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!

Two Ways to Win Your Wedding Gown

I always advise outdoor brides not to overspend on their wedding gowns, and winning the dress of your dreams is certainly one way to accomplish this! If you are getting married any time after August 2009, you'll want to play the new Match the Wedding Gowns memory game from Get Married and submit your score for a chance to win a dress valued at up to $1,800 from Alfred Angelo or the Alfred Angelo Sapphire Collection.

Want an even easier way to win? Simply fill out the entry form on the Alfred Angelo site for an additional chance to win a wedding gown in the designer's 75th anniversary giveaway. Other prizes include: NWA World Vacations honeymoon packages worth $5000, his and hers palladium wedding bands, Alfred Angelo bridesmaid dresses and a Mindy Weiss bridal gift package.

Alfred Angelo offers many bridal gowns perfect for outdoor nuptials, including several with blue accents that are ideal for beach weddings. Styles 2014 and 1774NT are two of my favorites for seaside brides. View the complete current collection, and tell us in the comments which Alfred Angelo designs caught your eye.

Poll: What type of outdoor wedding are you planning?