I've watched a lot of brides unpack in hotel suites across Italy, and the ones who look relaxed on the wedding morning have one thing in common: they packed with a list, not with a feeling. Most packing lists online are written for a beach resort. This destination wedding packing list is written for Italy: historic venues, three-day weekends, cobblestones, cool evenings in the hills and a photographer arriving at your suite on the morning.

In your carry-on, always

• The dress, in a breathable garment bag. Never check it. Call your airline in advance to ask how they handle wedding gowns; many will help you store it in a closet or overhead bin.
• The veil, the shoes and the jewelry. Anything you couldn't replace in a day.
• The rings, if they aren't already with someone you trust.
• Passports and any documents for a legal ceremony, originals plus copies. See our guide to getting married in Italy as a foreigner.
• Your vows and any speeches, written on paper. Phones die.
• Medication in original packaging, with prescriptions, plus one change of clothes in case your suitcase arrives a day late.

Pack by event, not by category

Most weddings in Italy are three days long, so think in looks, not in suitcases. Lay each outfit out complete, with shoes, underwear, jewelry and a wrap, and pack it together. It saves you from discovering on Saturday evening that the strapless bra is still in New York.

• Welcome party: something beautiful and easy to move in, often in a color or a theme.
• Wedding day: the gown and accessories, plus a second look if you're changing for the party.
• Farewell brunch: relaxed and pretty, with sunglasses.
• Free days: walking shoes, a hat, a swimsuit, something covered for visiting churches.
• Travel home or honeymoon: one comfortable outfit you love.

For the wedding morning

• A robe or a soft button-up shirt you can take off without touching your hair and makeup. It will be in your getting-ready photos, so choose one you like.
• Comfortable slippers for the hours before the ceremony.
• The right underwear for the dress, tested at your final fitting, plus fashion tape and covers.
• A wooden or padded hanger for the gown. Plastic hangers end up in photographs more often than you'd think.
• A small bag for the day: lipstick, blotting papers, pins, pain relievers, a charger, mints.

Beauty and wellbeing

Bring the skincare and makeup you already know your skin likes. A wedding abroad is not the moment to try something new, especially in heat and humidity. Your hair and makeup artist will bring their own kit, but pack your foundation shade and favorite lipstick for touch-ups. Remember the liquid limits for hand luggage, and put full-size bottles in your checked bag.

• Sunscreen you've already tested, and a hat for the days before the wedding. A sunburned shoulder will show in every photo.
• Blister plasters and something for sore feet.
• Something to help you sleep the first nights; jet lag is real.
• Your perfume, which we'll also photograph with your details.

Tech and practical things

• Adapters. Italy uses Type L and Type F sockets, at 230 volts. Phones and laptops are fine with an adapter.
• Leave American hair tools at home. Most straighteners and curling irons aren't dual voltage and can burn out. Your stylist will have European ones.
• A travel steamer for the outfits, though your planner or hotel can usually arrange steaming for the gown.
• Flat shoes or block heels for gravel paths, lawns and cobblestones, and heel protectors for the ceremony on grass.
• A light wrap. Even in July, evenings in the hills of Tuscany or on Lake Como can turn cool.
• Some euros in cash for small moments when a card won't do.

Gifts and paper

If you're giving gifts to your parents, your partner or the wedding party, pack them carefully and label them. The same goes for any heirloom you want in the photographs: a grandmother's handkerchief, a locket, a family veil. And bring one complete invitation suite. It's the first thing we look for when we photograph details.

What to leave at home

• American hair tools, for the reason above.
• Decor you could source in Italy. Shipping boxes from outside the EU can bring import taxes and customs delays; your planner can usually find it locally.
• The third pair of heels.
• Anything heavy that the venue or your planner can arrange. You'll want the space for what you bring back.

Questions brides ask us

Can I ship my dress to Italy instead?

It's possible, but we don't recommend it. Customs delays and lost parcels happen, and a dress in your hands is a dress you can see. If it's very large, talk to your planner about a specialist courier with insurance.

When should I arrive?

Ideally three or four days before the wedding, so jet lag is gone by the day and you have time for a final fitting and steaming.

If you're still planning, read our guide to a wedding weekend in Italy and what your guests should wear, or tell us about your wedding.