A Stylist Shares What to Pack for a Wedding Weekend, Using Only a Carry-On

In a few months, I’m heading to Paris where I’ll be a bridesmaid in the wedding of my two close friends. Being a part of a destination wedding like that takes a lot of planning, and a lot of packing, too. Luckily, I’m no stranger to packing for a wedding weekend; my own nuptials in the Catskills was a three-hour journey, and I’ve packed for weddings in Greece and Mexico in the past. Still, I enlisted the help of pro stylist Zoé DeFour to create the perfect wedding weekend packing list. DeFour helps clients pack for vacation, and specializes in picking versatile wardrobe pieces for a variety of outfits for a variety of occasions—all in a single carry-on.

“I always recommend focusing on versatility, whether you are packing for a weekend getaway, formal event, or in this case, a wedding,” DeFour tells Real Simple. “Having options that can allow you to dress up or dress down, and can be worn again to create a whole new look with a simple change of shoes or accessories. Here are some general tips you may find useful:

Tip #1: Lay out everything you'll be wearing to the wedding, including undergarments, jewelry, shoes, and accessories. Have everything pressed or steamed beforehand. You can always touch up when you unpack.
Tip #2: I am a huge believer in fitting everything into carry-ons. You cannot afford to have a missing piece of luggage. Check the carry-on for the return if you want.
Here are DeFour’s top picks for what to pack for a wedding weekend. Prices start at $20.
Teddify Satin Maxi Skirt
“This is a fantastic piece to travel with—super packable and versatile,” DeFour says, picking the silk A-line skirt in olive green. “For a pre-event activity day trip (wine tastings, tours, etc.), pair it with a slip-on sandal, bootie, or trainers, a denim jacket, and a cute T-shirt, or a nighttime look with a bodysuit, leather jacket, and jewelry.”

Wrangler Authentic Stretch Denim Jacket
“I adore the cut of this Wrangler denim jacket,” DeFour explains. “The dark denim choice enhances the appearance [and is] a timeless design that is forever on trend.” DeFour also calls it “your ‘go-to’ jacket to style with skirts, white denim, or joggers. The options are endless,” she adds.

Mangopop Square Neck Bodysuit
“The square neck body suit looks great on every body shape,” DeFour explains. “It will smooth and contour under your skirts/pants, keeping them tucked in and nice. I recommend sizing up in bodysuits so that they are not too tight. It should skim the body. The cotton/elastine combination is airy and simple to care for, plus it’s double lined!”

DeFour also recommends sticking to a specific color palette to get the most wear. “Neutrals such as black, white, and brown are quite flexible for your travel wardrobe,” she adds.

Vicki Vicki Platform Wedges
Another must-have that should be on your wedding weekend packing list, according to DeFour, is a versatile wedge sandal. “Don’t you love a good espadrille? This super chic sandal for daytime walking or playing croquet. The neutral shade elongates the leg. Style with a maxi, skirt, or denim for an elegant daytime approach,” DeFour says.

Coutgo Slingback Kitten Heels
In lieu of high-high heels, DeFour a more flexible shoe that can be worn outside of the wedding dance floor, too. “I love these elegant lace sling backs,” DeFour says. “I do have these, and get compliments. I love the heel height as it’s not too high that they can’t be worn all day, and dancing into the night.”

She adds that the heels are “gorgeous to dress up a pair of denim, or worn with the slip skirt.” In her own life, DeFour has worn them “with tights and a leather skirt during the colder months,” mentioning that these kitten heels feel “very designer,” but without the hefty price tag.

Milan Chiva Nylon Tote Bag
If you’re leaving home for more than a few hours at a time, a spacious tote bag is non-negotiable, so it’s no wonder that DeFour recommends bringing it along on a weekend getaway. According to DeFour, this foldable bag is “ideal for day outings to the market” but also serves “as an extra tote for any purchases made during your weekend wedding excursions.”

Iwemek Floral Embroidery Dress
This Fit and Flare Cocktail Dress is the star of the show (well, your show; obviously, the bride is the real star!). DeFour calls it “my favorite wedding guest look.” She continues, “A fit and flare cocktail dress with its beautiful, delicate embroidered tulle overlay is subtly elegant, flattering, and can easily work for a garden wedding or cocktail event.”

Dexmay Quilted Vegan Leather Crossbody
“This neutral crossbody bag definitely has chic vibes and can be styled day to evening,” DeFour says. “It’s large enough to fit your phone, eyewear, makeup, and mints.”

LeanTravel Compression Packing Cubes
If you’re going to fit all your wedding weekend essentials into nothing but a carry-on, you’re going to need DeFour’s best-kept packing secret: the LeanTravel Compression Packing Cubes. “I love and use these compression cubes for all my trips,” DeFour gushes. “On my last trip, I packed my new silk skirt, sandals, top, and bodysuit in a cube, and put in my tote carry-on to organize any daytime wear.”