What to Put in Your Bridal Bag So You’re Ready for Anything...
- Claire Jane Whitaker
- Jul 1
- 4 min read
from bridal beauty protection, to wedding day chaos. Because no one wants to be that bride frantically asking for blister plasters 10 minutes in!!
So, you’ve sorted the dress, nailed the hair and makeup trial, cried over the first dance song (more than once), and maybe had a meltdown over the seating chart—standard. You’re nearly there. BUT… before you strut down that aisle looking like a glowing goddess, let’s talk about something very unglamorous but very necessary: your bridal emergency bag!
Now, I know what you’re thinking—“Do I really need this?”
Short answer: yes.
Long answer: hell yes—because I’ve seen it all. Brides who forgot tissues and sobbed their way into panda-eye territory. Brides with brand-new shoes that turned into medieval torture devices by hour two. Brides with buttons popping & oily faces making an appearance on the dancefloor!
But here’s the good news: all of that chaos is avoidable (if not embraced) if you’ve got your bridal bag prepped like a boss!
So grab yourself a cuppa (or a glass of fizz) and let’s pack it together! - Checkout a chance to get your copy of a ready to go checklist at the bottom of this blog!
1. The Beauty Bits
Because your glam is an investment—and it needs protecting!
Your makeup artist will have you looking fit for Vogue, but you’re human. You’ll hug, kiss, cry, dance, and possibly sweat. So, pack a little beauty top-up kit for the day:
Lipstick or gloss – ideally, the one your makeup artist used. You’ll be sipping, smooching, and talking all day—this is the MVP of the bag.
Blotting papers or pressed powder – especially if you’re prone to shine. Dewy is lovely. Greasy is not.
Mini setting spray – for when you want that fresh, just-glammed look after a few hours.
Eyelash glue – because if one lash lifts, you’ll feel it. And then you’ll obsess over it. And you do not need that stress. Plus its great for keeping your necklace in place!
Compact mirror – for discreet checks without having to dash to the loo.#
Bobby pins - for those strays that fall out after you bust out the dance moves!
2. Freshen-Up Fixes
You’ll be hugging everyone from your nan to your new in-laws. Stay minty fresh and cool as a cucumber.
Mini deodorant – because wedding nerves are real and nobody wants a sweaty pit moment in their photos.
Perfume – a rollerball or travel-size of your wedding scent to freshen up before your entrance or first dance.
Mints or chewing gum – especially before the kiss-the-groom bit.
Tissues – for dabbing happy tears, blotting lipstick, or passing to your crying mum.
3. The SOS Stuff
AKA the “I didn’t think I’d need that” list.
This is the bit no one thinks about until it’s too late—and by then, someone’s Googling “how to fix a ripped wedding dress with a hairpin”:
Safety pins – the unsung heroes of wardrobe disasters.
Mini sewing kit – for loose buttons or stitching that decides to yeet itself off mid-hug.
Fashion tape – to keep your boobs, straps, or neckline firmly where you left them.
Mini scissors or nail clippers – for rogue threads, tags, or nails.
Plasters (Compeed are a must!) – because those dream shoes might turn evil after the ceremony.
Painkillers – in case a headache dares to show up.
Tampons or pads – even if you’re not due. Mother Nature’s got a sense of humour, and she’s not invited to your wedding.
4. Tech & Timing Must-Haves
You’re the main character—but someone needs to hold the script.
Phone charger or power bank – because your battery doesn’t care that it’s your wedding day.
Copy of your vows – digital and/or printed, especially if you’re doing your own. Trust me, your brain might forget your own name when you’re up there.
Emergency contact list – planner, venue, photographer, maid of honour—so someone can solve a problem without asking you.
Wedding day timeline – either digital or printed. That way, if someone asks “What time’s the cake being cut?” for the third time, someone else can answer while you sip Champagne in peace.
5. Just-in-Case Extras
Because you can’t plan for everything—but you can be damn close.
Stain remover pen or wipes – for food, lipstick, or the dreaded red wine splash.
Snacks – something light but filling. A granola bar, dried fruit, or nuts. You’ll be surprised how long it can be between breakfast and your wedding meal.
Reusable straw – if you want to sip your drink without messing up your lipstick.
Contact lenses/spare pair – if you wear them.
Fold-up flats or sliders – when your heels have had enough and your feet start swearing at you.
6. Bonus Tip: Don’t Be the Bag Lady
Pop everything in a cute pouch or tote and give it to your maid of honour, sister, or bestie. This isn’t a job for you. You’re busy being iconic. They can keep it nearby and jump in like a bridal superhero when needed.
Final Words, Gorgeous Bride…
Packing your bridal bag isn’t about being paranoid. It’s about peace of mind. It’s one more thing that lets you focus on what matters: marrying the love of your life, soaking up every second, and feeling like an absolute queen.
And if nothing goes wrong? Brilliant! You won’t even think about this bag. But if something does? You’ll be the unflappable bride who sorted it in 30 seconds flat and carried on dancing. Icon behaviour.
You’ve got this!
And if you want a cute printable version of this checklist? I’ve made one for you—drop your email and I’ll send it straight over.
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