Being asked to be a bridesmaid is an honor. Brides usually choose their closest friends and relatives for the job. It is hard enough to a bridesmaid if the wedding is at home. And, for a destination wedding, it takes a bit of planning to ensure that you have everything you need for the big day.

Plan on the luggage you need to take.

You need at least two – the suitcase that will have the bulk of your things and a garment bag or folder which will hold your bridesmaid dress. If you are flying, remember the 50-pound weight limit and maximum 2 carry-on inside the plane.

Clothes, Shoes and Accessories

Whether the wedding is at the beach or in the mountains; be it in a ranch or a cruise ship, you will need more than just your bridesmaid dress for a formal dress. Usually, there is a welcome dinner, which might be formal or informal but you cannot walk in there in your shorts and t-shirt. Plan to play dress up for this one. And don’t forget the rehearsal dinner. That is also a dress up affair.

Depending on what you have planned for the bachelorette party, you need jeans, slacks or even a little black dress. Comfy yet trendy tops are a must from the button-down variety to the shark bite hemline. Bring swimsuits and cover-ups too. If it is not a beach wedding, there is always a swimming pool around.

If there is a time to overpack, this is it. So make sure that you have shoes to fit the occasion! Your formal high heels for the wedding; two-inch and kitten heels for the informal welcome dinner, rehearsal dinner and breakfast. You might also need flip-flops for the pool or the beach. And sneakers if you jog or workout in the gym.

Sunglasses are also a must. Bring several pairs if you feel you need more than one! And most important of all, your jewelry – from earrings to rings to bracelets, even a wristwatch that you will need for the wedding. You might not need any of those during the other days, but definitely bring what you need for the big day.

Hair and Make-Up

The extra hair and make-up products needed for a wedding is probably more than what you are used to bringing along on a trip.

For your hair, bring your curling iron, hair spray and styling brushes. Decide what hairstyle you want before you leave home. In fact, try out different styles. Remember that nowadays, you are no longer constraint by the color and length of your own hair. There are hair extensions and wigs available out there. Best of all, there are affordable virgin hair from Brazil that can last up to two years with proper care and maintenance.

Even if this the first time you will try using hair extensions, you have You Tube to teach you. Try out different hair styles with the bride and other bridesmaids. You can even make it into another girl party!

For make-up, bring your whole make-up and skin care line that you use daily. Don’t forget the brushes too. Make sure you have sunscreen. It is even better if your primer and foundation are SPF rated.

Smartphone, Tablets and Camera

Our devices travel with us. And though we try our best to keep them safe and not lose them, it is also very important that we keep the data we keep in them safe.

Protecting your digital information is just as important as your physical space. When traveling, there are many public Wi-Fi. These networks are an easy access point for cybercriminals. Some fraudsters even create their own hot spots and name them based on the location.

Avoid accessing these free public Wi-Fi. If possible, use the ones in your hotel room. And if you really need to be connected, arrange with your service provided at home for a data package while outside your coverage area. Or, if you have an unlocked phone, get a local sim and purchase a data plan.

That’s it! Enjoy the trip and celebrate the joy of your friend’s wedding as she faces the first day of the rest of her life.

[Bride and bridesmaids Photo by Demetrius Washington; Hairdresser Photo by Tanja Heffner; Bridesmaid Photo by Valerie Elash; Make Up Photo by freestocks.org – all on Unsplash. Rimowa luggage courtesy of Rimowa. iPad and iPhone courtesy of Apple.]