Destination weddings have an irresistible charm – the allure of far-off locales, the blend of cultures, and the intimacy of a close-knit celebration. However, when it comes to packing for such an occasion, you may find yourself grappling with the challenge of keeping your luggage light yet stylish. In this article, we’ll unravel the secrets to mastering the art of packing light for destination weddings, ensuring you look fabulous without the excess baggage.
Carry Sets
Even if you decide on carrying the exact number of outfits, that will still create more weight than mixing and matching and breaking and wearing. What you need is to pick outfits smartly containing 3 or 4 pieces instead of just one. This way, you can pair the blouse of one with the pants of another or the skirt of one with the blouse of another. This gives you more outfits while keeping the weight down. Let’s say you pick a jacket saree, you can wear the saree separately while pairing the jacket with a pair of pants and the same blouse as the saree. This gives you flexibility to style and more space to pack other important things, like accessories. Take a cue from Janhvi Kapoor’s jacket-style sharara set – a versatile set of 3, and pieces that can be worn separately, too.
Versatile Shoes
Juttis are multi-functional and versatile pairs of footwear. One jutti can go with lehengas, sarees as well as sharara sets. Pick colours like gold, silver, white or black that will be easy to pair with most of your outfits since the embroidery, embellishments or accents of the clothes will probably match. It also goes well with gold- and silver-based jewellery, tying the look together. If you’re not big on flats, you can opt for high heels, sling-back heels, or classic stilettos like Priyanka Chopra. If you are wearing something that has a flared bottom, like palazzo pants or a lehenga skirt, then opt for heeled footwear since they accentuate the flare even more.
Multipurpose Blouses
A must-have for all your wardrobes is gold and silver blouses. You might have noted that many women pair staple blouses with various pieces time and again and still look different. That is because the colours are such that they pair up well with most of your ethnic garments, making them super versatile. Blouses can be worn with high-waisted flare pants, lehenga skirts, sharara pants, sarees and whatnot. They also make accessorising easy and add the perfect amount of glam.
Pick Lightweight Fabrics
Packing light involves one major factor, and that is lightweight fabrics such as chiffon, georgette, and organza. Ditch heavyweight fabrics like velvet, silk and sequined materials. Be it sarees, lehengas or suit sets, you can rock all of these in lighter materials, especially for summer weddings. They give a light and flowy feel that also provides ease of movement and prevents the fabric from sticking to your skin. You can accessorise with chandelier earrings, Kundan sets and tassel jewellery to add a pop of colour. Let’s take inspiration from Ananya Panday, who wore a light printed georgette saree for her movie promotions.
Pro Tip: Layering: Utilize layering to create diverse outfits. A lightweight shawl or jacket can transform a simple dress into an elegant ensemble for a formal affair.
Bag: That Goes with Everything
Opt for a statement piece that seamlessly complements all your outfits. A versatile, neutral-coloured clutch or a chic crossbody bag can be the perfect companion, effortlessly pairing with a range of ensembles. This eliminates the need to lug around multiple bags and helps you maintain a polished look. Picking gold and silver is the safest option, but you can pick colours depending on the accents of your ensembles. Choose something with heavy embellishments like mirrors, sequins, hangings, pearls and laces.
Jewellery: Classic Pieces and Sets
When it comes to jewellery, focus on classic pieces and sets that can be mixed and matched. Carry some dainty necklaces, timeless chandelier earrings, and a versatile chunky bracelet. These can be easily worn separately to create different looks for various events. This not only reduces the amount of jewellery you pack but also allows you to adapt your accessories to different outfits. And if you like wearing real pieces of jewellery, you will have to carry fewer pieces, which will reduce the risk. You can also carry a statement belt with a slight pop of colour to stand out. Check out Sonam Kapoor’s classic gold set containing a necklace and earrings that can be styled in multiple ways.
Skip The Cancan
While it’s tempting to go all-out with voluminous skirts and extravagant gowns, packing such outfits can quickly escalate the weight of your luggage and occupy unnecessary space in your suitcase. Instead, choose lightweight fabrics with pleated flare like Kiara Advani, who wore a white lehenga with a statement contrasting yellow dupatta. Flowy silhouettes that don’t compromise on style will keep you comfortable and minimize the bulk. It will also allow ease of movement and room for styling.
Choose Prints Over Embellishments
When selecting your outfits, prioritize prints over heavy embellishments. Prints not only add a touch of elegance but also save you from carrying excessive accessories to enhance your look. They effortlessly add visual interest and depth to your attire, allowing you to maintain a sophisticated appearance without the need for heavy adornments. Embellishments also add more weight to the outfit as well as the suitcase. Prints also offer a large variety from geometric to floral in a myriad of colours, giving you a wide range to pick from for every occasion. Take a hint from Alia Bhatt, who wore a polka dot off-shoulder gown with gold accents.
Packing light for destination weddings is not only practical but also a creative exercise in curating a versatile and chic wardrobe. By selecting statement pieces, opting for classic jewellery sets, choosing comfort over bulk, and embracing prints over embellishments, you can effortlessly master the art of packing light. So, pack smart, travel light, and get ready to make unforgettable memories at that dreamy destination wedding.