Don’t forget these must-have items for your first vacation as Mr. and Mrs.
by Alex del Tufo
Your wedding is one of the biggest days of your life. All eyes are on you—from your vows to cutting the cake. Thankfully, after all of the stress and chaos, the serenity of your honeymoon awaits.
But preparing for a honeymoon amidst all of the wedding planning can be a huge stressor for couples. Once you choose your destination, don’t wait until the last minute to pack your bags. Here are some pointers on practical and versatile honeymoon items (remember, your packing list will be determined by your honeymoon destination).
Related: Can’t Get Away for Long? Here Are 4 Amazing Mini-Moon Spots
GETTING THERE
Luggage
It’s important to have a safe and efficient place to store your belongings. According to suitcase savant and Bag & Baggage owner Jim McKenzie, the most popular type of travel bags are lightweight spinners. Not only are they easy to maneuver and lift, but they don’t take up any extra weight at baggage check. McKenzie recommends Bag & Baggage’s Lipault Paris luggage.
$199-$259 at Bag & Baggage, 4001 Kennett Pike, Greenville, Del., (302) 661-2247
Luggage tag
Getting your suitcase mixed up at baggage claim can really put a damper on your honeymoon. Grab a brightly colored or patterned luggage tag to avoid mishaps.
$3.49-$12.50 at Bag & Baggage
No jet lag
Step right into your vacation routine without the deterrence of jet lag. The homeopathic remedy “No Jet Lag” comes in tablet form and contains natural ingredients. It works to reduce the negative effects of traveling so you’re ready to run right to the beach (or the bar) when you land.
$14.95 at Bag & Baggage
Slip-ons
Removing your shoes at the airport is a pain—make your life easier with a comfortable pair of slip-ons. They are chic, breathable and lightweight—perfect for trekking through the terminal and casual strolls with your new hubby.
Sofft Somers Slip-on, $78 at Louella, 227 E. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, Pa.; 335 E. King St., Malvern, Pa.; 1012 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, Pa., (610) 293-9800
Travel/beach bag
Mushmina’s lightweight and spacious bags, made from custom upholstery fabrics, are perfect for hauling your necessities through the airport and straight onto the beach. They vary in size and come in unique designs so your bag will never be lost in the crowd.
$170-$250 at Mushmina, 164 E. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, Pa., (610) 293-8089
ON THE BEACH
Bikini
If you’re still seeking the spotlight after your wedding day, sport a bikini featuring sequin slogans such as “Just Married,” “Wifey” or “Bride” as you stroll down the beach with your new husband. Moztrend Bachelorette Wedding Apparel, located in Philadelphia, sells these bikinis and more online.
$34.95 at Moztrend
Boardshorts
If you’re looking for a bit more coverage, grab a pair of boardshorts. Slip them on over your bikini for a walk on the beach or before you and your hubby head out to paddleboard.
Volcom Simply Solid 2” Boardshorts, $40 at Liquid, 19406 Coastal Hwy., Rehoboth Beach, Del., (302) 227-7130
Beach towel
Leave your boring bath towels at home and snag something more unique. GrassRoots suggests its fashionable and fun-colored round towels. They vary in bright colors and patterns, with many sporting fun phrases like “Hello Sunshine” and “This is My Happy Place.”
$56 at GrassRoots, 93 E. Main St., Newark, Del., (302) 453-9751
Cover-up
From a day at the beach to a casual dinner, a cover-up can serve multiple purposes. No. 109 Shop suggests Poupette St. Barth’s Sasha Mini Dress. It’s lightweight, flowy and flirty.
$320 at No. 109 Shop
Sun hat
Make a statement (you are a newlywed after all). Sport a large straw hat by Eugenia Kim when the rays get too strong—each hat is adorned with fun phrases like “talk to the sand” and “Fiesta not siesta.”
Prices vary, Neiman Marcus, 170 N. Gulph Road, King of Prussia, Pa., (610) 962-6200
Tumbler
Show off your new title whenever you get thirsty with Kate Spade’s “miss to mrs.” tumbler. It also makes for the perfect prop in your Instagram selfies.
$18 at Whimsy, 3838 Kennett Pike Suite 101, Greenville, Del., (302) 656-4880
Sunscreen/makeup
Get a done-up look while protecting your skin with SkinCeuticals Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50 ($34). It’s an oil-absorbing sunscreen that is also a weightless mousse, providing a universal tint for all skin tones. Also pick up bareMinerals’ Mineral Veil SPF 25, a sheer, smooth powder ($22) to lock in your makeup.
Houppette, 3842 Kennett Pike, Greenville, Del., (302) 421-9036
A NIGHT OUT (OR IN)
Dress
Pack something that you can dress up or down. Louella suggests the Alice & Trixie Tyra Dress. Nichole Ferrera, director of sales at Alice & Trixie, says, “It’s lightweight, virtually wrinkle-free and washes up like a dream!”
$275 at Louella, 227 E. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, Pa.; 335 E. King St., Malvern, Pa.; 1012 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, Pa., (610) 293-9800
Clutch
Grab a small clutch for nights out when you just need your lipstick, phone and room key. Pick up Tiana’s foldover clutch, which can be monogrammed with your new initials and even your wedding date.
$180 at Peter Kate, 2303 Concord Pike, Wilmington, (302) 656-7463
Lingerie
Bra Spectrum’s Ivette Bridal collection features everything from bras and panties to garter belts and robes. And the lace shapewear is great for those who love to look sexy but prefer a bit of coverage.
Bra, $120-$140; shapewear, $90-$110; stockings, $20-$60 at Bra Spectrum, 842 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, Pa., (610) 228-4636
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