Bridesmaids And Bags: To Carry Or Not?

Bridesmaids often carry bags to store their personal items and wedding day essentials. While some may prefer to go bag-free, especially during the ceremony, others opt for clutches, purses, or tote bags to hold their belongings. These bags can be left in a designated room, with a trusted person, or safely stored in the bridal prep area. The contents of these bags can include items like phones, chargers, makeup for touch-ups, tissues, pain relievers, and snacks, ensuring that the bridesmaids are prepared for any last-minute needs or emergencies.

What to carry in a bag

As a bridesmaid, you'll want to be prepared for anything and everything on the wedding day. Here's a list of essentials to carry in your bag:

The Necessities

• A copy of the wedding timeline and itinerary
• The wedding invitation
• Contact details of the bridal party
• Cell phone charger (wall or portable)
• Snacks
• Water bottle
• Tissues
• A copy of your speech (if you're giving one)
• Rehearsal dinner outfit
• Your bridesmaid dress
• Wedding shoes
• Dancing shoes
• Heel protectors
• Clutch or purse
• Jewellery
• Underwear/bra
• Safety pins
• Double-stick tape
• Mini steamer
• Lint roller
• Stain remover
• Mini sewing kit
• Change of clothes for the after-party
• Spare tote bag

Hair and Makeup Must-Haves

• Inspiration photos for hair and makeup
• Button-down shirt or robe
• Your own makeup
• Travel mirror
• Hairstyling tools (curling iron, flat iron, etc.)
• Hair ties
• Hairspray and makeup setting spray
• Dry shampoo
• Bobby pins
• Perfume
• Deodorant
• Oil blotting sheets
• Makeup remover wipes
• Q-tips or cotton swabs
• Clear nail polish
• Nail file
• Tweezers
• Mints
• Band-aids
• Small umbrella
• Tampons
• Pain relievers
• Emergen-C
• Eye drops
• Extension cord
• Scissors
• Details of a taxi service or Uber
• Bottle of bubbly and some straws
• Mini speakers
• A handwritten note for the bride
• The bride's favourite snack
• A gift for the newlyweds
• A card or gift from your plus-one

Where to keep the bag during the ceremony

There are a few options for where to keep your bag during the ceremony. If you have a designated holding room, you can leave your bag there. You could also ask a family member or friend to hold your bag for you. If you're travelling to the ceremony by car, you could leave your bag in the car. If you're staying in a hotel, you can leave your bag in your room. If you're giving a speech, you could keep your bag on your seat, or ask someone to look after it for you.

If you're a bridesmaid, you could also give your bag to your partner or one of the groomsmen to hold. You could also leave your bag in the bridal prep room or the bride's chamber. If you're at a church, there may be a room where you can leave your bag.

Matching bags for bridesmaids

If you're looking for something simple and elegant, consider a personalised tote bag with your bridal party's names or initials. These bags are usually made from durable materials like cotton canvas or jute and can be filled with other goodies like a water tumbler, a makeup bag, or a survival kit for the bachelorette party or wedding day. You can also opt for a bag that matches the wedding aesthetic, such as a geometric pattern or a colourful fringe design.

For a more playful approach, explore personalised jelly bags, straw bags, or boho-style tote bags. These bags add a touch of personality and are perfect for outdoor weddings or beach celebrations. You can even include matching makeup bags as a thoughtful addition to your bridesmaids' getting-ready experience.

When it comes to filling the bags, consider including items that will be useful during the wedding day. This can be anything from comfortable shoes, tissues, and makeup for touch-ups to pain relievers, deodorant, and breath mints. You can also add in some personalised items like a compact mirror, a necklace, or a bracelet as a token of appreciation.

When to carry a bag

If you are the bride, you may opt to give your maid of honour a wedding day emergency kit, or you may prefer to keep your necessities on hand in a bag. If you choose to carry a bag, you can ask a designated person, such as your mother or maid of honour, to hold it for you during the ceremony and reception.

For bridesmaids, it is more common to carry a bag during the reception, when you may need quick access to essential items such as touch-up makeup, tissues, or pain relievers. A small clutch or evening bag is often sufficient to hold these items and can be easily carried or kept nearby.

In terms of the bag itself, it is not necessary for bridesmaids' bags to match, although some brides may prefer this for aesthetic reasons. It is more important to ensure that the bag is functional and can hold the items you need throughout the day.

Whether to carry a bag

The Role of a Bridesmaid

As a bridesmaid, your primary role is to support the bride and ensure that her special day goes smoothly. This may include helping with last-minute tasks, coordinating with the bridal party, and being a source of positive energy. It's important to be prepared for any situation that may arise, and having a bag can be useful for storing essential items.

Essential Items for a Bridesmaid

There are several essential items that a bridesmaid may need throughout the wedding day. These include a positive attitude, a copy of the wedding timeline and invitation, contact details of the bridal party, a cell phone charger, snacks, a water bottle, tissues, and a copy of your speech (if you're giving one). Additionally, you may want to bring a change of clothes, comfortable shoes, touch-up makeup, hair accessories, and any personal care items.

Bag Options for Bridesmaids

When deciding whether to carry a bag, bridesmaids have a few options. One option is to bring a small clutch or purse that can hold essential items such as a phone, lipstick, and tissues. This can be easily carried or tucked under the arm. Another option is to leave items in a designated holding room or bridal suite, especially if there is no need for constant access. A third option is to entrust a family member or partner to hold essential items during the ceremony and reception.

Cost Considerations

As a bridesmaid, it's important to consider the cost of the wedding attire and accessories. If the bride is open to it, you may want to use your own evening bag or clutch instead of purchasing a matching bag. This can help reduce costs and allow for more individuality. However, if the bride prefers a unified look, she may choose to gift matching bags to the bridesmaids, which can also serve as a thoughtful keepsake.

Ceremony and Reception Dynamics

The dynamics of the ceremony and reception can also influence the need for a bag. If there is a designated space to leave items, such as a bridal suite or holding room, a bag may not be necessary. Additionally, if the bridesmaids are carrying bouquets, it may be challenging to manage both flowers and a bag. In such cases, leaving the bag in the wedding car, at the reception seat, or with a trusted person can be a good solution.

In conclusion, the decision to carry a bag as a bridesmaid depends on various factors, including the essential items needed, cost considerations, and the dynamics of the ceremony and reception. Ultimately, the most important role of a bridesmaid is to support the bride and ensure her special day is memorable and stress-free.

Frequently asked questions