As a bride, you can choose to kit your bridesmaids out with wedding emergency supplies so that they are prepared for every eventuality on your big day! This can include things like tissues, aspirin and plasters but if you want to make it in to a little gift bag for your bridesmaids to boot, you can go the whole hog and include things like slippers, t-shirts and even gifts like a piece of jewellery or candles. What goes inside the bags is entirely the bride’s choice.
On a practical note – if you have a large crowd of bridesmaids, not every single one will need all the items, for example not all of them will need to carry plasters and aspirin, but each one of them will need a packet of tissues. In this case, you can divide some of the items to be carried by one or two of them, according to need. Also, if you’re having guest toiletry baskets in the ladies’ and gents’ restrooms, then the bridesmaids may not need to carry the same items. However, if you are having one, two or three bridesmaids then they could certainly have a bag each.
This list is downloadable! Save it, print it, and use it like a checklist so you don’t forget anything.
Top tip for budget brides: eBay is your best friend for buying good quality inexpensive cotton bags, just be sure to check the sizes to accommodate all the stuff you want to put in it. Then, get iron-on transfers to decorate the bags! There are so many designs, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Just make sure your bags are made from natural fibres, not vinyl or plastic.
Don’t forget to include a thank-you card – your girls will be truly touched. And here’s the list:
For the face
- Face powder or matting face wipes
- Lip balm/lip gloss
- Compact mirror
For the hands
- Nail file
- Spare nails and nail glue
- Hand cream
- Hand gel
- Clear nail varnish
For the hair
- Comb
- Hair clips/bobby pins
- Mini hairspray
- Hair scrunchie
- Mini dry shampoo
- Fold-up hairbrushes
For the body
- Deodorant/antiperspirant
- Cool spray (like water mist)
- Mini perfume
For the feet
- Plasters
- Gel cushion pads in case of blisters
- Heel covers (for outdoor weddings where they may walk in the grass)
- Bed socks
- Slippers
Everything else
- Sewing kit
- Tissues
- Paracetamol or aspirin
- Baby wipes (great for removing stains)
- Chewing gum or mints
- Safety pins
- Indigestion remedies
- Fan (for summer weddings, but not only)
- Travel size toothbrush, holder and toothpaste
- Small hand towel
- Tampons or panty liners
Tokens of affection
- Sweets (their favourites)
- Small candle
- ‘Bridesmaid’ t-shirts
- A token gift of jewellery
- Thank-you card
