A wedding on a tropical island sounds idyllic—until you realise you have to pack for it. Between the sun, sand, humidity, and a dress code that’s both formal and beach-friendly, the suitcase strategy gets complicated. Whether you’re a guest or part of the bridal party, here’s a practical guide to ensure you’re ready for the big day and beyond.
Greg and Nat lived ten minutes apart in Sydney but somehow never crossed paths. It took a trip overseas to finally bring them together. For them, travel has always been part of the story, so it only made sense that travel was part of their wedding. Dimakya Island in Coron, Palawan, was the perfect backdrop—remote, sun-soaked, and just adventurous enough to suit them.
Greg, who I call my faux-bro, had walked me down the aisle at my own wedding. For his big day, he asked my daughter to be his flower girl and my husband and me to be part of the wedding entourage, standing alongside them to watch two lifelong travellers set off on their biggest journey yet.
But the Philippines is hot, humid, and not exactly forgiving when you’re trying not to sweat through wedding photographs. Our family usually travels with just the essentials, re-wearing outfits to keep things simple. But suddenly, we were gearing up for a wedding week filled with events—meaning our usual ‘one-bag rule’ went out the window. Here’s what we learned about packing smart for a tropical island wedding.
Wedding day essentials
Clothes that beat the heat
Dressing for a tropical wedding requires a balance of style and comfort. Opt for breathable fabrics like linen or lightweight cotton to avoid overheating. Formality levels vary, so check the invitation or ask the couple for guidance. For my husband, a traditional Filipino barong (a lightweight, embroidered shirt made from sheer fabrics made from pineapple fibre) was perfect.
- Lightweight, breathable clothing such as linen suits, flowy maxi dresses, tailored trousers, midi dresses, or elegant jumpsuits work well. Stick to light colours to stay cool and avoid sweat marks.
- For kids: Lightweight, comfortable outfits that allow for movement. If they’re part of the ceremony (like a flower girl) and a specific outfit is required ask if they can change into something more comfortable after the ceremony.
Footwear that won’t sink in the sand
Many island weddings take place on the beach or on uneven terrain. Stilettos and formal dress shoes don’t mix well with sand, so consider these alternatives:
- Dressy sandals, loafers, wedges, block heels, or espadrilles for a polished yet practical look.
- For kids: Comfortable sandals or dress shoes with a firm grip.
Sun protection and beauty must-haves
Look closely at photos from Greg and Nat’s wedding, and you’ll notice my hands are a completely different colour from the rest of me—thanks to a pre-wedding snorkelling session in a rashie. Meanwhile, a few days by the pool left a friend scrambling as her foundation no longer matched her sun-darkened skin.
- Sunscreen: Choose a reef-safe option if you’ll be in and out of the water.
- Bug spray: Mosquitoes love weddings too.
- Blotting paper & setting spray: Keeps makeup fresh despite humidity.
- Anti-frizz hair products: A tropical climate can mean instant frizz, just great for wedding pics. A friend suggested Colour Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray, an anti-frizz spray that she swore kept her frizz-free for a few shampoos.
- Sunglasses and a hat: Protect your face during outdoor ceremonies.
Beyond the ceremony: Packing for the trip
Swimwear & cover-ups
A tropical island wedding often includes pre- or post-wedding activities like a beach day or boat trip. Pack:
- A couple of swimsuits to rotate between, with one more suited to laying by the pool and the other to block sun and jellyfish stings.
- A stylish cover-up or sarong that can double as a casual outfit.
- Reef-safe sunscreen (it’s worth mentioning twice!).
Casual and evening outfits
While the wedding is the main event, there’ll likely be welcome drinks, rehearsal dinners, or island excursions. Pack a mix of:
- Lightweight casual clothes for daytime exploring.
- A smart-casual outfit for pre-wedding events.
- A light jacket or shawl in case it gets breezy.
Essentials for tropical travel
- Insect repellent: Tropical destinations often mean mosquitoes.
- Rehydration salts: Humidity and sun can take a toll.
- Power bank: Photos, maps, and staying in touch with the wedding party drain phone batteries fast.
- Travel adapter: Check the plug type for your destination.
- Medications: If needed, bring extras in case of delays.
A tropical wedding is an unforgettable experience—make sure you’re packed and ready to enjoy every moment. Now, all that’s left is to say yes to the invitation and get on that plane.
