Sand ceremony~bringing it across customs

[slalwane]

Hello Everyone,

At our wedding we are doing the sand ceremony (with a picture frame). I would like to use some actual sand from the resort, but am worried about customs, and whether they will take it away from us when we try to travel with it. I would prefer to put it in my carry-on so it doesnt get too mixed up, but will put in my big luggage if needed. If it was in my big luggage and I packed the sand really tight, would it get really mixed up?

Has anyone had any trouble with customs or security when trying to transport the sand ceremony frame/jar/vase?

Your help would be greatly appreciated and will ease my mind!

Thank you!

[slalwane]

Also, we are getting married in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

[seaprincess]

I just got back from Punta Cana and carried my sand ceremony frame with me on the plane. We used sand from the beach, and I had no problems bringing it on with me- no questions asked! I figured if they had questionned me I would just say we brought the sand with us....I wouldn't worry about it!

[slalwane]

Quote:

Originally Posted by seaprincess I just got back from Punta Cana and carried my sand ceremony frame with me on the plane. We used sand from the beach, and I had no problems bringing it on with me- no questions asked! I figured if they had questionned me I would just say we brought the sand with us....I wouldn't worry about it!

Thanks for your quick reply!
Your profile wedding pic looks really nice
Did you use alot of sand from the beach? Or mostly colored sand that you bought? Did the customs people look at it all, or did it just go right through the scanner?

[seaprincess]

I bought one bag of coloured sand and brought to small vases to use to pour- I was pretty much equal parts coloured to beach sand. They never even unwrapped it - I had it wrapped in tissue paper and then in a plastic bag in my carryon. It went through the scanner and that was it. I actually never even saw one person getting stopped at security. At canadian customs they didn't ask me about it and I didn't mention it. The girl was more interested in chatting about us getting married - although I don't think its a problem bringing sand into the country cause I think people do it all the time. If you want to see my frame, check out my wedding pics http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t38085.

[slalwane]

Quote:

Originally Posted by seaprincess I bought one bag of coloured sand and brought to small vases to use to pour- I was pretty much equal parts coloured to beach sand. They never even unwrapped it - I had it wrapped in tissue paper and then in a plastic bag in my carryon. It went through the scanner and that was it. I actually never even saw one person getting stopped at security. At canadian customs they didn't ask me about it and I didn't mention it. The girl was more interested in chatting about us getting married - although I don't think its a problem bringing sand into the country cause I think people do it all the time. If you want to see my frame, check out my wedding pics http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t38085.

Well, you made me feel alot better about bringing real sand- thats for sure! I am going to do what I had originally wanted to do- use real sand.
Your pics are GREAT!! Your photographer did a wonderful job. When I got to the one of the sand ceremony, I laughed out loud because you have what seemes to be the exact same frame I have. My frame was 'Umbra' brand and it had 4 panes if glass...does that sound familiar??
Also, your flower bouquet was pretty. Was it made of orchids?
Thank you so much!

[seaprincess]

Quote:

Originally Posted by slalwane Well, you made me feel alot better about bringing real sand- thats for sure! I am going to do what I had originally wanted to do- use real sand. Your pics are GREAT!! Your photographer did a wonderful job. When I got to the one of the sand ceremony, I laughed out loud because you have what seemes to be the exact same frame I have. My frame was 'Umbra' brand and it had 4 panes if glass...does that sound familiar?? Also, your flower bouquet was pretty. Was it made of orchids? Thank you so much!

Thats it exactly - I actually took out 1 of the panes, so there is a section for the sand and still a spot to put a photo. My bouquet was realtouch orchids and plumerias. I loved it! I'm glad you feel better- have fun focusing on the rest of the planning!