Planning a destination wedding comes with a unique set of logistics, and one detail that often gets overlooked is how to handle wedding favors. While they’re a small part of the big picture, shipping your favors to your destination safely and on time requires thoughtful coordination. Whether you're tying the knot on a tropical beach, in a European villa, or at a cozy mountain resort, this guide will help you navigate the process of shipping wedding favors for your destination wedding.
1. Choose Travel-Friendly Favors
Before you even think about shipping, start by selecting favors that are practical to transport. Lightweight, compact, and non-fragile items are ideal. Think luggage tags, customized keychains, sachets, or locally inspired tokens that don’t break easily. Avoid anything perishable, overly delicate, or restricted by customs, such as certain foods or plants.
2. Know the Customs Regulations
If you're getting married in another country, research customs rules well in advance. Some countries have strict regulations around imported goods, especially food, seeds and liquids. Check with the destination’s customs authority or speak to your shipping provider about any restrictions to avoid surprises or delays.
3. Ship Early (But Not Too Early)
Timing is everything. You’ll want to ship early enough to account for potential delays, but not so early that your package sits for weeks and risks being misplaced. Generally, aim to ship your favors 2 to 4 weeks before your wedding date. If you're staying at a resort or hotel, coordinate with their event or concierge team to ensure someone is available to receive and store your shipment.
4. Communicate with the Venue or Planner
Reach out to your wedding venue, planner, or coordinator to confirm that they can accept deliveries on your behalf. Provide them with tracking information, shipping labels, and a detailed inventory of what’s arriving. Label boxes clearly with your name, wedding date, and instructions (e.g., “Box 1 of 3 – Wedding Favors – Please Hold for [Your Name]”).
5. Use a Reliable Shipping Provider
Choose a trusted shipping service that offers international or long-distance tracking, insurance, and delivery confirmation. Services like UPS, FedEx, or DHL are typically more dependable for international or cross-country shipments than standard postal services. Opt for a delivery option that allows you to track the package from start to finish.
6. Consider Bringing Them as Luggage
If your favors are small, lightweight, and not fragile, bringing them in your checked luggage can save you shipping costs and avoid customs delays. Just be mindful of baggage weight limits and pack your items securely to prevent damage. Divide them between a few suitcases if necessary.
7. Pack Smart
Whether you’re shipping or flying with your favors, proper packaging is key. Wrap items individually if they’re fragile, use bubble wrap or packing paper, and pack tightly to minimize movement. Use sturdy boxes and seal them well with strong packing tape. Label each box with your name, contact number, and hotel/venue info.
8. Have a Backup Plan
Things can go wrong—shipments can get delayed, lost, or damaged. To reduce stress, bring a small number of backup favors in your carry-on, or choose favors that can be easily sourced locally at your destination if needed. You might also consider using digital favors (such as a photo thank-you or donation in guests' names) in case of emergencies.
9. Confirm Delivery Upon Arrival
As soon as you arrive at your destination, check in with your venue or planner to ensure your favors have arrived safely. Open the packages, inspect the contents, and make sure everything is in order before the big day.
Final Thoughts
Shipping wedding favors for a destination wedding adds an extra layer of planning, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Keep things simple, stay organized, and communicate clearly with everyone involved. Your guests will appreciate the thought and effort, no matter where in the world you're celebrating.
