Our Expert Tips On How To Prep For A Destination Wedding | Cult Beauty (2025)

The dresses have been bought, the shoes broken into, the bag, jewellery and accessories carefully co-ordinated. Your passport is secured and even the Airbnb sorted. Now, it's time to think about what you're packing into your carry on (and making sure it's well below the 15kg limit).

With a +335% rise in searches for ‘destination weddings’ in the last 90 days alone and searches on google at a five year high, learning how to prep and prime for a wedding abroad is in demand. So, with the help of skin expert Elizabeth Japal from The Derm Lab, and leading wedding expert and editor of Hitched.co.uk ,Zoe Burke, here at Cult Beauty, we’re going to take you on a flight into skin prep so you look luminous and glowy on the big day.

In This Article:

• But First, Why Are Destination Weddings On The Rise
• What Are The Skin Care Essentials To Pack For A Destination Wedding
• How Should Your Skin Care Routine Differ For A Destination Wedding
• Elizabeth Japal’s Ideal Pre-Wedding Four Step Skin Care Routine
• Our Experts’ Skin Care Packing List For A Destination Wedding
• Team CB’s Destination Wedding Essentials

BUT FIRST, WHY ARE DESTINATION WEDDINGS ON THE RISE

So why are couples opting for wedding outside of the UK? “Nearlyweds are looking to keep costs down and the package format many destination weddings offer does tend to have lower costs. Plus, it also means fewer guests attend, which is definitely budget friendly” explains Zoe Burke. “Having less guests in attendance also means we are seeing couples who want to go big for their celebrations, have a romantic, intimate destination wedding, followed by a big bash back home where more people are able to come.” But that’s not all, according to Zoe, “Las Vegas and New York weddings are quite common destinations for elopements, and right now we are seeing a real interest in ‘cowboy weddings’, so we’re keeping an eye on destinations like Nashville and Tennessee for authentic countrycore nuptials." Well, you herd it here first.

WHAT ARE THE SKIN CARE ESSENTIALS TO PACK FOR A DESTINATION WEDDING

“You want high-performing, space-saving essentials.” says Elizabeth Japal. “Pack a gentle cleanser, a hydrating moisturiser, a broad-spectrum SPF 50, and a nourishing lip balm. A brightening serum (like vitamin C) is also great to revive tired or travel-stressed skin. Plus, a mini facial mist to rehydrate on the go is helpful on the flight or in hot climates.”

HOW SHOULD YOUR SKIN CARE ROUTINE DIFFER FOR A DESTINATION WEDDING

Whether you’re off to the south of France, Lake Como or even St Lucia, the needs of your skin are going to be different than what they would be at home. This is because “stress, travel and climate changes can trigger breakouts or sensitivity.” explains Elizabeth. “Keep routines simple, consistent, and hydrating. Avoid introducing anything new close to the day. Opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic products. I’d recommend barrier-repairing serums, a quality moisturiser, and hydrating sheet masks from a few weeks before. On the day, opt for skin care with light-reflecting or priming qualities, such as a vitamin C serum or illuminating moisturiser” Elizabeth adds. And don’t forget... drink plenty of water and make sure to get lots of sleep!

ELIZABETH JAPAL’S IDEAL PRE-WEDDING FOUR STEP SKIN CARE ROUTINE

Now we understand the why and the how, let’s get to grips with what exactly Elizabeth recommends as her ideal four-step wedding destination routine:

1.Cleanser – I suggest a gentle formula that removes make up and SPF.

2. Hydrating serum – Look for serums packed with hyaluronic acid or squalane.

3. A nourishing moisturiser – ideally packed with peptides.

4. SPF -always broad-spectrum, ideally SPF 50.

At night, simply cleanse again and moisturise. If you can squeeze in a miniexfoliator once or twice during the trip, it’ll keep your skin smooth and bright.

OUR EXPERTS’ SKIN CARE PACKING LIST FOR A DESTINATION WEDDING

And for Elizabeth’s expert tips? “Look for a tinted SPF that acts as sun protection, moisturiser, and light coverage all in one. Cleansing balms can double as make up removers and hydrating cleansers. A nourishing balm is another great product, as it can be used on lips, dry patches, cuticles, or even to tame brows or highlight cheekbones.”

TEAM CB’S DESTINATION WEDDING ESSENTIALS

"For all destination weddings, the one thing I always have in my bag is a blur stick like the Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Matte Blur Stick. Defending against heat and humidity, it keeps my complexion looking smooth – sans too much shine. Plus, it’s perfectly proportioned to keep tucked away in my clutch back so I can reapply it throughout the day and long into the night.” - Triffy, Senior SEO Copywriter

“Having learned the hard way to NEVER rotisserie tan (what can I say, I’m a child of the ‘80s) – especially not in the days leading up to a wedding - I NEVER venture anywhere without Paula’s Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer SPF 50. A sunscreen that does both, it’s a hydrating moisturiser and broad-spectrum sunscreen in one effortless step, which has helped me avoid a repeat of that time when my sunburn clashed with my bridesmaid dress.” - Verity, Content Editor

“Weddings always move me to tears and that’s why I need two very important things, besides tissues: a waterproof mascara and a setting powder I can trust. Enter: the Benefit BADgal Bounce Fuller, Fluffier, Volumising Mascara and Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Setting Powder. Together, they ensure my makeup isn’t decorated with unwanted tear streaks and I’m still glammed up in time to party at the reception soon after “I do’s.”” - Precious, Midweight Copywriter

“With limbs on display in bride-approved outfits, keeping my skin shielded against the sun is a top priority. No-one wants shoulders looking lobster red, right? Which is why I go nowhere without Kopari Beauty’s Sunglaze Sheet Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 30. Protective and hydrating, this mist coats my skin in a rose-gold, bronzy shimmer that totally elevates my faux tan. Plus, as it’s fast-drying quickly absorbed, it means my ‘fit isn’t compromised but the shins, shoulders, arms and decolletage are all shielded and oh-so glowy.”- Rina, Midweight SEO Copywriter

So, whether you're on white sandy shores or in the lush Tuscan hills, you now know exactly what to do with your skin to keep it dewy, luminous, and bright — even if the pre-wedding parties have had you up all night.