griffy - my dry-cleaners supplies quite good garment bags that are very light. you could use one of those for the journey out, then throw it away/pack it along with the clothes you've used after the wedding.

don't stress - they have irons, steam and otherwise, in Italy!

I always bring a very tiny empty spray bottle for water. Each evening I spray the next day's shirt lightly, shake and hang up overnight. Works great, no iron or steamer needed.

Thanks for the tips annhig and michele!

WE have been to Europe a couple of dozen times, and have learned some lessons: ONE SMALL CARRY-ON bag each. The garment bag will prove to be a bad idea. Early in our European sojourns, (1993?) my wife bought one of the first small roller bags that I had seen used by a non=flight attendant. I thought it was silly, so I brought my Hartman garment bag. After all, I had brought with me on business trips to Europe several times, and it worked and held a lot of stuff. But I discovered that while it may have been useful on business trips when I had someone carry it for me, it was not so good for carrying up and down stairs and getting on and off trains.

Need to add some other thoughts -- accidentally hit the "submit" button.

The much-maligned garment bag was "retired" when we returned and was only used for domestic car trips. I broke down and swallowed my pride and got a roller bag and literally wore it out over the next ten or so years (and replaced it with another one!)

One helpful thing to buy is some "ex-officio" (drip dry) underwear. Wash in the sink and let it dry. Another idea: Europe is overrun with jeans. For years, I would not be caught in jeans, but now I carry a couple of pairs and don't worry about it. They don't show (some) stains and can be worn several times.

Another useful idea is to think about one pair of shoes. I have a pair of Mephisto shoes that I wear every day when we are in Europe. (I admit that when I get home, I am tempted to throw them away, but get them shined and put them away for the next trip.) If, after I am all packed, if there is any room, I will throw in a pair of Keen sandals; they take up a small amount of room.

I suspect you you get the drift -- one roller bag is all you need; anymore will be superfluous.

Griffy,

I empathize. We have had to take formal clothes to Greece for business functions, and always carry a lightweight garment bag on board with us. Don't laugh, but when we are done with the business functions, I often mail the clothes back from the post office in Athens. It's worth every penny not to have to lug those formal clothes along for the rest of the trip. Just insure them if you do it that way! Good luck!