Since attending friends’ weddings for the last 15 years, there’s at least one thing I’ve learned in the process: You need to think long and hard about your packing list, especially when it comes to destination weddings. I used to pack everything the night before, throwing various items into my suitcase to mix and match and just hope that my outfits turned out decent. That’s changed since going to my first destination wedding nearly a decade ago—now, my packing ritual is a meticulous process with hand-written lists and hours of research on the local climate, history, and culture to ensure smooth sailing.
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My next stop as a wedding guest? California wine country. I’ve never been to this region of the state, but I’m looking forward to a relaxing beach day in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a coastal cocktail-themed welcome party, and witnessing a beautiful wedding ceremony among the grapevines. Here’s everything I’m packing for my eighth destination wedding, including my ride-or-die travel essentials, summer wardrobe staples, beauty go-tos, and coastal-themed accessories, starting at $19.
The Travel Essentials
You’ll never catch me traveling anywhere without these six staples, whether it’s a one-night upstate getaway or a trip across the world. Away’s Featherlight Tote is exactly that—light as a feather—making it the absolute best carry-on or weekender bag. That’s especially true if you’re anything like me and love to stuff your dedicated personal item to the brim with writing, listening, and reading materials, as well as beauty and sleep essentials. I can’t even fall asleep now without a blackout eye mask and moisturizing lip balm.
The Airport Outfits
Despite recent trends, looking chic at the airport is the last thing I care about; I need nonrestrictive, comfortable clothes that feel warm and cozy enough for the inevitably chilly flight. Sometimes I’ll bring an extra pair of shoes in my carry-on so I can switch out of my sneakers (needed in case I find myself sprinting through the terminal) and into some slip-on shoes once boarded. Flying with compression socks is always a good idea, and I’ve never worn a Bombas sock I didn’t love.
The Beach Day Staples
For our free day in Carmel-by-the-Sea, I’m packing a super flattering Abercrombie and Fitch bikini, covering up with this versatile white maxi skirt and breathable striped button-down, and donning a pair of coastal-appropriate woven flats that will be easy to knock the sand out thanks to the open weave design.
Coastal Cocktail Attire
Based on the Pinterest board alone, the night before event is destined to be just as chic as the actual wedding. I’m dressing up in coastal hues of ocean blue and mermaid metallics complemented with fish-themed earrings and accessories. Beauty-wise, I’m keeping it simple with glowy, coral-brushed cheeks, thanks to my go-to summer blush from Saie.
Vows Under the Vines
As a member of the house party, my attire will consist of a gorgeous pink maxi dress, gold wedges to avoid sinking into the dewy grass, gold and pearl earrings, and a mermaid-core clutch to hold my day’s essentials: a film camera, wallet, and my trusty cream blush and skin tint for evening touch-ups.
