This entry is from our Expert Guest series where wedding and honeymoon professionals share their best tips on creating memories that last a lifetime.
You’ve said your vows, all the photos have been taken, and you shared your first dance. After months (maybe years!) of planning, your wedding day is over and you’re ready to celebrate as newlyweds and leave for your honeymoon in wedded bliss. Are you ready though? With the craziness of wedding planning, the honeymoon plans and packing can sometimes be put on the backburner.
Here are some guidelines for what to include in your luggage, along with tips to make sure everything you need is packed and you are not forgetting anything important. We want to help make sure you’re prepared with everything you need for your first getaway as a married couple.
Guidelines For Honeymoon Packing
Pack your Must-Haves First
No matter what your destination is, there will be a few items you cannot leave without. Pack the items that you will absolutely need, and keep a list so you can check off items as you pack them. Some necessities include:
- Passport and/or Driver’s License
- Airline Ticket or E-ticket
- Credit Cards
- Cash
- Travelers Checks
- Hotel/Resort Confirmation
- Prescription Medicine
Toiletries
If you’re flying, try to bring travel size toiletries to save room and make sure your checked bag doesn’t exceed the weight limit, or maybe you won’t need to check a bag at all. You won’t want to forget the following toiletries:
- Toothpaste and Toothbrushes
- Contact Solution and Case
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Hair gel, mousse, etc.
- Hair dryer, straightener, curling iron, etc.
- Hair Accessories
- Moisturizer
- Cosmetics
- Face Wash
- Make Up remover
- Shaving Cream
- Deodorant
- Razor
- Brush/Comb
- Nail File
- Cotton Balls and Q-tips
Clothing for Her
This list can be adjusted to fit the season, location, and any activities you’ll be doing, but here are some guidelines:
- Bathing Suits
- Underwear and Bras
- Socks
- Lingerie and Pajamas
- Swim Cover-Ups
- Casual Dresses
- Formal Dress (or more if you will be attending multiple formal events)
- T-shirts and Tank Tops
- Shorts
- Flip Flops
- Sandals/Walking Shoes
- Cardigan or sweatshirt
- Jeans
- Light Jacket or heavier coat (if needed)
- Sneakers
- Jewelry and Accessories
Clothing for Him
This can be adjusted to fit the season, location, and any activities you’ll be doing, but here are some guidelines:
- Jeans
- Slacks or Khakis
- T-shirts
- Polos
- Button Down Shirts
- Shorts
- Bathing Suits
- Flip Flops
- Lace-up/Closed Toe shoes
- Sneakers
- Underwear
- Socks
- Belt
Extras You’ll Want
Some of this could be purchased once you arrive but it’s best to pack the miscellaneous items at home. Purchasing items at a resort or out of the country can be pricey. Definitely remember to include the following in your luggage:
- Bug Spray
- Ibuprofen
- Tums
- Allergy Medication, if needed
- Tampons, if needed
- Contraception
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Aloe
- Band aids
- Gum
Entertainment
You are most likely traveling somewhere via plane, train, or car. Don’t forget about the downtime. Think about bringing a few items to keep you both occupied. They might even come in handy for a rainy day while you are still vacationing.
- Books or Kindle
- Magazines
- Playing Cards or Travel Games
- iPad or Tablet for Movies and Games
Other:
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Phone Charger
- Camera and Charger
- Headphones
- Small Purse or Clutch
- Tote Bag
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
If you’re leaving for your honeymoon right after your wedding, it is easy to place it on the back burner and focus only on tasks for the big day. Don’t let honeymoon packing fall to the wayside. You won’t want to be rushing to get everything packed on time. Put aside some time a few days before the wedding to organize yourself for your honeymoon as well.
Have Fun
Try not to let packing cause any more wedding stress. Remember, this is your time to enjoy your first days together as a married couple. Your honeymoon will be a fun and romantic time as newlyweds. Enjoy it!
Plan ahead for honeymoon financing with a Honeyfund wedding registry.
Bio: Erica is a technical copywriter by day and wanna-be comedian blogger by night. She is enjoying life as a newlywed and blogs over at thesnarkyscoop.com . Read her recaps of The Bachelor(ette), pet peeves like people with lack of personal space, and celebrity obsessions, but mostly recaps of the The Bachelor.
