Getting OOT bag goodies to the wedding

[aholen]

I'm trying to figure out the best way to get some of our goodies to Mexico. Does anyone know if you can check boxes instead of bags on flights? If so, I could save myself the $$ of paying to have an empty suitcase returned home..

[BeachBridein11]

Interested to know as well!!!  I'm pretty sure, but unsure.  Though I wonder if that would be a signal at customs to pull us aside.  Any info anyone???

[Prettysparklie]

Good question!

 

I agree with BeachBride that packing items in boxes would definitely red flag your items for a customs inspection. I am just going to put everything in our bags and in my Mom and my FMIL bags.

 

I am actually attempting to bring most of my decorations back with me as I want to reuse it a month later at our AHR! Still trying to figure out who is going to take all that stuff down and repack it all.... Let me know if you ladies have any suggestions.

 

Good Luck!

[ohaske]

I read another thread were a bride spread it out through her maids' bag

[BeachBridein11]

I guess that's the way to go (multiple people taking items down).  I'm just looking at the pile of boxes I have in our spare room that needs to go down to Jamaica... I have no idea how we will get all of that down!!! LOL  And it's only items for OTT bags, I'm not really bringing anything else down except for our wedding favors. I should probably start getting things together to see just how many people we need to take items down. LOL

[LAtravelgirl]

I hadn't thought that a box would be a red flag. Another bride posted to bring the receipts with you for the items in the OOT, just in case. My parnets are bring the box with most of the OOT items in it. I will be on their flight so hopefully no problems!

[LAtravelgirl]

Oh, I brought the OOT items across the US to my parnet's house on a recent trip. No problem with Delta checking a cardboard box. The counter man put lots of fragile stickers on it, but said there are no guarantees it will be handled gently. Everything made it just fine, now it just needs to make it to the Bahamas.

[BridetobeABCD]

I am having a hard time figuring out how to bring everything down too ... hmmmm

[Ploman]

Im going to Jamaica, and there are particular luggage restrictions. I'm pretty sure that I read that cardboard boxes would be treated as oversized luggage and subject to an extra charge...But don't quote me on that! But it may be something you want to directly ask the airline or your travel agent. 

 

I have sent a message out to my family and friends to see if anyone is cleaning out their closets and plans on throwing out any old suitcases. Broken or whatnot, I'll take them. I plan on leaving the suitcases in Jamaica (and told them that lol). I had a huge response, I guess people just like to keep suitcases that are broken hehe. 

 

As for bringing them down, To Jamaica on my flight you are only allowed to bring MAX of 2 suitcases, and the second one costs $25. I plan on asking several guests to bring a suitcase of my stuff down as their second suitcase, and pay the $25. 

 

I have a LOT of stuff too, probably over 5 suitcases. Since I am leaving January 18th and will see about 80 of our 94 guests at xmas time I have decided to give out our Travel Mugs (favours) at christmas time, and include a packing list and thank you letter. This cuts down at LEAST 2 suitcases of stuff to bring. I will still need 3-4 suitcases for decor and our other favours though (survival kits, tip holders, and potentially totes). 

[ElleGee]

Originally Posted by BridetobeABCD 

 

I am having a hard time figuring out how to bring everything down too ... hmmmm

We just were married in Riviera Maya...and I brought ALOT of stuff. What I did was first divide the stuff among 6 different bags and suitcases, using a luggage scale and receipts to organize appropriately and ensure not over the 50lb bag weight limit.  Then inventoried each bag and made a folder that indicated exact contents and the receipts, because each person can not exceed a $300 per person (or couple if married with same last name) maximum without having to pay taxes.  

 

I gave a bag to 6 different people in our wedding party to bring down. I planned to give each of them the $40 extra bag fee (the first one is free on United to Mexico), but as it turned out they were all able to work it out and bring them as their free bag.  

 

It was VERY STRESSFUL getting it organized, I  had to redo my inventory lists several times. But I made sure to make a template that listed the person's name carrying the items. The receipt with the cost. And I put our wedding logo and information on the top, with "ITEMS NOT FOR RESALE" so that there was not a question about anything.

 

Turns out the only thing they really questioned was our little silver frames we were using for escort cards. They did not take them, nor tax them, but apparently had quite an interest in them. My maracas and starfish made it in effortlessly, which is what I was most worried about.

 

PM me if i you have more specific questions!