Being well-organised is your new best friend for being a bridesmaid. The day may start early and end late, so having everything ready in your bridal tote is important. Preparation is key because there will be little time for a last-minute shopping trip. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure you’re ready for the big day.
Summary
Being prepared and organised is important for bridesmaids. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need:
- The must-haves are a wedding invitation, a positive mindset, a phone charger, a printed schedule, the wedding party contact information, a water bottle, tissues, speech notes, and snacks.
- Style and attire essentials: Bridesmaid dress, rehearsal dinner outfit, comfortable dance shoes, wedding shoes, heel guards, jewellery, appropriate bra, extra outfit, safety pins, tape, steamer, stain remover, lint roller, sewing kit, extra bag, and a small purse.
- Hair and makeup items: Inspiration pictures, button-down shirt or robe, personal makeup, compact mirror, hair tools, accessories, setting spray, dry shampoo, bobby pins, perfume, deodorant, oil-blotting sheets, makeup wipes, Q-tips, clear nail polish, nail file, and tweezers.
- The emergency kit includes Bandages, an umbrella, tampons, pain relievers, Emergen-C, eye drops, an extra extension cord, scissors, and Uber/taxi numbers.
- Evening extras: Straws, bubbles, portable speakers, and dance moves.
Must-Have Items For Bridesmaids On The Wedding Day
- Wedding Invitation: The wedding invitation isn’t just a beautiful keepsake; it’s your roadmap for the day. Keep it close to ensure you don’t miss key moments, like the ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception. It usually includes the address, time, and a brief itinerary. Having it on hand ensures you’re always in the right place at the right time.
- Positive Mindset: Weddings are joyous but can also be unpredictable. Be ready for anything—from weather changes to last-minute schedule adjustments. Your calm and supportive attitude will comfort the bride greatly, helping her stay focused on enjoying her special day. Remember, your role is to look beautiful and be a rock for the bride.
- Phone Charger: Your phone will likely be your camera, communication tool, and guide to the day’s events. With so much happening, a dead battery can be a real inconvenience. Ensure you have a fully charged phone by bringing a wall charger or, better yet, a portable battery pack so you’re never caught off guard.
- Printed Schedule: While digital schedules are convenient, having a printed copy can be a lifesaver, especially if your phone dies or reception is spotty. The bride or maid of honour may have sent a detailed itinerary, including times for hair and makeup, photos, and the ceremony. A printed schedule will help you stay organised and punctual throughout the day.
- Wedding Party Contact Info: Weddings can be hectic, and sometimes separating from the group is easy. The contact information of the maid of honour and other bridesmaids is important. This ensures you can quickly get in touch if you’re unsure of where to go next or in case of emergencies, ensuring everyone stays on the same page.
- Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is often overlooked, but it’s essential, especially if the day involves outdoor activities, dancing, or moving around. A small, refillable water bottle will keep you refreshed and energised, helping you to maintain your best throughout the event.
- Tissues: Weddings are emotional events, and it’s not uncommon for tears of joy to flow. A small pack of tissues is necessary for wiping away those happy tears and any unexpected makeup touch-ups. This small item can make a big difference in keeping you and the bride looking your best.
- Speech Notes: If you’re giving a speech, don’t rely on memory alone—bring your notes! Whether it’s a heartfelt toast or a few words of wisdom, writing your speech down ensures you deliver it flawlessly without the pressure of recalling it in the moment. Practice beforehand, and keep the notes handy to speak confidently and smoothly.
- Snacks: Wedding days can be long, and you might only sometimes have time to sit down for a proper meal. Bringing along some non-messy, easy-to-eat snacks, like granola bars, nuts, or fruit, will keep your energy levels up. This ensures you’re ready for anything the day throws at you, from early-morning prep to late-night celebrations.
What Are The Style And Attire Essentials For Bridesmaids?
- Bridesmaid Dress: Ensure your dress is ready and placed near the entrance so it’s the last thing you grab before leaving.
- Rehearsal Dinner Outfit: Pack an outfit that can transition from casual to formal for the evening event.
- Comfortable Dance Shoes: After a day on your feet, you’ll want shoes that allow you to dance the night away comfortably.
- Wedding Shoes: Make sure the shoes specified by the bride are packed and ready.
- Heel Guards: Bring clear heel guards to avoid sinking into the grass if the ceremony is outdoors.
- Jewellery: Store your jewellery in a small, secure box until you’re ready to wear it.
- Appropriate Bra: Bring the correct undergarments, whether strapless bra or adhesive cups.
- Extra Outfit: Have a spare outfit or something more comfortable for the afterparty.
- Pins and Tape: Bring safety pins and double-sided tape for any wardrobe malfunctions.
- Steamer: A compact steamer can save the day if your dress gets wrinkled.
- Stain Remover: Accidents happen; be ready with a stain stick or wipes.
- Lint Roller: Use this to remove unwanted lint or pet hair from your dress.
- Sewing Kit: Be the hero with a small sewing kit for last-minute fixes.
- Extra Bag: Carry an extra bag for any decorations or gifts that must be taken home.
- Small Purse: A small handbag to hold your phone and essentials is ideal for the day.
What Should Bridesmaids Bring For Hair And Makeup?
Preparation Essentials For Bridesmaids
- Inspiration Pictures: Bring photos of styles you like if your hair and makeup are done professionally.
- Button-Down Shirt or Robe: Wear something that will keep your hair and makeup neat when changing your dress.
- Personal Makeup: Bring your makeup for touch-ups, even if you’re getting it done professionally.
- Compact Mirror: A must-have if you check your look throughout the day.
- Hair Tools: Bring your curling iron or any other tools if someone needs to remember theirs.
- Hair Accessories: After dancing, you’ll appreciate having hair ties or clips to put your hair up.
- Setting Spray: Keep your makeup and hair looking fresh all day with setting sprays.
- Dry Shampoo: Revive your hair with dry shampoo, especially if there’s a post-wedding brunch.
- Bobby Pins: Keep a pack handy for any hair emergencies.
- Perfume: Use a portable rollerball bottle to bring your favourite scent.
- Deodorant: Reapply throughout the day as needed.
- Oil-Blotting Sheets: Use these to freshen up before walking down the aisle.
- Makeup Wipes: These are quick fixes if you start crying or if your lipstick feathers.
- Q-tips: These are perfect for reapplying eye makeup after the ceremony.
- Clear Nail Polish: Great for fixing a chipped nail or a run in your stockings.
- Nail File: Be ready for any broken nails.
- Tweezers: Handy for stray hairs or last-minute repairs.
What Should Be Included In A Bridesmaid’s Emergency Kit?
Bridesmaid Must-Haves For The Wedding Day
- Band-Aids: Keep a few in your clutch for the inevitable blisters.
- Umbrella: A small, foldable umbrella is a lifesaver if the weather takes a turn.
- Tampons: Be prepared for the unexpected.
- Pain Relievers: Stock up on ibuprofen, allergy pills, and antacids.
- Emergen-C: Stay healthy and energised with this vitamin boost.
- Eye Drops: Soothe red, tired eyes with a few drops.
- Extra Extension Cord: If outlets are in short supply, this will make you the most popular bridesmaid.
- Scissors: Someone will need them eventually, so bring a small pair in your bag.
- Uber or Taxi Number: Have a plan for getting home if the celebrations involve alcohol.
Evening Essentials For Bridesmaid
Enjoyable Extras For The Night
- Straws: Keep your lipstick intact while sipping drinks.
- Bubbles: Plan a fun morning toast with mimosas using these.
- Portable Speaker: Set the mood with music as you get ready.
- Dance Moves: Lead the charge on the dance floor to keep the party lively.
Conclusion
Being organised is key to fulfilling your role as a bridesmaid. From carrying essentials to ensuring the bride’s day goes smoothly, your preparation and support will make all the difference. Remember, your role is to stand by the couple throughout the wedding journey, making their special day even more memorable.
This guide should help you easily navigate the day, ensuring you’re ready for anything. With some planning and heart, you’ll be the bridesmaid every bride dreams of having by her side.
FAQs About Wedding
What Do Bridesmaids Bring To The Bride On The Wedding Day?
The Necessities
- A Solid Attitude.
- A Timeline for the Weekend.
- The Wedding Invitation.
- The Contact Details of the Bridal Party.
- Your Cell Phone Charger.
- A Bag of Snacks.
- A Water Bottle.
- A Mini-Pack of Tissues.
Do Bridesmaids Give A Gift To The bride?
Yes, it’s customary for bridesmaids to give the couple a wedding gift. Some bridal parties go in on this together to present a larger gift to the couple, while others stick with individual gifts.
What Are The Five Things A Bride Needs?
The tradition is based on an Old English rhyme that dates back to 19th-century Lancashire. It describes the items a bride should have on her wedding day: “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, a sixpence in your shoe.”
How Much Does The Average Bridesmaid Spend?
The average bridesmaid spends $1,200 per wedding. If you count dress alterations, bachelorette parties, or gifts, then it escalates to over $1,820. That’s a lot. Especially when you consider most bridesmaids are twenty-somethings with early-career salaries.
What Is A Bridesmaid Supposed To Do?
The bridesmaid’s responsibilities include: Emotionally supporting the bride throughout the wedding planning and ceremony. Assisting the Maid of Honor in planning and paying for the bridal shower and bachelorette party, and of course, assisting the Maid of Honor throughout the wedding day.
