With the wedding dress being the centrepiece for the entire wedding, the hunt to find the right garment that does just that and brings out the brides best features and makes her look and feel a million dollars is of paramount importance - that’s why plenty of time is needed (at least 6 months) to shop around.

Destination Wedding Editor: Michelle Pierre-Carr

But for those having a destination wedding, when looking you will also need to think about the following,

• Finding the right type of fabric that will not only drape well but is crease resistant and;
• Being able to get that perfect dress to your chosen destination.

To help destination wedding planner Michelle Pierre-Carr from Pierre Carr, Exclusive Tropical Weddings offers a few useful tips.

 1. Most bridal gowns come with a garment bag, until it is time to travel the dress should be stored according to the retailer’s instructions. If no instructions are provided, hanging the dress should suffice. However do not store it in the bag for long-term storage, as it does not allow for changes in humidity, which can cause condensation and mold.

 2. If you are flying, many airlines no longer hang special occasion garments. To avoid any problems I would suggest contacting the airline and finding out the specific size of its overhead locker so you can pack it in a box of the right size.

 3. There are a number of companies that now offer travel boxes but make sure the box is sturdy enough to protect your dress from any accidents, is breathable and is ph neutral.

 4. Pack the dress carefully with acid-free tissue paper, which softens any creases as you pack.

5. And finally once you arrive at your destination hang the dress for a day or two and arrange for your hotel to press or steam your wedding gown prior to your wedding, eliminating any final creases.