The destination-wedding guest packing list.

A destination wedding is three days and three distinct dress codes: the welcome dinner (smart casual), the wedding day (whatever the invitation says), and the farewell brunch (relaxed). Plus free time. Plus the flight. Pack for the three stated occasions, the climate, and swim-and-walk activities in between. Everything else is optional.

The single most common packing mistake we see is over-packing: bringing two dinner outfits when one suffices, four swimsuits when two are plenty, seven pairs of shoes when three would do. Carry-on only is genuinely possible for a three-night destination trip if you pack with discipline.

Welcome dinner (Friday)

One step less formal than the main wedding. For a "formal" wedding, think dinner-at-a-nice-restaurant attire. For a casual beach wedding, a linen shirt or sundress. Comfortable shoes you can walk a cobbled street in.

The wedding day (Saturday)

To the stated dress code. The invitation is specific for a reason; follow it. Pack this outfit in your carry-on if you check a bag — lost luggage is rare but it happens, and your backup wedding-day outfit is this one plus dignity.

Farewell brunch (Sunday)

Casual. A sundress, a linen shirt, comfortable sandals. This is a long lunch by a pool; do not overdress.

• Day outfits for the free time (one or two)
• Swimwear (two suits)
• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals for daytime
• Dress shoes for the wedding
• A light cardigan or jacket (beach evenings can be cool; Mediterranean altitudes too)
• Sunscreen (reef-safe if you are near a coral reef)
• Insect repellent (jungle or tropical destinations)
• Lip balm with SPF
• A hat
• Sunglasses
• A reusable water bottle
• Phone charger and international adapter
• Small cross-body bag or clutch for the wedding day
• Basic medication kit (ibuprofen, antacid, band-aids)
• Passport and travel insurance documents

Mediterranean (Amalfi, Mallorca, Santorini, Provence, Algarve)

Add: linen fabrics for breathability, stone-walking sandals, modest cover-ups for churches and historic sites, a scarf.

Tropical beach (Tulum, Cabo, Turks & Caicos, Maldives, Bali)

Add: extra reef-safe sunscreen, quick-dry towel, mosquito repellent, rash guard or long-sleeve for reef days, extra sandals because they will get wet.

Alpine or cooler (Lake Como, Tuscany mid-season)

Add: layers (light wool or fleece), closed walking shoes, rain jacket for the spring and autumn shoulder.

• Too many outfits. Three dress-coded ones plus two day outfits is plenty.
• Heavy hair tools. Most hotels provide hairdryers; travel-size curling irons work for three days.
• Full-size toiletries. Buy on arrival or use decant bottles.
• A big camera unless photography is a hobby. Your phone is fine.
• A heavy book. The Kindle app on your phone is a better long-flight companion.