Everything to Pack As a Bridesmaid: Wedding Day Packing Checklist

Make sure you’re fully prepared and don’t forget anything on the day of by creating a wedding packing list that can be your go-to guide. Grab your cutest paper, pen, and get ready to make a bridesmaid checklist with all the important things you need to remember to bring with you on the big day! We collected a list of all the obvious essentials, a few often forgotten items, and some inventive ideas that you may not have thought of.

Most Important Things to Pack as a Bridesmaid: The Essentials

The essentials are essential for a reason. Most of these items will seem a bit obvious, but you should double check the list just in case. Even the most important items could slip your mind as you’re busy getting ready for the big day. If you forget everything else, these are your absolute wedding must-haves as a bridesmaid.

1) Bridesmaid Dress (Preferably on a Hanger)

Slate Blue Bridesmaid Dresses | Kailey Marie Photo

Duh, right? We know how painfully obvious this seems, but can you imagine how awful it would be to get to the venue and realize you forgot your dress? Make sure to pack it days in advance (unless the fabric is prone to wrinkles) or keep it somewhere visible so you’re constantly reminded that you need to bring it! Just make sure it’s #1 on your bridesmaid checklist.

2) Bridesmaid Shoes for the Ceremony

You picked out the perfect pair of shoes and you even got your dress hemmed for your specific height with them on, so make sure you remember your bridesmaid shoes on the big day. Pro tip: break in your shoes before the wedding. Try and wear them at least three times before the wedding date so that they won’t give you blisters.

3) Wedding Day Accessories (Jewelry, Robe, etc.)

Satin and Lace Bridesmaid Robes in Dusty Rose | Tonya Hjort

Your wedding day look will probably only include subtle jewelry and accessories. Keep your essential jewelry together in a small bag or box so nothing gets lost. There’s also a chance that you’re wearing matching jackets, robes, or shawls for photos. So, make sure all these items make it into your wedding bag too.

4) Everyday Essentials (Purse, Phone, ID, Wallet)

Again, don’t forget your obvious items in the scramble before the wedding. You may be so caught up in wedding preparations that you forget important things like your purse, wallet, phone, or ID. Important note: don’t forget your phone charger! You may not be on your phone at all on the big day or you could be taking 100 photos. Just make sure you bring the charger just in case.

5) Any Medications (Birth Control, etc.)

In order to be a great bridesmaid, we need you to be alive and well first. If you have specific medications you need or might need, make sure you bring them. The wedding day will be long so bring any medications you may need, including birth control! You may also want to bring Tylenol, Tums, or other common meds in case you aren’t feeling 100% all day.

6) Wedding Rehearsal Outfit (If Applicable!)

Unless you live close to the wedding and rehearsal dinner locations, you’ll have to pack an overnight back with your clothes for both events. The rehearsal dinner is typically the night before the wedding and is often semi-formal or formal. Make sure you have a cute and photo-worthy outfit ready!

7) Your Personal Makeup (Especially Foundation, etc.)

Are you getting your makeup done professionally for the wedding day? Make sure you know if the bride hired a makeup artist for everyone. If not, you’ll have to make other arrangements or do your own makeup. No matter what, you should bring your own personal makeup as a backup. You may need to touch something up. If it’s a long weekend trip you’ll need it for other events like the rehearsal dinner. You can borrow some items of course, but things like foundation are specific to your own skin tone.

8) Wedding Gift for the Couple

Don’t be that bridesmaid who forgot to bring the couple’s wedding gift or card on the actual wedding day and has it just sitting on your dining table for the next year. Pack the gift ahead of time or even better: order off their registry and have it shipped directly to them. That will save you the hassle of remembering to bring the gift and the couple won’t have to lug it home!

Getting Wedding-Ready Items: Bridesmaid Beauty Packing List

The morning of the wedding, you’ll be spending hours getting ready. Make sure you have everything you need by looking through this getting-ready checklist. Check off everything from hair-spray to a getting ready outfit and you’ll be good to go.

1) Makeup (for DIY or touch ups)

Makeup is a really important item on the list, so we put it on here twice. Do not forget your own makeup, even if you’re getting help from a professional. You may need to make touch-ups or you may want to switch to a more casual look for the after party. Bring your own kit of essential makeup just in case.

2) A Hair/Makeup-Friendly Outfit (Robe, Button, or Zip-up Shirts)

Bridesmaid Pajamas in Dusty Rose | Allie Atkisson

Pack a button up, a loose fitting shirt, cute pajamas, or a robe to get ready in. You run the risk of ruining your freshly done hair and makeup if you don’t pack something easy to get on and off, so aim for something that doesn’t need to go over your head. Keep in mind that there very well may be a photographer shooting pictures of you and the bride getting ready. So, don’t wear anything dingy, dirty, full of holes, too baggy, or too revealing. The bride may even have you all in coordinating bridesmaid robes or pajamas for the pictures. Just make sure you’re comfy because the getting-ready process usually takes about 4-5 hours.

3) Hair Curling Iron or Straightener (for DIY or touch ups)

Are you going to need a curling iron or hair straightener on the wedding day? If you normally use either of those, it’s a good idea to have them on hand just in case. The wedding is an all day event for the wedding party. Your hair may not look as nice later in the day as it did when it first got done for the ceremony so be ready to do some touch ups.

4) Hair Spray

Hair spray is an essential for an all-day event. Be sure to put plenty in your hair when you get it just how you want it. Your hair won’t stay in place from ceremony to after party unless you give it some structure. Bring some hair spray just in case you or any of the other girls need it.

5) Hair Accessories (Bobby Pins, Clips, Hair Ties)

Shannon Bridesmaid Dress in Champagne | Gangi Photo

Depending on what the plan is for the coordinating bridesmaid look, you may need quite a few bobby pins or clips. Plus, you never know when you’ll need an extra bobby pin for a rogue hair. Clips, hair ties, and other hair accessories are also super helpful when you’re dancing and need to contain your hair. 

6) Deodorant

Don’t forget deodorant! The last thing you want to do is smell bad at your best friend’s wedding. You’ll be surprised how much you’ll be sweating from running around, dancing, and wedding day stress.

7) Face Wash/Makeup Remover Wipes

At some point you’re going to want to remove your makeup. Bring your usual face wash or makeup remover so you’ll be ready when the time comes. You may even want to remove your makeup early if it gets messed up or you change to a more casual post-wedding look.

Clothing & More Bridesmaid Packing List Must-Haves

Your dress isn’t the only thing you’ll need to wear for the wedding. Think about the other articles of clothing you’ll need for the big day and related events. A change of shoes, comfy post-wedding clothes, and the right undies are all essentials for wedding day.

1) Change of Shoes for Dancing

Allison Bridesmaid Dress in Sky Blue | Nicole Catherine Photo

If you’re wearing heels for the wedding ceremony, you’ll probably want to pack an extra pair of shoes — a comfier pair of sandals or flats to dance your butt off in at the reception. If you’re able to wear your heels the whole night, kudos to you, girl! But for the rest of us, we’ll be happily dancing in our flip flops!

2) Comfy Clothes for After the Wedding

You’re going to want to change into comfy clothes as soon as you’re able to get your bridesmaid dress off. As breathable, comfortable, and well-tailored as your dress is, it’s still a gown. Bring a set of PJs or sweatpants in your day bag so you’ll be ready for the post-wedding coziness.

3) Undergarments for Your Bridesmaid Dress (Correct Bra, Spanx, etc.)

Depending on the style of your dress, you might need special undergarments for support, structure, or comfort. Make sure to try on your dress well before the wedding so that you know what type of undies you’re going to need. Make sure to try on everything together so that you’re perfectly confident that none of your undergarments are showing or too uncomfortable to wear for an entire day.

Bridesmaid Emergency Kit List: Extra Items Just in Case

Creating a bridesmaid emergency kit is a great idea to make sure you have supplies just in case something goes wrong. If you’re lucky, you won’t need most of the items on this list. However, you wouldn’t want to be unprepared if you happen to get unlucky. Instead of everyone bringing their own kit, try making the emergency kit a collaborative bridesmaid effort by assigning different emergency kit items to each of the bridesmaids.

Champagne Bridesmaid Dresses | New Ground Photo

1) Tampons or Pads

There will be a lot of relatives at the wedding but hopefully Aunt Flo won’t be one of them. Bring tampons and/or pads just in case you get a surprise visit from your period. Wedding stress might actually mess with your cycle so it’s important to be prepared with tampons/pads/discs even if you don’t expect to use them. You also might save someone else’s day by having them on hand.

2) Band-Aids or Blister Cushions

Whether you’re wearing heels or flats, there’s a good chance you or one of the other bridesmaids will develop a blister. Accidents happen too: small cuts and minor injuries are bound to happen. Be prepared for anything with some band-aids, blister cushions, and maybe a whole mini first-aid kit.

3) Clear Nail Polish

Clear nail polish is an underrated emergency item. How many times have you chipped a nail and had to deal with it being jagged until your next nail appointment? A little clear nail polish can keep your chipped nail from chipping even more or even breaking.

4) Eyelash Glue / Nail Glue

Eyelash glue or nail glue (or both) can be a lifesaver on wedding day. If someone’s eyelash or nail comes off you’ll be able to fix it in a few seconds. These glues are also great for quick fixes for other mishaps like a loose button or a rogue rhinestone.

5) Tissues (for Happy Tears)

Satin Bridesmaid Dresses in Taupe | Kylea Wares Photo

We can pretty much guarantee you’ll shed at least a couple tears during the wedding. You’re about to listen to your best friend read her vows, watch her grandparents dance after 50 years of marriage, and witness a ton of firsts for the newlyweds. Have some tissues ready for you (or the person next to you) during these tender moments!

6) Travel Sewing Kit

Travel sewing kits are so tiny yet mighty. If anyone pops a button, rips a hem, or tears their pants you’ll be ready with a quick fix.

7) Lint Roller

If you own a pet, you’re probably already best friends with your lint roller. On wedding day it will come in handy, especially if the bride chose dark colors for the bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen suits.

8) Clothes Steamer for the Bridesmaid Dresses

Packing up your bridesmaid dress, rehearsal dinner outfit, and other nice clothes may result in some wrinkles. A steamer will help you make sure you look perfect during the wedding ceremony. The groomsmen may need to borrow it for their dress shirts too!

9) Snacks & Water

Matching Bridesmaid Pajama Sets | Kylea Wares Photo

Nothing is worse than a hungry wedding party so make sure you have fruit, granola bars, or other munchies on hand. Protein-packed snacks especially can keep everyone satisfied until it’s time to feast. As for water: hydration is key to a happy, glowing group of bridesmaids. You may be spending a lot of time in the sun, running around completing tasks, or just dancing like crazy so make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day.

10) Tweezers

Last minute eyebrow touch ups, an unexpected splinter, or an m&m stuck in the flower girls’ nose - tweezers can be a rescue tool in your time of need! Don’t forget them at home.

11) Scissors

Scissors can help you with a million small little issues from cutting a loose thread off your dress to cutting a ribbon off one of the bride’s gifts. If you pack a miniature pair, they won’t even take up much space in your bag.

12) Toothbrush/Toothpaste

Sky Blue Bridesmaid Dresses | Nicole Catherine Photo

You brushed your teeth before you headed to start the wedding festivities but there’s a good chance you’ll want to again before the end of the wedding. It’s going to be a long day of food, drinks, and talking to friends and family. Bring your toothbrush and toothpaste with you just in case. Plus, if you’re staying overnight you’ll need them anyway.

12) Razor

A razor is a great idea in case you need to shave before the wedding. Don’t forget this when you’re packing up your toiletries. 

13) Comb/Brush

Don’t forget your hair brush when you’re packing for the wedding! You’ll need a comb or a brush to make sure your hair looks and feels great for every part of the festivities.

Maid of Honor-Specific Wedding Day Checklist

Get ready for your maid of honor role by packing the ultimate wedding day bag. You’re one of the most important members of the wedding party and you have a bunch of responsibilities. Make sure you’re prepared for the big day with this maid of honor packing list.

1) Printed Maid of Honor Speech

Emmy Bridesmaid Dress in Rosewood | Tonya Hjort Photo

The maid of honor usually reads a speech at the reception. You probably typed out your speech on your phone or laptop but we recommend printing a copy. It will be nice to stay unplugged by reading off a sheet of paper instead of your phone buzzing away with notifications. Even if you plan on reading from your phone, a printed copy is a good idea just as a backup plan in case your phone dies or the file gets deleted. You could even print multiple copies to be extra safe.

2) Emergency Kit for the Bride

Your most important job as maid of honor is to take care of the bride. Create an emergency kit with all the things you think she may need. Pack a charger for her phone, a bottle of water, her favorite snacks in case she forgets to eat, a pack of tissues, and any other items from the list above that you think she may need.

3) Physical Copy of the Wedding Itinerary

Knowing what is going on when and where is going to be super important since there’s going to be a lot happening on the wedding day! As maid of honor, you’ll need to make sure the rest of the bridesmaids are where they need to be, when they need to be there. You may even want to print out itineraries for the whole crew. It’s easy to let the day slip away while taking pictures or getting ready in the morning so make sure to check the itinerary and be where you need to be — on time!

4) Wedding Vendor and Bridal Party Contacts

Make sure you have the phone numbers of all the vendors, bridesmaids, and groomsmen. If anyone is missing or late you can call or text them. Having everyone’s contact info will help keep the bride stress-free since you’ll be able to sort out any issues without needing to worry her or ask her for numbers.  

5) Special Note for the Bride (Optional)

A sweet note for the bride might be the exact kind of encouragement she needs on her big day. Being chosen as the maid of honor means you are the bride’s rock, best friend, and one of her favorite people. She will love reading a sentimental note from you. If you have time before the wedding, write a few words down to calm the bride down and tell her how much you appreciate her.

Start Collecting Your Wedding Day Essentials

She’s making a list and checking it twice: the perfect bridesmaid is prepared for her friend’s wedding with all the essentials! Your bridesmaid packing list may look a little different from the one above. This guide will help you get started figuring out exactly what you’ll need for the wedding weekend so you won’t forget any of the important items.

What's a must-have item that you'll be packing for the big day!? If you've already been in a wedding, what item were you either super glad you brought or super bummed you forgot? Let us know in the comments below!

How to Create the Ultimate Wedding Emergency Kit | Slate Blue Bridesmaid Dresses | Kailey Marie Photography