Sending luggage back to US

The luxury cruise lines seem to refer people to http://www.luggageforward.com/, I haven't used them personally, but have heard from others who have been happy with them. I wouldn't trust wedding presents to the Italian post. I'd look at FedEx, UPS or DHL or a luggage service.

It is always possible, just depends on what you want to pay. The cheapest and less dependable may be to use the Italian postal system. The other choices are a package service like UPS, FedEx, etc. You can go their web sites for pick up locations and fees. It will be expensive. Have you consider asking one of the other guest who might be return to the US soon to take your bag as checked luggage?

Frank is right on with his comments. Via postal system it will arrive with birth of first baby. FedEx, etc. will probably cost more than cost of the gifts. Have a guest take it with them even if you have to pay the extra fee for baggage, this might very well be the best.

Marcia, My fiancee and I are getting marring in Siena in one month and we plan on doing the same thing - shipping her dress, my tux, etc, back to the states so we don't have to lug them around Italy for next 3 weeks. Only we're keeping the suitcase (more room for all the goodies we'll buy!). We've been told by local contacts NOT to use the Italian postal service as it will take several months for the package to arrive back in the States - and that's IF it arrives at all (oh, the stories we've heard.......). We've been STRONGLY advised to use Fed Ex or UPS. But it's not cheap. UPS estimates for one medium sized box (fortunately, her dress compacts pretty well), it will cost somewhere around $350 - $500, depending on the exact weight. On the plus side, we're pretty much guaranteed of getting our stuff back (albeit 2-3 months later), which is important to us, given the personal value of the contents.

Asking another guest to take it home is a terrific plan. Thank you all.