DO

Wear light fabrics and floaty styles for a wedding on the beach or a wedding in a hot country. “Fabric is a very personal thing,” says Y&YW fashion director Peta Hunt. “I love the sound of rustling taffeta for a glamorous ballroom design but it’s hard work struggling through the sand in the West Indies.”

DON’T 

Choose a dress with sleeves, says Suzanne Neville. “Most wedding dresses are long so you’re going to have fabric on your legs. If you can keep your upper body cool by having tiny straps, you will be more comfortable.”

DO

“Make sure you have something light and cool for tropical weddings,” says former Y&YW travel editor Jane Anderson. “Anything with polyester, light georgette, chiffon or lace should be good. Organza and silk mikado are probably best avoided. Dessy does a range of dresses for Sandals Resorts. Other designers I’d suggest include Jenny Packham, Alice Temperley, Arcangel and Sarah Arnett.

DO

Cover the dress with a sheet in hot countries, says Maria of Mirror Mirror.  “Bugs may fly at it and make little black spots which will be difficult to remove.”

DON’T

Assume all weddings abroad are in hot places. For winter weddings in places such as Lapland or even just European cities such as Vienna, you’ll need something warm but not too bulky. “For cold and snowy locations, get a cashmere shrug or a velvet cape from Caroline Castigliano,” says Y&YW fashion director Peta Hunt. “To keep your toes warm, put thermal innersoles in your shoes or go mad and buy white Uggs.” (click here)

DON’T

Assume a really full-skirted dress is going to be a nightmare to pack. Order a separate petticoat which you can carry separately from the dress.

DO

“Make sure you pack your dress with plenty of tissue paper to avoid marking and advise your airline at the time of booking to ask if it might be possible to hang it in the cabin,” says travel editor Jane Anderson. “Air Seychelles, for example, offers this to passengers in Pearl Class subject to space availability. On arrival, hang your dress in a steamy bathroom to let any creases fall out. Most upmarket resorts will have a good wedding co-ordinator who will help you prepare your dress for the big day.”

Visit the Y&YW Directory for bridal shops in your area.