As a bridesmaid, the last thing you want to do is something dumb—like show up at the wedding venue on the big day without your bridesmaid dress.
We want you to be remembered for the right reasons—like how you were there in the bride’s time of need—offering her Advil or a moleskin padded Band-Aid for that pesky blister that was beginning to develop on her heel.
Since part of being a bridesmaid involves being prepped to the max, ready to swoop in and save the day, we’ve created this ultimate checklist that includes everything you need to pack.
Pre-Packing Tips for Bridesmaids
To make this list easier to follow, we’re breaking it down into categories. Do your best to thoroughly scan your brain to see if there is anything unique to your situation that you need to include—we’ll leave a checkbox labeled “other” for you to add to if you think of anything.
If you’re bringing any tools that you think may end up being shared amongst other bridesmaids such as curling irons or hair straighteners, inscribe your name with a label maker and add it to the item, or use a colored sticker indicating it belongs to you.
If it’s a destination wedding, it can be helpful to coordinate with other bridesmaids and task each with bringing a specific item. That way you’re not overloading your luggage with duplicates.
Wedding Day Attire
This is hands down the most important to add to the list of things to pack. Make sure the dress is transported in a way that minimizes wrinkles—it’s imperative that it looks impeccable on the wedding day.
You’ll need to bring:
- The Bridesmaid Dress
- Undergarments
- Bridesmaid shoes
- Bridesmaid accessories such as:
· jewelry
· additional layer
· handbag
- Additional comfy shoes (if necessary) for the reception
- Other
Before packing anything, get the wedding day attire sorted and stowed in a place where you’re guaranteed not to forget it.
Something Comfy to Get Ready In
Some brides gift their bridesmaids matching silk PJ’s or a personalized robe. If this is something you were given, it’s the perfect getting ready outfit. If not, you’ll want to pack:
- A comfy shirt that buttons, or a robe (since you’ll be getting your hair done, you want to minimize anything with a tight collar that can mess up your do)
- Sweatpants or yoga pants
- Flip flops or fuzzy slippers
- Other
Go all out—maximize comfort while getting ready—no matter how silly or over the top you think you look.
Hair and Makeup Essentials
Even if there’s a hair and makeup team onsite working their magic, it’s always a good idea to bring your own products as well—just in case. After all, the mantra of a bridesmaid on the wedding day is, “better to have it and not need it than to need and not have it.”
Bring:
- Any hairstyling tools, such as straightener or curling iron
- Bobby pins, hair clips, hair accessories
- Hair spray, mousse, texturizing spray, heat protectant
- A makeup bag containing the essentials
- A touch up kit you can keep on hand with
· extra lipstick or gloss
· blotting papers
· safety pins or tape
· stain removing pen
· Advil
- Other
Personal Care and Emergency Items
This list includes must-haves as well as just in case items. You’ll want to pack:
- Advil or other pain reliever
- Tampons
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Breath mints or gum
- Nail scissors and nail file
- Deodorant
- Perfume
- Hand lotion
- Nail polish to touch up mani—if applicable
- Small first aid kit
- Lint roller
- Small sewing kit with thread that matches the color of your dress
- Extra set of stockings (if applicable) or clear polish to stop stocking runs
- Other
Miscellaneous Items
Here’s a list of those other commonly forgotten items:
- Phone charger and charging block
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Cash
- Wallet and ID
- Spare (comfy) shoes
- Change of clothes
- Overnight bag if you’re spending the night
- Other
Check in with the bride or wedding planner and see if there’s anything specific they’d like you to bring.
If you’re providing something special for the big day, such as a DIY crafted piece, make sure to include it.
Coordinate with the other bridesmaids to see what they’re bringing, maybe there’s something they have on their list that you’re forgetting.
Conclusion:
Go through the day in detail from start to finish in your mind, and make note of everything you’ll need. Make sure to add any necessary items to the list, and when it comes time to pack be methodical. That way you won’t forget anything—and if anyone else is unprepared, you’ll have exactly what they need.