Bridesmaids' Wedding Day: A Guide To Being Prepared

Being a bridesmaid is an honour and a lot of fun, but it's also a lot of work. There are many tasks and items that bridesmaids need to remember on the day of the wedding, from staying organised with a clear itinerary and timeline to bringing a bag of essentials. This bag should include items such as comfortable shoes, tissues, lipstick, pain relievers, deodorant, bobby pins, safety pins, a phone charger, and a water bottle. It's also important to remember the obvious essentials, like the bridesmaid dress, shoes, jewellery, and everyday items like a purse, phone, ID, and wallet.

The right clothes and shoes

The Dress

The bridesmaid dress is the most important item to remember for the wedding. Ensure that your dress is fitted, steamed, and covered before travelling to the venue. It is also a good idea to pack your dress days in advance or keep it somewhere visible so that you don't forget it. If the fabric is prone to wrinkles, bring a clothes steamer to ensure you look perfect during the ceremony.

The Shoes

Don't forget your wedding shoes! Pack a pair of broken-in shoes that you are comfortable walking down the aisle in. It is also a good idea to bring a pair of flats or flip-flops for pre-ceremony and post-reception activities. If the wedding includes dancing, bring a pair of comfortable, portable flats or sandals to ensure your comfort throughout the evening. To prevent blisters, bring heel inserts and band-aids, especially if the bride has requested you to wear high heels.

Accessories

Your wedding day look will likely include subtle jewellery and accessories. Keep your essential jewellery together in a small bag or box to prevent it from getting lost or tangled. If you are wearing matching jackets, robes, or shawls for photos, make sure to pack these as well. Don't forget everyday essentials like a purse, phone, ID, and wallet.

Undergarments

Choose the right undergarments for your dress. Whether it's a thong, strapless bra, or stick-on covers, make sure you have them packed and ready to go.

Rehearsal Dinner Outfit

Don't forget to pack an outfit for the rehearsal dinner, which is usually semi-formal or formal. Bring an overnight bag with clothes for both the rehearsal dinner and the wedding, especially if they are held in different locations.

A bag of essentials

The Practical Essentials

• A phone charger to stay connected and capture memories throughout the day.
• A water bottle to stay hydrated, especially if you plan on enjoying a few cocktails or Champagne.
• Snacks to keep your energy levels up, such as energy bars, crackers, or fruit.
• A small sewing kit for any last-minute alterations or emergencies.
• Stain remover to quickly fix any spills or mishaps.
• Safety pins and double-stick tape for quick fixes and wardrobe malfunctions.
• Heel protectors or inserts to provide extra comfort and stability if the wedding is outdoors.
• A mini steamer to smooth out any wrinkles in your dress or the bride's gown.
• A clutch or small purse to carry your essentials during the reception.
• A copy of your speech if you're giving a toast, printed on paper or note cards for easy reading.
• Contact information for the bridal party and vendors, as well as the wedding timeline and directions, in case you need to reach out or refer to the schedule.
• A small umbrella to protect your hair and makeup from unexpected weather changes.

The Beauty Essentials

• Makeup for touch-ups, including your foundation, lipstick, mascara, and concealer.
• Makeup remover wipes to freshen up, especially after the father-daughter dance or an emotional moment.
• Tissues for happy tears or fixing makeup.
• Bobby pins and hair ties to keep your hairstyle in place, and hairspray to tame any flyaways.
• A hairbrush, curling iron, or straightener for touch-ups, along with any other hair tools you regularly use.
• A button-down shirt, robe, or zip-up shirt to wear while getting ready, ensuring your hair and makeup stay pristine.
• Deodorant to stay fresh, especially with all the running around and dancing.
• Perfume to feel confident and smell great throughout the day.
• Oil blotting sheets to quickly freshen up without ruining your makeup.
• Lint roller to remove any pet hair or lint from your dress.
• Nail file and clear nail polish for any last-minute nail emergencies.
• Tweezers for any stray hairs or last-minute alterations.
• Breath mints to keep your breath fresh, especially if you plan on some close-dancing.
• Feminine products, even if you're not expecting your period, to be prepared for surprises.
• Pain relievers and other medications for headaches, cramps, or any other minor ailments.

Remember, it's better to be over-prepared than caught off guard! Having a well-stocked bag of essentials will ensure you're ready for anything and can fully enjoy the wedding celebrations.

Makeup and hair

Firstly, if you are doing your own makeup, bring your full makeup kit. Even if you are getting your makeup done professionally, bring your own makeup for touch-ups throughout the day and night. It is especially important to bring your own foundation, as this is often specific to your skin tone. If you are doing your own hair, bring a brush, comb, teasing comb, curling iron, hair straightener, and hairspray.

If you know exactly what hairstyle you want, bring a photo from Pinterest or a magazine to help the stylist. If you are getting your hair and makeup done professionally, bring photos of looks you love or ideas you would like to replicate.

On the day, wear a button-down shirt or a robe to avoid messing up your hair and makeup when changing into your bridesmaid dress. Bring hair accessories such as bobby pins, clips, and hair ties, and don't forget deodorant and perfume.

To keep your hair and makeup looking fresh throughout the day and night, bring hairspray, makeup setting spray, dry shampoo, oil blotting sheets, makeup remover wipes, Q-tips, and cotton swabs.

Lastly, don't forget the little things like a nail file, tweezers, mints, and a mini sewing kit for any last-minute alterations.

Food and drink

As a bridesmaid, it's important to keep your energy levels up throughout the day. Here are some food and drink suggestions to include in your emergency kit:

Snacks

A bag of filling and easy-to-eat snacks will be a lifesaver on the wedding day. You'll be running around, getting ready, and posing for pictures, so don't forget to fuel your body. Energy bars, crackers, granola bars, or fruit are all good options to keep your energy levels up.

Water

Staying hydrated is crucial, especially if you're spending a lot of time in the sun or dancing the night away. Bring a water bottle or mini water bottles, and remember to sip throughout the day.

Bubbly

Coordinate with the other bridesmaids to bring some bubbly for morning mimosas. It's a nice way to start the day and celebrate the occasion.

Straws

If you want to preserve your lipstick, bring some straws so you can drink water or bubbly without ruining your perfect pout.

Breath Mints

Keep your breath fresh with breath mints, especially if you plan on some close-knit dancing with the wedding party. They can also help calm a nervous stomach.

Pain Relievers

Headaches or cramps can strike at any time, so be prepared with some pain relievers like Tylenol or ibuprofen.

Vitamins

Give your immune system a boost with vitamins, especially if you've been running around and need an extra boost of energy.

Feminine Products

Even if you're not expecting it, your period may make a surprise appearance. Be prepared with tampons and/or pads, and you might just save the day for someone else too.

Mini Fridge or Cooler

If you're preparing a larger quantity of food and drinks, consider bringing a mini-fridge or cooler to keep everything fresh and chilled. This is especially useful if you're supplying drinks for the bridal party or have perishable food items.

Remember to also pack items like cutlery, napkins, and plates if you're providing food and drinks for the bridal party or guests.

A positive attitude

Be Prepared

Being organised will help you stay calm and positive. In the lead-up to the wedding, be sure to check in with the couple regularly and offer practical help. Visit the venue, meet the wedding coordinator, and be a point of contact for any issues. Help with dress fittings, planning, and DIY, and be available for pre-wedding events. In the week of the wedding, take time off work if you can, and be on hand to help with last-minute tasks and errands.

Be Supportive

Your role as a bridesmaid is to support the couple, especially the bride. Be enthusiastic and listen to any wedding woes. On the wedding day, keep the atmosphere upbeat, ensure the bride eats and stays hydrated, and help her get ready. Introduce yourself to key people, like the photographer, and keep an eye on the time. Keep issues away from the couple, and be a friendly face for guests and suppliers.

Be Flexible

Go with the flow and be ready to adapt to any changes or surprises. Be mindful that the day is not about you, and be willing to help wherever needed. Be patient and remember to enjoy the celebration!

Be Present

Try to be fully present and engaged in the moment. Switch off your phone, or at least put it on silent, and be mindful of any wedding day or timeline cues. This will help you be more supportive and responsive to the couple and other wedding party members.

Be Proactive

Anticipate the couple's needs and be one step ahead. For example, be ready with tissues for tears or a bottle of water for thirsty guests. Think about what might be needed and have it to hand, like a mini sewing kit or hair ties for the dance floor.

Be Positive

Finally, remember to smile! The wedding day will be busy and sometimes stressful, but your positive attitude can help keep the atmosphere light and happy. Offer words of encouragement, celebrate the couple's love, and be ready to dance the night away!

Frequently asked questions