The last day or two before your wedding can get hectic, very hectic. You're delivering things, collecting things, popping bubbly and hopefully indulging in lots of relaxation and beautification. But making your tan/nail/wax/Prosecco appointments can take up a lot of headspace, and often, little things get forgotten along the way, like prepping the overnight bag you will need for the night of your wedding, and the day(s) after.

Which is why here we're sharing our handy checklist of what to pack in your wedding overnight bag, so you can give your overworked brain a little break. Why not also read our tips for keeping calm on the morning of your wedding!

Image by Anna G Photography via One Fab Day

What to Pack in your Wedding Overnight Bag

Of course your personalised packing list will of course vary depending on whether you're getting ready at home and heading to your wedding straight from there, or if you're prepping in the bridal suite and spending a few nights away from home. This helpful wedding checklist is an overall guide to help you make your own final list, so take what applies to you, and ignore the rest when it comes to packing your own wedding overnight bag.

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Hairbrush
• Dry shampoo
• Heavy duty makeup remover - oil based ones are best for lifting layers
• Cotton wool
• Deodorant
• Hair styling tool
• Hair mask (if you'll have a lot of day-after back-combing to tend to!)
• Bubble bath - if your bridal suite has a big tub!
• Moisturiser
• Feminine products
• Nail file
• Clear nail polish
• Your makeup bag
• Toiletry bag
• Your perfume
• A mini speaker
• Painkillers
• Medication and birth control
• Eye drops
• Contact lenses, solution and glasses, if applicable
• Stain remover pen
• Double-sided tape
• Mini lint roller
• Wedding day emergancy kit
• Phone charger
• Power bank
• Extension lead
• House keys
• A bottle of bubbly

Image by Jayne Lindsay via One Fab Day

• Rescue remedy or calming essential oils
• A copy of the wedding-day itinerary
• A list of contact details for suppliers
• A small amount of cash
• Sunglasses
• Flat shoes
• Comfy socks
• PJs
• Sleep mask
• Water bottle
• Electrolyte sachets
• Snacks
• Blister plasters
• Fashion tape
• Travel iron or steamer
• Second-day outfit
• Second-day underwear
• Second-day shoes and accessories - if your shoes are in boxes, put photos on each one so you can see what's inside at a glance
• Wedding night lingerie (FYI, there's every chance you won't have the energy to put these on until you're on honeymoon, but it's good to be prepared!)
• Dress and suit covers

Image by Facibeni Fotografia via One Fab Day

What to Pack if You're Getting Ready at the Hotel or Venue

Add these to the list above if you're getting ready at your venue or a hotel!

• Something to wear for hair and makeup - a robe or button-up that goes easily over your head is best! Make sure it's something you're happy to be photographed in too, if your photographer is coming for this part of the day.
• Snacks for the wedding morning and bottled water, if the venue won't be supplying food and drinks
• Your wedding dress or wedding-day outfit, with a hanger
• Your lingerie
• Your shoes
• Your wedding-day handbag
• Your jewellery and accessories
• Any sentimental items you want with you
• Wedding-day emergency kit - safety pins, tissues etc. Delegate this one to a bridesmaid if you can!
• Anything you'd like to have photographed - wedding stationery is a common one!
• Wedding lipstick
• SPF
• Sunglasses
• Headphones, in case you need some chill time
• Any cash payments ready in envelopes for on-the-day suppliers (put these in the safe when you arrive at the venue)
• A list of suppliers, their contact details and a timeline for the day
• Pen and notepad
• Paperwork or ID for the legal ceremony, if required
• The wedding rings
• Your vows
• Wedding party gifts

Image by Anna G Photography via One Fab Day

Tips for Packing for your Wedding

• Obviously this is a list for brides (grooms, we'll do one for you soon, too!) but it's important to note, items like the paperwork, wedding rings, or the supplier payments are for both of you to remember, the burden shouldn't be on just one half of a couple!
• You might only be going away for one or two nights, but weddings come with lots of 'stuff' as standard, so don't try to cram it all into a small weekend bag (and about four totes), take your big suitcase so there's lots of room for everything you need.
• Make like a pro traveller and use packing pouches to keep things together, that way you'll have all the elements of your different outfits organised together, and you'll be able to find things when you need them
• Shawls for the bridesmaids, a basket for the flower girl... divvy out any accessories or items for the wedding party in the days or weeks before the wedding so it's no longer your responsibility to look after them.

Image by Paige MacPherson via One Fab Day

• A dedicated “morning after” pouch containing toothbrush + toothpaste, cleanser, moisturiser, deodorant, painkillers, electrolytes, hairbrush, dry shampoo, fresh underwear, comfy clothes and any medication is super handy. That way you don't have to rummage through the whole bridal bag when you're half asleep the next morning.
• If not getting ready at your venue, make sure to pack your dress cover and suit cover in your overnight luggage – you’ll need it when checking out!
• If you're getting ready at home and heading straight to the ceremony, have someone reliable bring your overnight bag to the hotel or accommodation ahead of you. Ensure it's delivered to your room, and any important items (like a second-day party dress) are hung up. Don't just bring it in the wedding car with you, you might forget about it, and it'll be left in the boot or, worse, head off with the driver!
• We have a handy list for what to pack in your bridal handbag too!

Want to pack for your honeymoon too? Check out our ultimate honeymoon packing list!