The Ultimate Wedding Packing List for Bridesmaids

Being a bridesmaid for a family member or friend is an honor, but it's also a lot of work. After months spent helping the woman of honor plan the ceremony and reception, helping to host the bridal shower and bachelorette party, and crossing pre-nuptial to-dos like purchasing a gift and having your bridesmaid dress tailored off your list, the wedding day is finally here. Before you head out to the wedding venue, you'll need to pack up all of the essentials for the big day (or weekend).

Which items do you need? Ultimately, that'll depend on the wedding season, location, and how many events are on the docket. Whether or not you're having professional hair and makeup services will also impact how much you need to pack for the big day. Here, we share a list of the essentials every single bridesmaid needs to bring along with her on the big day, plus a selection of other must-haves that might come in handy.

Keep reading below for a list of everything you'll need to get through the entire day without a hitch—or a blister.

Necessities Every Bridesmaid Should Pack for the Wedding

• Getting-Ready Outfit. It's possible that the bride will gift everyone something to wear on the morning of the wedding, but you should be prepared with a prep-friendly outfit just in case. Slip on a button-down shirt or bridesmaid robe before you do your hair and makeup, so that it's easy to get changed after your beauty services are finished.
• Bridesmaid Dress. It should go without saying that you'll need this wardrobe essential for the big day, but since you definitely don't want to leave it at home, make sure it's one of the very first things you pack.
• The Correct Undergarments. If you're wearing a strapless dress, you'll need a strapless bra; if you're wearing a light-colored gown, skin-toned undergarments will be key; and if you know you want to wear shapewear, you'll want to select those pieces ahead of time, to ensure you're comfortable and that they remain unseen beneath your dress.
• Ceremony and Reception Shoes. If the bride asked you to wear a specific type of shoes for wedding photos (i.e., gold sandals), be sure those are packed away. Ideally, you'd have had your bridesmaid dress tailored with those on, ensuring your gown is the perfect length on the big day.
• Jewelry and Accessories. Whether you've been instructed to wear coordinating jewelry with the rest of the wedding party or are free to pick your own pieces, you'll want to have any earrings, necklaces, bracelets, hair accessories, and a purse ready and waiting. Ideally, you'd store these together so they're easy to grab and go when it's time to get dressed.
• Backup Makeup and Hair Essentials. Even if you're having professional hair and makeup services on the wedding day, you'll want to have your go-to products and tools on hand. If the weather turns or you cry a few too many happy tears, you'll be glad to have what you need on hand to revive your look.
• Phone Charger. You're going to be using your phone a lot on the wedding morning—whether you're playing makeshift DJ for the group, showing the hair and makeup team inspiration photos, or documenting the bride's last moments as a fiancé, you're bound to burn down your battery well before the ceremony begins. Make sure you have a charger on hand so you can power up before the party.
• A Pair of Backup Shoes. You may not think it's necessary, but packing at least one pair of backup shoes is key. Ideally, these would be a comfortable pair of formal shoes that you can wear should a heel break or a strap snap; bonus points if they're also comfortable enough to dance in. If not, pack a pair of simple, understated sandals or flats that you can put on during the party if you're feeling blisters start to form.
• A Card and Gift for the Happy Couple. Sorry, bridesmaids! You're not exempt from giving the newlyweds a gift. While you can mail the gift to their home ahead of the wedding (if you're choosing to give a physical gift), it's important to bring a card to the reception either way.
  

Fashion and Beauty Essentials

• A Rehearsal Dinner Outfit. Don't forget about the night before. If the wedding is a weekend-long event, make sure to pack a semi-formal outfit ready to wear to the rehearsal dinner.
• A Change of Clothes. If you're staying overnight, you'll need at least a pair of pajamas and an outfit to wear in the morning, but you should consider what the wedding weekend's itinerary entails. Is there an after-party at a local bar? You might want to slip into a jumpsuit or mini dress. Is the couple hosting a post-wedding brunch at their favorite café? Be sure to add a sundress and sandals to your bag. Did you promise to help the bride clean up after her backyard wedding? You might want to pack your favorite athleisure set and a pair of sneakers.
  
• Inspiration Photos for Hair and Makeup. If you're getting your hair and makeup done on the day of the wedding, try not to come empty-handed. Bring along photos of looks you love or ideas you'd like to replicate.
  
• Deodorant and/or Perfume. You'll start to feel sweaty as the day goes on, so keep your deodorant stick close by. A small bottle of your favorite fragrance can also help you feel refreshed after posing for photos or hitting the dance floor.
• Oil Blotting Sheets. Use these as a quick, last-minute way to freshen up before walking down the aisle without ruining your makeup.
• Clear Nail Polish. Not only is this a great go-to item to help fix chipped nails, but it can also be a quick fix for runs in stockings or buttons that are about to pop off.
• Tweezers. This is a great little tool to have by your side for any last-minute alterations on clothing or to address any errant hairs.
  

Emergency Supplies

• Bandages. Grab a handful of bandages—ideally in a variety of different shapes and sizes—and stick them in your evening bag. You'll be glad you have them in the event that you need one.
• A Small Umbrella. In case the weather takes a turn for the worse, come prepared with a mini umbrella.
• Tampons. Even if you're not supposed to get your period, you never know. It might make a surprise appearance.
• Pain Reliever. Whether it's a headache or cramps, stock up on some Advil and Tylenol in case a pinch of pain is trying to crash the wedding.
• An Extension Cord. Because there are never enough outlets for everyone or every curling iron, have one of these handy, and you may win an award for bridesmaid of the year.
• A Pair of Scissors. Chances are, someone will need them. Store a mini pair at the bottom of your purse.
• Safety Pins. From broken straps and zippers to busted bustles, safety pins come in handy for a variety of fashion emergencies. Make sure you pack a selection of different sizes, just in case.
• Stain Remover and/or a Stick of White Chalk. If there's a spill on your dress or a smudge on the bride's gown, you'll be glad you packed a stain remover stick, spray, or wipe of your choice. Another essential? White chalk. You can use it to mask nearly any stain on a bridal gown in no time.
  
• A Bag of Snacks and a Water Bottle. You'll be running around the morning and afternoon of the wedding, getting glammed up, and posing for pictures. Don't forget to please your stomach by bringing along a bag of filling and easy-to-eat snacks. A refillable water bottle will also come in handy, as pre-nuptial hydration will be key.