The Ultimate Bridesmaid Bag: Essentials For A Perfect Day

There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to putting together a bag for your bridesmaids. You can tailor each bag to your unique ladies, or you can give them all the same gifts. It's entirely up to you and your budget. You can include small trinkets, personal or customised items, or things to wear. Some ideas include cosmetics, beauty products, decorative cosmetic bags, compact mirrors, sewing kits, photo frames, candles, jewellery, and pyjamas.

Makeup and beauty products

Makeup

• Mascara
• Lip balm
• Lipstick
• Lip gloss
• Makeup brushes
• Blush
• Bronzer
• Eye shadow
• Eyeliner
• Foundation
• Concealer
• Powder
• Makeup remover
• Makeup remover cloths
• Makeup sponges
• Makeup wipes

Beauty Products

• Nail polish
• Nail files
• Mini deodorant
• Hand lotion
• Body lotion
• Hand sanitizer
• Body spray
• Perfume
• Hair ties
• Hair spray
• Dry shampoo
• Hair treatment
• Hair accessories, such as bobby pins, hair clips, or headbands
• Compact mirrors
• Face masks
• Face wash
• Moisturizer
• Skincare products
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Mouthwash
• Dental floss

Personalised items

Robes and Pyjamas

A soft, plush robe is a classic choice for a bridesmaid gift, and you can make it extra special by personalising it with each bridesmaid's name embroidered on the lapel. You could also opt for personalised pyjamas, which will keep your bridesmaids comfortable during their prep time.

Makeup Bags

Another great option for a personalised item is a makeup bag. This is something that your bridesmaids can use long after the wedding, and it adds a special touch to their gift bag. You could even include a few small makeup items inside, like pretty nail polishes or your favourite lip balm.

Compact Mirrors

A compact mirror is a perfect gift for your bridesmaids, and it becomes even more memorable when personalised. They'll be able to use it again and again, and it's a great way to ensure they feel confident and prepared on your wedding day.

Tumblers and Flasks

For a fun and functional gift, consider personalised tumblers or flasks. These can be filled with their favourite drink or a special cocktail that you've created for the wedding. It's a unique way to thank your bridesmaids and provide them with a lasting memory of your special day.

Jewellery

Personalised jewellery is always a popular choice for bridesmaid gifts. You can opt for something simple like a gold engraved bracelet or go for something more unique like a piece of jewellery with their birthstone or initial. It's a gift that your bridesmaids will treasure forever.

Other Personalised Items

• Tote bags
• Cosmetic clutches
• Coffee mugs
• Ring dishes
• Jewellery boxes
• Hangers
• T-shirts

Practical gifts

Beauty and Self-Care

Fill the bag with beauty and self-care essentials that your bridesmaids can use on the wedding day and beyond. This can include items such as:

• Pretty nail polishes in colours that complement your wedding theme or season.
• Makeup and beauty products, such as mascara, lip balm, lipstick, blush, and eyeshadow.
• A compact mirror, perhaps personalised with their initials or a memorable quote.
• Clear nail polish, eye makeup remover wipes, and a small can of hairspray for any last-minute touch-ups.
• A reusable makeup remover cloth that removes makeup with just water.
• Lip balm or lip gloss.
• Hand lotion, body lotion, or body spray.
• Bath bombs or homemade soap.
• Makeup remover wipes.

Comfort and Convenience

Consider gifts that will make your bridesmaids more comfortable and prepared throughout the day:

• Foldable flats or flip-flops for tired feet, especially if they plan to dance the night away.
• A small sewing kit for any last-minute wardrobe adjustments.
• Oil blotting sheets, tissues, or hand sanitiser for quick touch-ups.
• A cute water bottle to stay hydrated.
• Breath mints or chewing gum.
• A small, portable mirror.
• A day-of emergency kit, including items like stain remover, band-aids, pain relievers, and bobby pins.

Personalised and Sentimental Gifts

Add a personal touch with gifts that show your appreciation for your bridesmaids:

• A heartfelt note or a bridesmaid card expressing your sentiments.
• A piece of personalised jewellery, such as a bracelet or earrings, perhaps with their name or birthstone.
• A decorative cosmetic bag, either personalised or in a style that suits each bridesmaid's taste.
• A custom-made hanger for their bridesmaid dress.
• A picture frame or a photo album with memorable photos of you and your bridesmaid.
• A personalised tumbler or a cute mug with their initials.

Remember, you can tailor each bag to suit the unique personality and interests of each bridesmaid. These practical gifts will not only be appreciated on the wedding day but will also remind them of your special day every time they use the gifts.

Wearable items

There are many wearable items that you can include in your bridesmaids' gift bags. Here are some ideas:

Robes and Pyjamas

Matching robes and pyjamas can be a great option for your bridesmaids to wear while getting ready on the morning of the wedding. They make for cute photos and can be used by your bridesmaids long after your wedding day. You can also consider adding slippers or flip-flops to the mix, which can be worn during the wedding preparations and even after the ceremony if your bridesmaids' feet need a break from their shoes.

Jewellery

A piece of jewellery, such as a bracelet, earrings, or a necklace, can be a lovely addition to your bridesmaids' gift bags. You can opt for freshwater pearl studs, gold-plated or silver-plated earrings, or even titanium jewellery for those with sensitive ears. A gold-engraved bracelet is another excellent option and can double up as a keepsake.

Clothing and Accessories

You can include items such as t-shirts, comfy pyjamas, or robes with the word "bridesmaid" on them. Alternatively, you could go for foldable flats, which can be a lifesaver for your bridesmaids if their feet start to hurt during the wedding. Pashmina scarves are another great option, especially for chilly evenings.

Personalised Items

Personalised items add a special touch to your gift bags. Consider items such as tumblers, cosmetic bags, compact mirrors, or even hangers with your bridesmaids' initials or names on them. These items are both functional and memorable.

Food and drink

It's important to keep your bridesmaids well-fed and hydrated throughout the day, especially if they're getting ready early in the morning and won't eat again until dinner. Here are some food and drink ideas to include in their bags:

Breakfast

• A continental breakfast with mimosas, juice, coffee, pastries, and fruit.
• Bagels and cream cheese, with peanut butter and fruit as sides.
• Muffins, croissants, and other pastries.
• Avocado toast, with vegetables or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Ricotta toast, with figs and honey or tomatoes and salt.
• Yogurt parfaits with fresh fruit and granola.
• Cottage cheese with avocado, white beans, chia seeds, and walnuts.
• Mini pancakes with fresh berries.
• French toast sticks served in petite mason jars with syrup.
• Eggs, either as part of a quiche or shakshuka, or paired with chicken sausage and a whole-grain toast.
• Sweet potato with chicken sausage, a poached egg, and spinach.
• Charcuterie cones with cheese, meats, fruits, vegetables, and crackers.
• Cucumber slices with raw salmon and avocado, or hummus for a vegetarian option.
• Smoothies with fruit, vegetables, and protein powder.
• Acai bowls or smoothie bowls with protein and antioxidants.
• Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella.

Lunch

• Finger sandwiches, baguette sandwiches, or flatbreads with a variety of fillings, such as tuna, egg salad, cucumber, cream cheese, and lox.
• Chicken salad, egg salad, or cucumber sandwiches cut into small slices.
• Chicken, cooked vegetables, brown rice, whole-grain toast, and quinoa.
• Lean meats and whole grains.
• Nuts, trail mix, or granola bars.
• Small pieces of salmon topped with slaw and avocado.
• Meatballs on skewers.
• Peppers, carrots, and cucumbers cut into strips, served with dip.
• Fruit cups or bowls, such as watermelon and cantaloupe, berries, bananas and apples to fill a bowl.

Drinks

• Water bottles, both plain and flavoured, such as cucumber-lemon water.
• Mimosas and other sparkling drinks, but consume in moderation to avoid bloating.
• Coffee and tea, but avoid too much caffeine to prevent jitters and anxiety.
• Freshly-squeezed orange juice.
• Champagne.

Frequently asked questions