Southern Style Cooking: I’m Going to 7 Out-of-State Weddings This Year

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

I’m Going to 7 Out-of-State Weddings This Year—Here’s What I’ve Learned to Always Pack

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Weddings

I'm Going to 7 Out-of-State Weddings This Year—Here's What I've Learned to Always Pack

With so many 2020 and 2021 weddings postponed, I find myself in the maybe not-so-unique position of attending seven weddings this year. For the first wedding, in April, I took an Amtrak to Massachusetts, where I realized I had forgotten a key item while getting ready: a strapless bra. By the magic of safety pins—which I had to borrow from my future mother-in-law—I was able to transform my regular bra into a makeshift strapless version, turning what could have been a fashion disaster into a regular 'ol fashion headache.

Because me forgetting something essential isn't exactly new, I've begun creating an "emergency wedding kit checklist," items to pack for every single wedding, even when I don't think I'll need it (like a strapless bra and safety pins). Below, I've shared four must-have items on my packing list:

REVLON One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer Hot Air Brush: I've written about my Revlon hairdryer at length before, and trust me when I say it's been a lifechanger. It's made with ionic technology, meaning that it dries my locks more quickly and helps retain moisture by sealing the cuticle. The combination of nylon pin and tufted bristles serve to gently detangle my hair, so I don't have to worry about breakage, either. And the oval design helps give it extra volume, leaving me with a shiny and frizz-free look.
iSteam Steamer For Clothes: No matter how I pack my dress, it always comes out of the suitcase looking crumpled. I love this travel steamer because it heats up in less than a minute, smooths out wrinkles quickly, and can be held at an angle. Plus, it's lightweight and compact, making it super easy to stash in a carry-on-sized bag.
Ellis James The Quilted Jewelry Organizer: I've been looking for a travel jewelry case so that I can better organize my earrings and necklaces in my suitcase, speeding up the time it takes to get ready for weddings. This jewelry organizer by Ellis James Designs features two zippered pockets, a removable earring carrier, and ring and necklace straps—perfect for keeping my jewelry secure, untangled, and easily retrievable. It also can fit in a carry-on or purse, so I don't have to worry about checking my jewelry at the airport.
A pair of flats: After three to four hours of dancing, heels just aren't going to cut it. I like to pack an extra pair of flats so I can slip them on when my toes start to blister.

While this packing list is by no means comprehensive, it's a great starting point, and you can round it out by checking out our articles on the best products for your next wedding-related excursion. Cheers!

	Elizabeth Preske Associate Editor

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