When invited to a destination wedding in Mexico, and being one of the select few to be a bridesmaid, it might be “her” big day but why shouldn’t you indulge as well? Here are a few tips to make sure you pack correctly and ease the stress that the bride might be experiencing. Destination weddings in Mexico should be seamless and fun!
Turn a Bad Hair Day into a Fab Hair Day
Your hair will be an important concern when packing and planning to be bridesmaid at a destination wedding in Mexico. Although you may attend a destination wedding any time of the year, remember that the humidity in Mexico’s resort destinations increase greatly during the summer season, and you will find that even the most well behaved hair might start having a mind of its own. If staying straight is a must, please consider that frizz happens and is almost out of control when you are in the hot sun for endless hours before and after “I do.” Hair accessories come in handy. Big flowers, headbands, sashes, fancy barrettes, and an updo is more practical than having hair hitting a sweaty shoulder during the ceremony. A visit to a local salon or the hotel spa can help. An alternative is to get a keratin treatment, which you will find is much more affordable in Mexico than back home.
Elegant Resort Attire
Pack intelligently. With airline baggage restrictions a girl must think very hard about what fits into her suitcase, utilizing every square inch. Sticking with a base color (ie black, taupe, khaki) to use throughout your trip works well. Here is our must have apparel list for a typical 7 day visit.
- Two swimsuits (One piece and bikini)
- 3 cover-ups. If your current home doesn’t have the best of resort wear, there are great fashion finds in Mexico and a trip to downtown or your hotel boutique can solve a last minute fashion emergency
- Cocktail dress. The strappier the better.
- One lounge outfit that can also be used as pajamas (to save space)
- Flip flops, sandals, high heels and running shoes. If your sandal selection is poor, don´t bring any with you as Mexico offers some of the best sandal purchases in the world.
- One pair of slacks
- Two pairs of shorts
- Two t shirts
- Two blouses
- One elegant long sleeved sweater (be prepared for air-conditioning or breezy ocean air)
- Oh… and don’t forget the bridesmaid dress!
Nails and Beauty
So many bridesmaids spend endless hours back home at pricey salons getting their nails gelled, bikini wax, root coverage or sun kissed highlights. Don’t! Mexico has some of the most affordable beauty procedures. Savvy well-travelled females know that there are numerous salons to choose, from convenient luxury hotel spa’s and local doting beauty experts who do hotel visits. In-room beauty party? Anything is possible in Mexico on a destination wedding. Your concierge can usually recommend a specialist to make sure you razzle dazzle.
Emergency Kit
There is nothing more nerve wracking than travelling to a foreign country for a destination wedding, being hotel bound and perhaps rooming with people you have yet to meet but who all have one thing in common: THE BRIDE. How to handle this? Tequila? Jokes aside, having a fully stocked mini-bar can help break the ice. Having a few treats or life saviors to offer like magazines, bug spray, good suntan lotion, snacks or even remake some keepsakes in the form of a loot bag to offer to your colleague bridesmaid can come in handy. After all, you will all be comparing notes as to who knows her best, right?
One of the greatest reasons why so many tie the knot in Mexico’s paradise is the service and kindness of its people. Make new friends, practice your Spanish and don´t hesitate to reach out and ask for help. Senor! Una tequila por favor!
