Bridesmaids' Wedding Survival Kit: Essentials For The Big Day

A wedding survival kit is a bag filled with essentials to help the bridal party feel their best throughout the day and night. While you can't predict every scenario, it's helpful to prepare for small beauty blunders or fashion mishaps. This kit can be given as a gift to the bridesmaids, or it can be assembled by the bridal party themselves. Here's a list of items to include in a wedding survival kit for bridesmaids:

Health and hygiene essentials

Health and hygiene are paramount on a day as big as a wedding. Bridesmaids will want to be prepared for any eventuality, so here is a list of health and hygiene essentials to include in a wedding survival kit:

Pain and illness

Basic painkillers are a must-have for headaches or period pain. Anti-inflammatory tablets like ibuprofen can also help with any inflammation, such as a sprained ankle or insect bites. Antihistamines are useful for unexpected allergies, and rehydration sachets can help if anyone is feeling the effects of the night before.

First aid

Plasters, or band-aids, are essential for blisters or minor cuts. Blisters protection spray can also be used to prevent blisters. Hand sanitiser or antibacterial wipes are useful for keeping hands clean, and insect bite ointment can help soothe any bites.

Feminine hygiene

Tampons, pads, and panty liners are all good to include.

Oral hygiene

Toothpaste and a toothbrush will keep your smile looking its best all day. Mints or mouthwash can also be used to freshen breath.

Deodorant

A travel-sized deodorant will help keep everyone feeling fresh, especially if it's a warm day.

Beauty and hygiene

Face wipes or wet wipes can be used to clean up any makeup smudges, and a small mirror will help with any touch-ups. Blotting papers or pads will help combat any shine, and a setting spray will keep makeup in place. Lip balm will keep lips from drying out, and lip gloss or lipstick can be applied for a pop of colour.

Hair

A small brush or comb, and some hairpins or bobby pins, will keep hair looking neat, and a travel-sized hairspray can help with any flyaways.

Other hygiene products

A small bottle of hand cream will keep hands soft, and a nail file or emery board will sort out any broken nails.

Extras

A small pair of scissors can be used for cutting thread, opening packaging, or trimming loose threads. Cotton buds, or Q-tips, are also useful to have, and some safety pins can be used for quick clothing fixes.

Being prepared will ensure the bridesmaids can relax and enjoy the wedding, safe in the knowledge that they have everything they need to tackle any health or hygiene issues that may arise.

Beauty and makeup products

Makeup for Touch-Ups

During the wedding day, it's likely that the bridesmaids' makeup might need some attention. Having a few key products for touch-ups can help prolong their look. Blotting papers, concealer, mascara, and setting spray are all useful items to have on hand. Additionally, consider including some lip colour for reapplication, as this can be easily applied before big moments like family portraits or the reception entrance.

Backup Earrings

While the bridesmaids may have selected a special pair of earrings for the wedding day, it's a good idea to have a smaller, more comfortable set as a backup. This can provide relief if the original earrings become uncomfortable or heavy on the earlobes. It's also a good idea to include extra earring backs in the kit, as these small pieces can easily go missing.

Baby Powder

Baby powder is a versatile product that can be used for multiple beauty purposes. It can help remove grease stains from dresses, keep armpits and hair fresh, and even keep feet smelling pleasant. Additionally, applying baby powder before mascara can give the appearance of longer and more voluminous eyelashes without the need for false lashes.

Blotting Tools

Coffee filters are an effective way to blot sweat off the face without disturbing any makeup. They are an affordable and accessible option to help keep the bridesmaids looking and feeling fresh throughout the day.

Makeup Removal

After a long day, the bridesmaids will want to remove their makeup, so including some gentle makeup remover in the kit is a thoughtful touch. This will ensure they can comfortably cleanse their skin before ending the night or heading to bed.

Deodorant

A small spray-on deodorant is a must-have item for bridesmaids, especially if they will be wearing fluffy dresses that can get hot. Deodorant can help keep them feeling fresh and confident throughout the festivities. It's also a more sanitary option for sharing among the bridal party.

Clothing and accessories

• A sewing kit with needles, thread, spare buttons, and safety pins.
• Fashion tape to keep clothes in place.
• Stick-on instant hemming tape.
• Clear nail polish to stop ladders in tights from getting bigger.
• White chalk to mask stains on a white dress.
• A crochet hook if your dress has lots of buttons.
• Flat shoes for sore feet in the evening.
• A small pair of scissors.
• Gel pads for your feet.
• A spare pair of tights.
• A hairbrush.

You could also include:

• A copy of the day's itinerary and timings.
• A hair straightener or curler for evening touch-ups.
• Hand warmers if you're marrying somewhere cold.

Food and drink

A wedding can be a long day, and it's important to keep your energy up. Here are some food and drink suggestions to include in a wedding survival kit for bridesmaids:

Snacks

It's easy to forget to eat on the morning and afternoon of the wedding, so it's important to have some snacks on hand. Protein bars or a sandwich bag of almonds can be a great way to stay energised throughout the day.

Drinks

• Emergen-C: Adding a packet of Emergen-C to water will give you a boost of vitamin C and help keep your immune system strong.
• Water: It's important to stay hydrated, especially if you're drinking alcohol.
• Pedialyte powder packs: These can be a great way to stay hydrated and replenish electrolytes, especially if you've had a few drinks.

Other

• Straws: To avoid ruining your lipstick when drinking.
• Coffee filters: These can help blot sweat off your face without ruining your makeup.

Electronics

A wedding day is a long day, and a survival kit is essential for keeping the bridal party looking and feeling their best. Here are some electronics to include in a wedding survival kit for bridesmaids:

• Portable phone charger or power bank: Ensure the bridesmaids stay connected throughout the day and night by including a portable phone charger or power bank in their survival kit. This will allow them to capture all the memories and handle any last-minute emergencies that may arise.
• Disposable camera: While not exactly an electronic item, a disposable camera can be a fun addition to the kit, allowing the bridal party to capture unique memories as they get ready for the wedding.
• Hair straightener or curler: Include a small, portable hair straightener or curler for any last-minute hair touch-ups. This will help the bridesmaids maintain their look throughout the day and into the evening.
• Portable fabric steamer: A portable fabric steamer is a handy electronic device to remove any rogue wrinkles from dresses or clothing. It is a quick and easy solution that doesn't require an ironing board, making it perfect for last-minute touch-ups.
• Bluetooth speaker: Music can help set the mood and keep everyone relaxed and entertained while getting ready. A small, portable Bluetooth speaker can be a fun addition to the bridal party's survival kit, providing a soundtrack to the preparations.
• Smartphone: If the bridesmaids don't already have one, providing a basic smartphone can ensure they stay connected and have access to important information, such as the day's itinerary and any emergency contacts.

Frequently asked questions