The Most Important Items For Your Wedding In Portugal


Get ready for your dream wedding in Portugal with our simple packing list. We have got everything you need, from your fancy clothes to the small things you might forget. Don’t miss out on personal care items, keep your documents safe, and add some snacks for energy. Take time to plan and prepare carefully, making sure your bags are packed with these must-haves, so your celebration of love in Portugal is perfect!

Quinta da Suratesta, Venue | Beja, Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

This simple guide below ensures you won’t forget to pack anything for a smooth and joyful wedding in Portugal. Happy packing and congratulations on your upcoming wedding.

Wedding Packing Most Important Items

  • Credit card and cash
  • Copies of your birth certificate
  • Emergency contacts
  • Flight tickets and boarding passes
  • Passports
  • Travel Insurance
  • Visas (if required)
  • Wedding insurance
  • Venue, hotel and transfer booking confirmation and directions
  • Wedding rings
  • Tuxedo/suit
  • Wedding dress
  • Wedding day shoes (bride and groom)
  • Veil
Wedding Dress | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings
Wedding Rings | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings
Quinta da Suratesta, Venue | Beja, Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings
Wedding Groom Suit | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings
Wedding Dress | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

I would just like to mention, to make copies of important documents like your passport. In addition, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date and check visa requirements if needed. Also, book your flight and accommodations well in advance for better prices. Don’t forget to tell your bank about your travel plans to avoid card issues. Keep important documents, medications, and all your key wedding items in your carry-on, in case of luggage delays. Make sure to save important contacts, like the local embassy, on your phone. Finally, think about getting insurance that helps if you get sick or your plans change.

Wedding Packing List Essentials

  • Cake topper
  • Ceremony program
  • Guestbook
  • Guests favors
  • Menu
  • One of your invitations for the photography
  • Personalised decorations
  • Vows/speeches
  • Wedding accessories
  • Wedding stationery (orders of service, place names, seating plan, thank you cards)
Cake Topper | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings
Wedding Decorations | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings
Wedding Decorations | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Packing List for the Bride

  • Bridal preparation outfit
  • Bouquet
  • Comfortable shoes for travel and reception
  • Garter
  • Getting ready robe
  • Hair accessories (headband, special pins, brushes or combs)
  • Inspiration photos if hiring a makeup artist and hair stylist
  • Jewellery
  • Lip balm
  • Makeup products
  • Nail care kit
  • Perfume
  • Pre-wedding day outfit
  • Pre-wedding strapless swimwear (to avoid tan lines on your wedding day)
  • Post wedding outfit
  • Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue
  • Tiara or hair clip
  • Trash the dress attire
  • Underwear including any support wear
  • Wedding day bag
  • Wedding night lingerie
Bride Shoes | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings
Bouquet | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings
Bride Robe | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Packing List for the Groom

  • Aftershave
  • Belt
  • Cufflinks
  • Pre-wedding day outfit
  • Post wedding outfit
  • Razor
  • Shaving cream
  • Tie or bow tie
Groom accessories | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings
Wedding Groom accessories | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings
Groom accessories | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Basic Packing List

  • Aftersun
  • Beach towel
  • Beach bag
  • Deodorant
  • Flip flops
  • Hair styling tools and products
  • Handbag
  • Medicines
  • Mini scissors
  • Reading glasses or contact lenses (if needed)
  • Sandals
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Skincare products
  • Sleepwear
  • Summer clothes
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Swimsuits
  • Toothpaste and toothbrush
  • Underwear

Packing List Documents

  • Decor sketch to hand to venue/suppliers
  • Copies of all venue and supplier contracts
  • Health insurance cards
  • List of all supplier contact details
  • Marriage license or legal documents
  • Payment information for suppliers
  • Phone number of your closest embassy
  • Photocopies of any vaccination document
  • Photocopies of any prescriptions
  • Printout your wedding details and planner
  • Proof of payments you have already made
  • Receipts to show when crossing borders and customs
  • Table plan printout for venue

Packing List Electronics

  • Camera for photos and charger
  • Drone (if needed)
  • iPad or kindle
  • Memory card
  • Music playlist for relaxation
  • Power bank
  • Phone, phone charger and adapter

Bring the right power adapters and chargers for your device.

Emergency Kit:

  • Mini first aid kit
  • Safety pins
  • Sewing kit
  • Stain remover
  • Tissues

Other Items

  • Some cash for small expenses in local currency
  • Travel pillow and blanket
  • Non-perishable snacks for energy during travel and the wedding day
  • Water bottle
  • Wrap or cardigan for cooler weather

Please remember to make this list customised based on your wedding plans and personal preferences. It’s always a good idea to start packing well in advance to ensure you have everything you need for your special day. However, there are a few tips I want to share with you to make your pack time easier and smooth. Knowing how to pack efficiently before a flight is crucial for several reasons.

Bride accessories | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings
Groom accessories | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Important Tips Before Packing

Knowing how to pack makes things less stressful and boosts your confidence because you have everything you need.

So, when you pack in an organised way, going through security checks becomes fast and simple. Besides, keeping your important things in an easy-to-reach place means that you are prepared for any surprises.

Packing smartly helps you fit everything you need into your bags, so nothing gets left behind. Consequently, it will be easier for you to find what you need – no more digging through a messy suitcase.

When you pack things well, it keeps your belongings safe from getting damaged during the journey. Plus, if you leave some room in your bags, you can bring back cool souvenirs you might pick up during your stay in Portugal.

It is also important to say that airlines may charge you more if your luggage is too heavy. When you pack light, the plane is not as heavy, which means it uses less fuel. This is good for the environment because it reduces the plane’s impact. In short, packing light is not just easier for you but also better for the planet.

Lastly, when you arrive, unpacking is a breeze. You can settle in quickly and start enjoying Portugal. So, pack smart, travel light, and enjoy your wedding in Portugal!

Bride accessories | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings
Groom accessories | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

When to Pack for Your Wedding?

It’s a good idea to start packing a few days before your planned departure date. When you start early, gives you ample time to organise, make a checklist (as listed above), and ensure you have everything you need without feeling rushed or stressed. Here is a suggested timeline:

1-2 Weeks Before: Here is when you can use our checklist and tips to create your own list of things you will need for your wedding travel. Think about clothes, toiletries, travel documents, electronics, and anything else you need. Also, check what the weather will be like in Portugal when you are getting hitched.

1 Week Before: Start getting the things on your checklist. Check if your passport, tickets, and visas are all good to go. Therefore, if you need to buy anything, like travel-size toiletries or specific clothing, do that now.

1 Day Before: Double-check your checklist to ensure you haven’t forgotten anything. Charge all your electronic devices and pack them in your carry-on. Pack any last-minute items, like toothbrushes and toothpaste, that you might need before you leave.

Day of Departure: Finish packing any remaining items, such as your toothbrush and toiletries. Make sure your travel documents and essentials are easily accessible. Lock your home securely, and you are ready to go!

Bride accessories | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings
Groom accessories | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Conclusion

Remember, starting to pack early helps you be super organised and lowers the chance of forgetting important things. With this in mind, you don’t stress out on your wedding day. It also gives you extra time to deal with any surprises that might pop up before you leave.

In conclusion, just pack all the things you need before your wedding travel, and you will have a great time! Easy peasy, right? Enjoy every moment!

Groom accessories | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

If you enjoyed the content and would like to see more of my work, don’t forget to explore my portfolio. I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Click here to dive into my portfolio now. Your support means the world to me!

Pedro Cruz

Wedding photographer and videographer from Lisbon, Portugal. Here is Pedro Cruz's short bio.

Recent Posts