I'm Going to Four Weddings This Summer— Here's What I'm Packing in My Carry-On

Life in your late 20s calls for one nuptial celebration after another. This summer alone, I’m attending four weddings—three of which are all in the same month—a bachelorette party, and a bridal shower (with more engagements on the horizon). In other words, I’ll be living out of a carry-on suitcase until further notice. 

Fortunately, there are a few things that I know will help get me through wedding season in one piece—and look good while I do it! From beauty must-haves to travel accessories that make packing, unpacking, and re-packing easier, I’m sharing the top essentials I’m taking with me to every wedding this year.

Read on for the best things to pack for a summer wedding. 

Hilife Portable Steamer 

After so much time spent curating your wedding guest wardrobe, the last thing you want is for your dresses to be wrinkled on the day of the event. This, of course, can be hard to avoid when your clothes are rolled up in your suitcase. Enter: a handheld steamer. This option features a 9-foot power cord and a gentle steam that eliminates creases on a range of fabrics like chiffon, silk, cotton, linen, and more. So, you can celebrate the big day worry- and wrinkle-free. 

Buy it: $25, Amazon.com

Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eye Mask

I’m not exaggerating when I say I can’t sleep without a comfortable eye mask, especially when I’m on a long flight or staying in a big, brightly lit city. So, this accessory is a necessary addition to my destination wedding packing list. This luxurious silk mask by Brooklinen is not only soft and gentle on the eyes, but it also protects skin and hair from damage while you sleep.  

Buy it: $29, Brooklinen.com

Mark & Graham Small Travel Jewelry Case

Keep your baubles organized and intact with a high-quality travel jewelry case. I love this vegan leather one for its compact size that makes it easy to take on the go. It features cushioned storage for rings and several compartments for earrings and necklaces that keep all your favorite jewelry pieces in place. Plus, the monogram option adds a personalized touch.

Buy it: $75, Markandgraham.com

BAGAIL 8-Set Packing Cubes

The most underrated packing hack? Packing cubes! They're great for organizing your clothing and other travel essentials into different compartments. This set from Amazon has everything you need, including both small and large cubes, a cosmetics bag, a laundry bag, and even a designated bag for your shoes. Tip: Separate your packing cubes by full outfits for each wedding weekend event so you can quickly and easily locate what you need. 

Buy it: $25, Amazon.com

Nyx Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray

Outdoor ceremonies in the sun and reception dance parties pose a threat to that beautifully applied makeup you worked so hard on. The answer? Setting spray. I especially love the Nyx Matte Finish setting spray for its affordable price, travel-friendly size, and most of all, its powerful formula that keeps my makeup looking fresh all day long. It absorbs oil, reduces shine, and provides up to 16 hours of hold for a crease-free makeup finish. 

Buy it: $10, Nyx.com

bareMinerals Warmth Mineralist Eyeshadow Palette

This versatile eyeshadow palette is my new favorite addition to my makeup bag. And as an over-packer, I can easily fit its small size into my tightly packed carry-on. From bareMinerals’ newly launched Warmth Collection, these highly pigmented, bronzed powder shades deliver a glowy finish that’s perfect for all of the summer festivities ahead. 

Buy it: $32, Ulta.com

437 The Johnson One-Piece

A versatile swimsuit is a must in your carry-on, especially during summer! From pre-wedding beach days to the post-wedding wind down at the hotel spa, this flattering and fun one-piece from cult-favorite swim brand 437 is the perfect piece to have on-hand. I especially love the deep-V and criss-crossed back design for an eye-catching flair. 

Buy it: $155, Shop437.com

Spanx AirEssentials Tapered Pant

The key to being comfortable while still looking put together on a flight is wearing a matching sweatsuit. We already love Spanx for their unbeatable shapewear, but the brand also sells athleisure that’s just as soft as it is stylish. This tapered pant and the matching half zip have become my go-to ensemble on travel days, and I’ll be wearing it on my way to every event of the season. 

Buy it: $110, Spanx.com

Why Trust Brides

Chloe Caldwell is a Commerce Writer for Brides who specializes in shopping and lifestyle topics. She has six years of journalism experience writing about all things fashion, beauty, travel, and wellness.