Don't Learn These Lessons the Hard Way

Lesson 1: Don't ever pack your wedding gown in your checked luggage.

Lesson 2: If at all possible, don't wait until the last minute to transport your dress to your wedding location.

If you need to transport your carefully selected, custom-altered gown to your wedding destination--as many outdoor brides do--it's important to read Jenn's sad story, reported today in the Consumerist, so you won't find yourself in a similar predicament. The gown in which Jenn had already invested $1,000 vanished from her checked bag on a US Airways flight to her hometown just eight days before her wedding, and she was forced to hastily shop for a substitute gown and pay extra to expedite alterations. And the stress is far from over: Now, she's battling the airline for compensation.

While it's not always possible to shop for your gown near your intended wedding destination, keep in mind that there are smart alternatives to checking your precious dress including carrying it on the plane (even if it will require a fresh pressing when you arrive), shipping it insured well in advance via UPS or FedEx, paying a trusted friend to drive the dress to your wedding location if possible, or wearing your gown on the plane. OK--that may not be the wisest choice unless your dress is sleek and comfortable, but it would definitely protect against loss and might even earn you an upgrade!