checked into the hold WEDDING CAKE If passengers wish to take the cake on an international flight, they are required to contact Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) on: 020 7238 6951 RESTRICTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION Travellers must hold the appropriate travel insurance for flying with wedding attire KLM KLM WEDDING DRESS AS HAND LUGGAGE WEDDING DRESS AS CHECKED LUGGAGE WEDDING CAKE RESTRICTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION Passengers do not need to book a reservation when transporting their wedding dress Lufthansa Lufthansa WEDDING DRESS AS HAND LUGGAGE Lufthansa recommend that passengers carry the dress in a foldable garment bag that should not exceed the dimensions of 57 x 54 x 15cms and a weight of 8kgs WEDDING DRESS AS CHECKED LUGGAGE WEDDING CAKE RESTRICTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION | Monarch Monarch WEDDING DRESS AS HAND LUGGAGE There are no on-board facilities to hang wedding dresses WEDDING DRESS AS CHECKED LUGGAGE WEDDING CAKE RESTRICTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION Qantas Group Qantas Group WEDDING DRESS AS HAND LUGGAGE WEDDING DRESS AS CHECKED LUGGAGE WEDDING CAKE RESTRICTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION Ryanair Ryanair WEDDING DRESS AS HAND LUGGAGE WEDDING DRESS AS CHECKED LUGGAGE WEDDING CAKE RESTRICTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION Passengers can purchase an extra seat for the carriage of a wedding dress in the cabin To book an extra seat for the carriage of a wedding dress, passengers must go online and select ‘2 seats’ – the first seat should be booked in the actual passenger’s name and the other should be entered as ‘ITEM SEAT’ as the last name and ‘EXTRA’ as the first name. The name EXTRA ITEM SEAT will then be displayed on the online boarding pass Reserved seating in emergency rows 1, 16 and 17 may not be purchased if passenger has purchased an extra seat for item / comfort Thomas Cook Airlines Thomas Cook Airlines WEDDING DRESS AS HAND LUGGAGE This baggage must be split over two bags, one as 6kgs and the other as 5kgs. All hand baggage needs to be within the size restrictions of 55 x 40 x 20cms This information supersedes any other hand baggage documentation WEDDING DRESS AS CHECKED LUGGAGE WEDDING CAKE RESTRICTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION Thomson Airways Thomson Airways WEDDING DRESS AS HAND LUGGAGE WEDDING DRESS AS CHECKED LUGGAGE WEDDING CAKE RESTRICTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION Thomson Airways recommends contacting Memories Boxes, as they make wedding dress travel boxes that fit in with airline guides US Airways US Airways WEDDING DRESS AS HAND LUGGAGE It’s recommended that traveller’s store the dress in a garment bag and fold it in half to reduce wrinkling. Carry-on items often shift in-flight which could possibly wrinkle, crush, or tear delicate items The maximum garment bag size is 51ins/130cms WEDDING DRESS AS CHECKED LUGGAGE WEDDING CAKE RESTRICTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION Virgin Atlantic Virgin Atlantic WEDDING DRESS AS HAND LUGGAGE Cabin crew, where space permits, hang dresses up but on some flights the wardrobe space is limited and this cannot be guaranteed Wedding dresses should be packed in a box or bag so if the crew are unable to find space to hang it, it can be safely stowed This service is not available on Little Red (UK domestic) flights WEDDING DRESS AS CHECKED LUGGAGE Where possible the dress should be packed into a plastic bag for extra protection If the separate suitcase is outside of the passenger’s baggage allowance, they will have to purchase excess baggage WEDDING CAKE RESTRICTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION Other airlines We’ve covered the most-popular airlines here, but if your carrier isn’t in the list, please contact them directly for a overview of wedding dress and cake policy. |
Air ASIA
WEDDING DRESS AS HAND LUGGAGE
Normal cabin baggage rules apply
WEDDING DRESS AS CHECKED LUGGAGE
Normal checked baggage rules apply
WEDDING CAKE
N/A
RESTRICTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION
There are no storage facilities on-board to hang or store items
Aer Lingus
WEDDING DRESS AS HAND LUGGAGE
Normal cabin baggage rules apply
WEDDING DRESS AS CHECKED LUGGAGE
Normal checked baggage rules apply
WEDDING CAKE
Wedding cakes can be carried either as hand luggage or checked luggage
Normal baggage rules apply
RESTRICTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION
Wedding dresses do not require prior approval for travel
Wedding dresses must be packaged carefully
Air Canada
WEDDING DRESS AS HAND LUGGAGE
Wedding dresses can be stored in the overhead bin provided they are within carry-on baggage size restrictions (23 x 40 x 55cms)
The dress should be stored in a garment bag and should be folded in half to reduce wrinkling
WEDDING DRESS AS CHECKED LUGGAGE
N/A
WEDDING CAKE
N/A
RESTRICTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION
Carry-on items can shift during the flight, possibly causing delicate items to be wrinkled, crushed or torn
Items placed in overhead bins may have other items placed on top of them by other passengers
British Airways
WEDDING DRESS AS HAND LUGGAGE
Wedding dresses can be carried as hand luggage if the bag or box the wedding dress is inside, fits within the maximum permitted dimensions and allowance for hand baggage
Cabin crew may be able to assist in hanging the wedding dress up but this cannot be guaranteed as the flight could be busy or the wardrobe space may be limited (short haul flights to and from London Gatwick don’t have any wardrobe space)
WEDDING DRESS AS CHECKED LUGGAGE
Dresses should be packed in a sturdy box or suitcase and can be checked in as part of the passenger’s checked baggage allowance
WEDDING CAKE
N/A
RESTRICTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION
N/A
easyJet
WEDDING DRESS AS HAND LUGGAGE
Wedding dresses can be carried as cabin baggage as long as they fit within the standard size limits of 56 x 45 x 25cms
Dresses will be classed as one maximum-sized piece of cabin baggage
WEDDING DRESS AS CHECKED LUGGAGE
Dresses can also be carried as part of the passenger’s checked luggage allowance
WEDDING CAKE
Wedding cakes can be carried as cabin baggage only, but they cannot exceed the cabin bag size of 56 x 45 x 25cms (including handles and wheels if in a bag)
Cakes must be stored in the overhead locker or under the seat in front of the passenger and not carried on the passenger’s lap
The cabin crew are unable to store cakes
RESTRICTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION
N/A
Flybe
WEDDING DRESS AS HAND LUGGAGE
Wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, suits and kilts can be carried as hand luggage providing they meet the cabin baggage size and weight restrictions
These will be classed as the passenger’s one piece of cabin luggage
It may be acceptable to take the item to the gate where the item will be taken by a member of ground staff to load into the aircraft hold – subject to local airport procedures
WEDDING DRESS AS CHECKED LUGGAGE
Wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, suits and kilts can be checked into the hold as part of the standard baggage allowance
Kilts/kilt sets: The kilt pin and sgian gubh, (the decorative knife which goes into the sock), must be checked into the hold
WEDDING CAKE
Wedding cakes may be carried onboard the aircraft and separate tiers can be placed under separate seats depending on how many passengers are travelling in the party
If passengers wish to take the cake on an international flight, they are required to contact Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) on: 020 7238 6951
RESTRICTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION
Wedding attire should be sufficiently packed to protect against any damage
Travellers must hold the appropriate travel insurance for flying with wedding attire
KLM
WEDDING DRESS AS HAND LUGGAGE
Wedding dresses can be taken into the cabin instead of a piece of hand baggage if it is packed in a clothing bag and meets normal cabin baggage rules
WEDDING DRESS AS CHECKED LUGGAGE
Wedding dresses can be checked into the hold and brought instead of a suitcase, or instead of an extra suitcase bought in advance
WEDDING CAKE
N/A
RESTRICTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION
On KLM flights within Europe with Boeing 737, Fokker 70 and Embraer aircraft, there is limited storage space in the cabin, so passengers can only bring a wedding dress to be checked into the hold
Passengers do not need to book a reservation when transporting their wedding dress
Lufthansa
WEDDING DRESS AS HAND LUGGAGE
Wedding dresses can be carried as part of carry-on baggage
Lufthansa recommend that passengers carry the dress in a foldable garment bag that should not exceed the dimensions of 57 x 54 x 15cms and a weight of 8kgs
WEDDING DRESS AS CHECKED LUGGAGE
Passengers can check their dress in as part of their normal baggage allowance
WEDDING CAKE
N/A
RESTRICTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION
If Lufthansa are unable to carry a passenger’s wedding dress, time:matters, a cargo company, will be able to transport the wedding dress on behalf of Lufthansa
Monarch
WEDDING DRESS AS HAND LUGGAGE
Wedding dresses should be packed within the dimensions of hand baggage to be carried on-board
There are no on-board facilities to hang wedding dresses
WEDDING DRESS AS CHECKED LUGGAGE
Wedding dresses can be packed for carriage in the hold
WEDDING CAKE
N/A
RESTRICTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION
There is no additional baggage allowance given for wedding attire
Qantas Group
WEDDING DRESS AS HAND LUGGAGE
Passengers can take their wedding dress on board as long as it fits within the maximum carry-on baggage dimensions
WEDDING DRESS AS CHECKED LUGGAGE
If the wedding dress does not fit within the carry-on baggage dimensions, it must be carried as checked baggage
WEDDING CAKE
N/A
RESTRICTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION
N/A
Ryanair
WEDDING DRESS AS HAND LUGGAGE
Wedding dresses can be carried as hand luggage if they fit within the maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20cms and 10kgs when packed
WEDDING DRESS AS CHECKED LUGGAGE
If the wedding dress does not fit within the cabin baggage dimensions, then it should be checked in as part of the passenger’s checked baggage allowance
WEDDING CAKE
N/A
RESTRICTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION
There are no storage facilities on board to hang or store items
Passengers can purchase an extra seat for the carriage of a wedding dress in the cabin
To book an extra seat for the carriage of a wedding dress, passengers must go online and select ‘2 seats’ – the first seat should be booked in the actual passenger’s name and the other should be entered as ‘ITEM SEAT’ as the last name and ‘EXTRA’ as the first name. The name EXTRA ITEM SEAT will then be displayed on the online boarding pass
Reserved seating in emergency rows 1, 16 and 17 may not be purchased if passenger has purchased an extra seat for item / comfort
Thomas Cook Airlines
WEDDING DRESS AS HAND LUGGAGE
The hand baggage allowance provided is 11kgs per person for the wedding couple
This baggage must be split over two bags, one as 6kgs and the other as 5kgs. All hand baggage needs to be within the size restrictions of 55 x 40 x 20cms
Any additional items required by the bride and groom, including a wedding dress, can be taken as hand baggage
This information supersedes any other hand baggage documentation
WEDDING DRESS AS CHECKED LUGGAGE
N/A
WEDDING CAKE
N/A
RESTRICTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION
This information does not apply to flight-only bookings. This information applies to Thomas Cook wedding package holidays travelling with Thomas Cook Airlines
Thomson Airways
WEDDING DRESS AS HAND LUGGAGE
Normal hand baggage restrictions apply
WEDDING DRESS AS CHECKED LUGGAGE
N/A
WEDDING CAKE
N/A
RESTRICTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION
If travellers book a Thomson Wedding, couples are given 5kgs of extra luggage each free of charge
Thomson Airways recommends contacting Memories Boxes, as they make wedding dress travel boxes that fit in with airline guides
US Airways
WEDDING DRESS AS HAND LUGGAGE
Wedding dresses can be stored in the overhead bin provided they meet the carry-on baggage size requirements
It’s recommended that traveller’s store the dress in a garment bag and fold it in half to reduce wrinkling. Carry-on items often shift in-flight which could possibly wrinkle, crush, or tear delicate items
The maximum garment bag size is 51ins/130cms
WEDDING DRESS AS CHECKED LUGGAGE
N/A
WEDDING CAKE
N/A
RESTRICTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION
US Airways cannot guarantee that items stored in overhead bins will not have other items placed on top of them by other passengers
Virgin Atlantic
WEDDING DRESS AS HAND LUGGAGE
Passengers can take their dress on-board in addition to their hand luggage
Cabin crew, where space permits, hang dresses up but on some flights the wardrobe space is limited and this cannot be guaranteed
Wedding dresses should be packed in a box or bag so if the crew are unable to find space to hang it, it can be safely stowed
This service is not available on Little Red (UK domestic) flights
WEDDING DRESS AS CHECKED LUGGAGE
Wedding dresses can be checked in but passengers must ensure they pack the dress into a separate suitcase and mark the suitcase as ‘fragile wedding garments’
Where possible the dress should be packed into a plastic bag for extra protection
If the separate suitcase is outside of the passenger’s baggage allowance, they will have to purchase excess baggage
WEDDING CAKE
N/A
RESTRICTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION
N/A
We’ve covered the most-popular airlines here, but if your carrier isn’t in the list, please contact them directly for a overview of wedding dress and cake policy.
Getting to the airport
Upgrade to hotel before you fly
Starting your journey together as a couple shouldn’t be blighted by an ankle-scraping, suitcase-laden assault course on public transport or a budget-busting trip in a taxi that may or may not turn up before your flight leaves… you need meet and greet airport parking.
Meet and greet: Drive your car straight to the terminal where a fully insured chauffeur will help unload your cases before delivering your car straight to a secure airport car park – as you beat the scrum and head to the departure lounge.
Get your meet and greet quote here
Alternatively… Avoid the early morning dash to the terminal with a hotel and parking package for the night before you fly. Taking this option won’t just extend your beauty sleep, but will cost from as little as £5.00 to add a hotel room to your airport parking package. With a wide range of hotels available for all major UK airports, simply click below to see what’s on offer.
Get your hotel and parking quote here
At the airport… departure day
Book your luxurious lounge
Negotiating an airport was found to be more stressful than moving house in one study, so dodge the frown lines with our guide to easing your progress through the terminal.
Fast-track security queues: Spending quality time with your intended is always welcome, but a two-hour shuffle to the security desk might be stretching this idiom to its limits. Not a problem, simply swerve the bottleneck and take a fast-track to airside by booking your place in one of the priority lanes offered at most airports. Pre-booking will save cash and even more time. Here’s a full list of fast-track lanes and how to book them at UK airports.
Manchester Airport Manchester Airport Edinburgh Airport Edinburgh Airport Bristol Airport Bristol Airport Heathrow Airport Heathrow Airport Luton Airport Luton Airport Newcastle Airport Newcastle Airport Leeds-Bradford Airport Leeds-Bradford Airport |
Birmingham Airport Birmingham Airport East Midlands Airport East Midlands Airport Southampton Airport Southampton Airport Aberdeen Airport Aberdeen Airport Belfast International Airport Belfast International Airport Liverpool John Lennon Airport Liverpool John Lennon Airport Exeter Airport Exeter Airport |
Manchester Airport
Security Fast Track
How much: £3.50 per person
Book here
Edinburgh Airport
FastTRACK
How much: £5.00 per person
Book here
Bristol Airport
Fast Track
How much: £3.95 per person
Book it here
Heathrow Airport
Fast Track
How much: Comes with your airline ticket from participating airlines
Find out if you qualify here
Luton Airport
Priority Lane
How much: £3.00 online – £5.00 at terminal per person
Book it here
Newcastle Airport
Security Fast Track
How much: £3.00 per person
Book it here
Leeds-Bradford Airport
Fast Track
How much: £4.00 per person
Book it here
Birmingham Airport
Express Lane
How much: £3.00 per person
Book it here
East Midlands Airport
Express Lane
How much: £3.00 per person
Book it here
Southampton Airport
Priority Security
How much: £3.50 per person
Book it here
Aberdeen Airport
Priority security
How much: £3.50 per person
Book it here
Belfast International Airport
Priority Security
How much: £3.00 per person
Book it here (System seems to be unavailable at present)
Liverpool John Lennon Airport
FastTrack
How much: £3.50 online – £5.00 at terminal per person
Book it here
Exeter Airport
Fast-Track
How much: £4.00
Get more information here
Airport lounge: So, you’ve leapfrogged security, but if the prospect of playing ‘stalk the seat’ or ‘queue for the loo’ doesn’t impress, why not slip away from the departure lounge chaos and immerse yourself in the relaxing calm of an airport lounge. From complimentary drinks and food to free Wi-Fi and plentiful seating, it’s the perfect way to relax before you fly. Don’t miss out on this jet-set luxury at seriously down-to-earth prices.
Get your airport lounge quote here
On the plane
Keep the romance flying high
Don’t think your can’t travel in comfort just because you’re not in first class…
Best seats in the house: Don’t spoil your flight by getting relegated to the cheap seats once you make it to the plane. Seats on exit rows can offer business class-like legroom, while those against bulkheads won’t be able to recline – make sure you get the best seats in the house by heading to Seatguru.com. Here, you’ll be able enter your flight number to locate a seating plan for your plane. Use this information to find the posh seats and pre-book them with your carrier. Many airlines charge a small premium for reserving the best seats, but the additional comfort is well worth the extra cash.
Find the finest seats here Seatguru.com
Coming home… the good times are just starting
Champagne and caviar delivered by your local supermarket… prices correct Aug 2015
Coming home… the good times are just starting
Champagne and Caviar: Side-step the curdled milk and mildew-dusted Stilton by pre-ordering a delivery of Champagne and Caviar to coincide with your return home. Simply use the following list to book your order…
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Asda Asda has a minimum order limit of £25.00 and charges range between £3.00 and £5.50. The cheapest time slots are Monday to Thursday – and you can place your order up to three weeks in advance of delivery. Morrisons Delivery slots will cost £1.00, £3.00, or £5.00 depending on whether your one-hour slot is during peak, off-peak, or standard hours. Morrisons has a limited coverage at present and you have to register before finding out if your area is covered. Ocado The online supermarket has a minimum order value of £40. Charges vary depending on delivery address, the day and time of your chosen slot and the value of your order. If your order is less than £75, it may be subject to slightly higher delivery charges. Equally, if your order is over £75 you may be offered free delivery at certain times. The cheapest slots are generally in the evening from 9pm and in the morning from 6am-7am. Ocado says delivery cost depends on the time and your location, but can range from £0-£6.99. You’ll need to get yourself an account to see if Ocado delivers in your area. Head to Ocado here. |
Sainsbury’s There is a £25 minimum order value on all orders. Those over £40 will be charged a delivery fee of between £1.00 and £6.00. Orders under £40 will be charged a maximum delivery fee of £6.95. There is no delivery charge for orders over £100 booked for delivery on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday after 2pm. Tesco This supermarket charges £1.00-£6.00 with its cheapest delivery slots Tuesday to Friday. The £1.00 delivery slots are available at selected times only and subject to availability when you spend £25.00. A £4.00 minimum basket charge applies to all orders under £25.00. Waitrose Waitrose is the only one of the major supermarkets to offer free delivery across all its delivery slots, but you will need to spend at least £60.00 per shop. There is no option available for shops of less than £60.00. |
Asda has a minimum order limit of £25.00 and charges range between £3.00 and £5.50. The cheapest time slots are Monday to Thursday – and you can place your order up to three weeks in advance of delivery.
See if Asda deliver to your home address here
Delivery slots will cost £1.00, £3.00, or £5.00 depending on whether your one-hour slot is during peak, off-peak, or standard hours. Morrisons has a limited coverage at present and you have to register before finding out if your area is covered.
Head to Morrison’s here
The online supermarket has a minimum order value of £40. Charges vary depending on delivery address, the day and time of your chosen slot and the value of your order. If your order is less than £75, it may be subject to slightly higher delivery charges. Equally, if your order is over £75 you may be offered free delivery at certain times. The cheapest slots are generally in the evening from 9pm and in the morning from 6am-7am. Ocado says delivery cost depends on the time and your location, but can range from £0-£6.99. You’ll need to get yourself an account to see if Ocado delivers in your area.
Head to Ocado here.
There is a £25 minimum order value on all orders. Those over £40 will be charged a delivery fee of between £1.00 and £6.00. Orders under £40 will be charged a maximum delivery fee of £6.95. There is no delivery charge for orders over £100 booked for delivery on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday after 2pm.
Check if Sainsbury’s deliver to your area here
This supermarket charges £1.00-£6.00 with its cheapest delivery slots Tuesday to Friday. The £1.00 delivery slots are available at selected times only and subject to availability when you spend £25.00. A £4.00 minimum basket charge applies to all orders under £25.00.
Check Tesco.com to see if the supermarket delivers to your area.
Waitrose is the only one of the major supermarkets to offer free delivery across all its delivery slots, but you will need to spend at least £60.00 per shop. There is no option available for shops of less than £60.00.
Find out if Waitrose delivers to your house by entering your postcode on the homepage
