SHOULD YOU SHIP OR CARRY YOUR Wedding favors and Decor to Your Mexico Destination Wedding?
- Kimberly Jacoby
- Jun 5
- 5 min read
Should You Ship or Carry Your Wedding Decor or Favors?
Planning a destination wedding comes with plenty of unique challenges, especially when it comes to what to do with your decor, favors, and other wedding essentials. Should You Ship or Carry Your Wedding favors or decor to Your Destination Wedding? Each option has its advantages and pitfalls, so weigh your options carefully to decide what works best for you.
Here’s a deep breakdown of both approaches, complete with practical tips to help you avoid unnecessary headaches and ensure your big day goes smoothly.
Shipping Your Wedding Items to the Resort
Shipping your wedding decor, favors, or other essentials ahead of time might feel like a weight off your shoulders. No lugging heavy items through airport terminals or navigating TSA's complicated restrictions. But is this option really as hassle-free as it seems?
The Upsides of Shipping
Convenience and Travel Light
By shipping, you don't need to stress about wheeling around extra suitcases or squeezing fragile items into your carry-on. You'll only need to focus on packing personal items for the trip and getting yourself to the resort stress-free.
No Baggage Fees or TSA Hassles
Shipping frees you from airline baggage restrictions. You don’t have to worry about weight limits, oversized bags, or TSA confiscating that bottle of liquid centerpiece filler you forgot was over 3.4 ounces.
Keeps Items Safe from Handling
If you’re transporting delicate items like glass, candles, or decor, shipping might feel safer than letting your heirloom centerpieces rattle around in the cargo hold.
The Downsides of Shipping
Trusting a Third Party
Shipping involves handing over your precious wedding goods to a company. From lost packages to late deliveries, unforeseen hiccups can derail your plans. And while insurance might help, it doesn’t replace the emotional stress or potential lack of time to find replacements.
Customs Clearance Woes
If you’re shipping internationally your package might get stuck in customs. Customs officials might question the package’s contents, or you could be charged import taxes if they suspect the items are for resale.
Resort Limitations
Not all resorts are keen on managing shipments for their guests. Some may refuse to accept packages on your behalf, or they might charge extra storage fees for holding them until you arrive. Always confirm your resort’s policy before opting to ship.
How to Minimize Shipping Risks
Plan Extra Time: Send shipments early in case of unexpected delays.
Label Everything Clearly: Use clear signage like “Wedding Supplies for [Your Name]” to make it easy for resort staff to recognize.
Use a Reliable Shipping Company: Stick to trusted carriers with tracking systems and solid reputations. Think FedEx, DHL, or UPS.
Insure Valuable Items: If you’re shipping expensive or irreplaceable decor, purchase shipping insurance. It’s worth the peace of mind.
Alert the Resort: Call the resort in advance to make sure they expect the package and confirm their acceptance and storage policies.
Bringing Wedding Decor with You on the Plane
For most wedding couples, carrying your items is the preferred choice. This way, you don’t have to worry about shipping delays or resort mix-ups; you’ll know exactly where everything is and how it’s faring each step of the way.
The Upsides of Carrying Wedding Items
Complete Control
You alone are responsible for your wedding supplies. You can oversee their transport and packing, reducing the risk of loss or mishandling.
Avoid Shipping Costs and Delays
Some shipping fees, especially for large or heavy items, can quickly add up. Taking items with you removes those expenses and ensures everything arrives exactly when you do.
Ease Through Customs
When carrying your decor, you can personally handle any potential customs inquiries. Bringing your wedding invitation, receipts, and documentation proves your items are for private use, not resale.
The Downsides of Carrying Items
Limited by Luggage Restrictions
Airlines often charge hefty fees for checked bags with excess weight or size. Carry-on luggage also has strict restrictions.
Extra Hassle for Large or Bulky Decor
Having to manage delicate or oversized items in an airport can turn your dream wedding trip into a logistical nightmare.
Customs Taxes and Fees
Though you can plead your case, customs agents may mistake your items as goods for resale and slap you with unexpected duties. A customs-friendly letter in their language (more on that later!) and proof of purchase can help smooth things over.
Tips for Bringing Decor on the Plane
Share the Load with Your Wedding Party: Assign certain items to trusted friends or family members. This spreads out the bulk and avoids exceeding individual baggage allowances.
Use Sturdy Packing Materials: Reinforce fragile items with bubble wrap and protective fillers. A hard-shell suitcase might become your new best friend.
Weigh Before You Leave Home: Save yourself airport surprises by weighing luggage. Home scales may not be airline-accurate, but they can help gauge how close you are to the limit.
Opt for Carry-Ons Where Possible: Keep valuables and fragile items like glass favors or wedding jewelry in your carry-on bag, ensuring they stay within arm’s reach.
Bring Receipts: Carry receipts and proof that items are for personal use. For customs agents, include a letter in the country’s language explaining the items’ purpose.
Sample verbiage you can use when bringing favors or decor to Mexico:
"¡Hola! El contenido de esta maleta es para nuestra boda en NAME OF THE RESORT. Contiene decoraciones y regalos para nuestros invitados. Adjuntamos pruebas de compra para confirmar que no son para reventa. Si tiene alguna pregunta, no dude en contactar con nuestro coordinador de bodas.
YOUR ONSITE WEDDING COORDINATOR'S NAME AND CONTACT INFO
¡Mil gracias por su atención! ¡Se les aprecia de corazón!"
NAME #1 y NAME#2. "
Translation: "Hello! The contents of this suitcase are for our wedding at NAME OF RESORT. This suitcase contains decorations and gifts for our wedding guests. Enclosed are proof of purchases to confirm they are not for resale
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact our on-site Wedding Coordinator. YOUR ONSITE WEDDING COORDINATOR'S NAME AND CONTACT INFO
Thank you so much for your attention! You are truly appreciated!
Special Considerations Based on Your Wedding Items
Some decor might work better with one method over the other. For example:
Small, Lightweight Items (favors, fabrics): Perfect for carry-on bags or checked luggage.
Fragile Decor (glassware, candles): Consider airline-approved protective packaging if carrying, or insure them if shipping.
Extremely Oversized Items (arches, furniture): These are best shipped by freight or potentially rented locally if it’s more practical.
Ultimately, your budget, the size of your items, and how much you’re comfortable delegating responsibility will steer your decision.
The Verdict
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to the great decor debate. Shipping can help avoid travel inconveniences but adds dependency on unreliable timelines. Carrying your items guarantees control but sometimes comes with airline fees and logistical issues.
Whatever method you choose, give yourself enough time to prepare, stay organized, and ask for help when needed. After all, the most important part of your destination wedding isn’t whether your favors make it on time or in one piece. It’s sharing your joyous day with the people you love most.
Feeling overwhelmed with all the details of your destination wedding? Let us handle the logistics! As expert destination wedding planners, we’ll take care of everything—from vendor assistance to customs advice—so you can focus on enjoying your big day. Contact us today to start planning your dream wedding at www.romanticstravel.com/destination-weddings
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