More than half a million couples will plan a destination wedding this year which means a quarter of a million brides will have to travel with their wedding dress. And, arguably, your wedding dress is the one thing you can't replace (okay, other than the groom), so here are a few tips to making sure you and your wedding dress arrive at your wedding in one piece:

• Make sure the bridal boutique you purchased your dress from or your tailor provide you with a dark-colored, thick garmet bag
  
• Pack your wedding shoes and all accessories (jewelry, hair pieces or clips, gloves, etc) in the garmet bag -- attached to the hanger but in their own separate and smaller bag)
• Call your chosen airline before your purchase your ticket and confirm you can carry your dress on board -- the last thing you want to worry about is checking your dress
• Even better, ask the airline if there is a coat closet on board for you to stow your dress during flight
• And, perhaps most importantly, buy a clothing steamer upon arrival (or if your venue allows, ship a steamer there beforehand) to steam out any wrinkles caused by traveling.