bridesmaid packing list

17 Top Bridesmaid Packing List Items for 2025 + What to Wear & What NOT to Bring

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How exciting you’ve been chosen to be a bridesmaid and the day is slowly approaching. While you most definitely won’t be as stressed as the bride-to-be, packing for the occasion can have its hardships. However, with all the excitement in the air, it’s time to live up to the role and be the best bridesmaid you can possibly be!

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What To Pack for Bridesmaids – 17 Essentials

  • 1. Packing Cubes

    Packing Cubes

    A bridesmaid has an important role within a couple's special day, which means she might have to pack a lot in her suitcase. Keep your belongings organized and easily accessible with the help of packing cubes. From rehearsal dinner outfits to little items that will help the day go smoothly, packing cubes will become your favorite packing accessory.

    View on Amazon.com

  • 2. Robe

    Robe

    When you’re getting ready for your bridesmaid duties, it’s best to do so in comfort. When you’re running around getting your make-up and hair done, relax in a soft and lightweight robe before getting dressed into your gorgeous bridesmaid dress. Use the robe at the end of the busy day to relax and unwind before bed.

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  • 3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    how a vpn works

    Stay protected while traveling to and from the wedding vacation. You'll be connecting to public wifi networks in hotels, Airbnbs, airports, and cafes. Keep your information protected or bypass blocked pages or sites that you may need for important documents or use. Use WIFI and internet sites safely and avoid any disruptions with the use of this reliable VPN.

    View NordVPN.com Options

  • 4. LifeStraw Water Bottle

    Lifestraw Water Bottle

    Hydration is key during weddings! While you may be preoccupied with other beverages during a fabulous wedding weekend, always remember water is the cure. Whether you travel internationally or domestically, drink clean water all day with the help of your LifeStraw water bottle. Sip on water during the festivities and throughout this glorious occasion.

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  • 5. Sleep Mask

    sleep mask

    Being a bridesmaid can mean a lot of restless nights, so let's sleep longer and better with the help of a sleeping mask. Whether you wake up early or go to bed late, block out all the light and get in all the vital minutes of sleep you possibly can. Sleep well and look well rested on your friend’s special day.

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  • 6. Universal Travel Adaptor

    Universal power adapter

    Are you packing for a destination wedding, because if so, a travel adaptor will make your life much easier? This universal travel adaptor will save you in plenty of situations and will keep your electronics charged while away. Keep phones charged so you can take amazing pictures at the wedding, and never fret about having the wrong plug.

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  • 7. Heels

    Heels

    While you’ll be stressing about what shoes to wear for all the pre party festivities, always remember a classic strappy pair of heels. Black or nude heels go with practically every dress and are great to wear for the rehearsal dinner or to switch into after the wedding. Heels dress up every outfit and they’re essential for weddings.

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  • 8. Hanging Toiletry Bag

    Hanging Toiletry Bag

    From different types of makeup to all the skincare necessities, have a desired location for all your products. Whether you’re keeping your makeup fresh and clean for the wedding day or going full glam, a hanging toiletry bag will make your life a dream. Bring extra products for the bride or simply load up on all your favorite miniature-sized goods.

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  • 9. Shapewear

    Shapewear

    If you ever thought about shapewear, a wedding is the perfect time to invest. Feel put together and held in while wearing the shapewear under your bridesmaid dress. Watch as the dress delicately hangs off you, showing no lines from bras or underwear. Look smooth, feel great and be comfortable during the wedding.

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  • 10. Portable Charger

    Portable Charger

    Stay charged longer and faster with this small portable charger. From fitting in your wedding clutch to keeping it in a jacket pocket this little charger will go unnoticed and give you a full charge. Take pictures all day, run around on the bride’s behalf and keep a full charge all at the same time.

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  • 11. Jewelry Bag

    Jewelry Bag

    If there is ever a time to look your best and bring out your favorite jewelry pieces, it’s as a bridesmaid. Look good walking down the aisle and get ready for pictures when you jump for the bouquet toss with some sparkles on your neck and arms. At the end of the day keep all your favorite jewelry safe with a special bag or box where everything can be found!

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  • 12. Bobby Pins and Hair Elastics

    Bobby Pins and Hair Elastics

    Whether your hair is going up or you are wearing it down, one can never not have enough bobby pins and hair elastics. From getting ready to constantly losing your favorite hair band, bringing extra will be super helpful. Give some to other bridesmaids, help put the bride and be the bridesmaid savior.

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  • 13. Windproof Travel Umbrella

    Windproof Travel Umbrella

    While you may not be using the umbrella during the wedding, a rain shower can happen at any moment so be prepared for the unexpected. From walking to the car to the venue or making sure the bride is always covered, this lightweight and strong umbrella will always keep you dry and safe.

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  • 14. Nice Outfit for Dress Rehearsal

    Nice Outfit for Dress Rehearsal

    You might be putting all your time and effort into thinking about the wedding, that you completely forget about the dress rehearsal. However, the dress rehearsal is just as important to look nice and put together. A simple dress with heels always looks great, effortless, and chic. Remember to ask the bride if there’s a theme or color to be wearing!

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  • 15. Travel Insurance for Bridesmaid

    Travel Insurance for Bridesmaid

    If this wedding decides to go international, remember to look into travel insurance. With the risk of lost luggage or canceled flights, feel protected and safe with insurance. As always make sure to get insurance that covers any medical costs as accidents may occur and out-of-pocket costs can be high.

    Compare policies at TravelInsurance.com

  • 16. Slides

    Slides

    It’s time to kick back and put on something comfortable while the bride and bridesmaids get ready for the wedding. Slides or slippers will make your life so much easier when it comes to rushing around and getting ready. From last-minute changes to back-and-forth movements between rooms, wear comfortable shoes that make you feel like you’re floating on water.

    View on Amazon.com

  • 17. Cute Gift for Bride

    Cute Gift for Bride

    Being a bridesmaid is not only an important role but a huge honor! Remember to get the bride a little gift that means something to both or you. Whether it’s a handwritten card, a small book or a little piece of jewelry the gesture is there. While this may be her special day, she is choosing you to stand with her and that’s a big deal!

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What to Wear as a Bridesmaid

Bridesmaid While every wedding may be different, always check with the bride to see what color or theme she is envisioning for her special day. You may not have much choice when it comes to the bridesmaid outfit, but the rehearsal dinner and other wedding activities offer you the perfect chance to show off your fashion.

From gorgeous dresses, a trendy suit, to pajamas and a relaxing sweatsuit, bridesmaids need to be ready for every occasion. Whether you’re dancing the night away in your favorite heels or getting glammed up for the big day, a bridesmaid should always be looking on point.

What WOMEN should wear as a Bridesmaid – (Click to expand)

Below is a sample women’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

Matching Sweat Set
PJs
Swimsuit
Evening Dress
Casual Dress
Day Dress
Top
Relaxed-Top
Jeans
Fun Skirt
Clutch or Shoulder Bag
Dancing Shoes
Sandals
Shawl

Depending on the weddings location and theme what you wear can be quite different. However, you can always get away with a skirt, top and sandals. Next to the wedding, the next biggest dressing event is the rehearsal dinner, from evening gowns to a lovely satin dress, pair your look with heels and a fun bag and you’ll look fabulous for the evening. Bring comfortable outfits to get ready in and always feel good with what you put on.

Packing for the Seasons

  • Spring March, April, May

    March, April, May

    Spring around the world can be very different, however, always expect cooler weather. Pair a classic shawl with an evening dress and wear fun heels to create a chic and classic look. Leading up to the big day a cool pair of jeans with a top and sandals, will always look good for last-minute errands and helping the bride with her special day!

  • Summer June, July, August

    Summer Weddings can bring beautiful days, but also extremely hot and humid days. If the wedding isn’t super formal, feel free wearing strapless dresses or thinner strapped dresses for the rehearsal dinner. Classic black or nude heels are great to pair with any outfit and feel free to bring linen shirts or skirts while pottering around during the day.

  • Fall September, October, November

    September, October, November

    The fall can bring cooler days and nights but it’s also a beautiful time of year for weddings, as the leaves are changing and there’s a slight breeze in the air. Apart from wearing lovely dresses to dinners and the wedding, feel free to wear trousers or Jeans to wander around in and absolutely wear a Matching Sweat Set when you’re getting ready.

  • Winter December, January, February

    A winter wedding is always magical, but make sure to have either a shawl or light jacket. While the wedding will probably be at an inside venue remember you’ll probably be going out for certain things and last-minute trips. While heels can still be worn, think about heeled booties for everyday trips when you go from place to place.

Dressing appropriately for the activity– (Click to expand)

Wedding Day Glam: It’s always nice having a girly get-ready session and this might be one of the most important ones. Whether you choose to do your own makeup and hair or get it done professionally I would highly suggest wearing either a robe or matching sweat set with comfortable shoes such as slippers or slides.

Wedding Day: This might seem simple but please remember your bridesmaid dress and have it fitted before you arrive. If adjustments need to be made for the dress, please do so at least a month in advance so that everything fits properly for the day.

Rehearsal Dinner: Ask the bride and groom if there is a specific theme or color palette they would like the bridal party to adhere to, but have a little fun with your dress. From pretty satin dresses to more summer or even formal gowns, always check with the bride to make sure you will be dressing accordingly. While heels are always elegant don’t be afraid to put on some party shoes for the occasion.

Morning After Brunch: While you may wake up feeling tired and a little worse for wear after a great wedding, it’s time to put on your comfy clothes and go to brunch. While you want to be casual, still try and put in some effort with your outfit. A fun skirt and top is great and dress it up with a little bag and sunglasses.

What NOT to Bring as a Bridesmaid

  • 1. DON’T Bring a White Dress

    Unless otherwise specified, never wear white to a wedding. Discover the color pallet that the bride likes and try to wear things around those colors.

  • 2. DON’T Bring Casual Shoes

    Depending on the wedding casual shoes might be completely acceptable, however always try and wear shoes that can dress an outfit up. If you don’t like wearing heels, think about platform sandals or wedges.

  • 3. DON’T Bring Uncomfortable Heels

    Try to break in whatever shoes you bring for a wedding beforehand. The last thing you want is to get blisters while dancing or running around. If you have new shoes you want to bring, wear them around the house and make sure they're comfortable, chances are you’ll be wearing them all night.

  • 4. DON’T Bring Ripped jeans

    While you’ll probably only be wearing jeans in the spring and fall, avoid bringing ripped jeans. Think about bringing one of your more classic pairs like straight leg.

  • 5. DON’T Bring Revealing Clothing

    While you may want to show off some clothes, remember a wedding is about the couple getting married. Don’t wear anything to risqué, instead think about wearing chic, trendy, and sophisticated clothing.

  • 6. DON’T Bring Loud and Flashy Jewlery

    Don’t wear anything that brings too much attention to yourself. The best way to make a simple outfit seem more fun, is by putting some fun accessories like jewelry and bags with it.

What NOT to wear as a Bridesmaid – (Click to expand)

Whether it’s a beach wedding, formal wedding, church wedding or a casual city wedding, always check with the bride to be within the dress code. Avoid wearing white and going off theme. Make sure to wear the bridesmaid dress that was asked of you to wear and never change it.

Bridesmaid FAQs

  • 1. Should I get my hair and makeup done?

    Should I get my hair and makeup done?

    Sometimes brides will have a makeup artist and hairdresser come to the venue and do the bridesmaids' hair and makeup. Double check with the bride to see if she is doing this because if not, feel free to do your hair and makeup yourself or go to a salon. Whether you have professionals to help you and your girl gang get ready or if you and your besties do it yourself, getting ready together as a bride tribe is one of the most fun parts of being a bridesmaid.

  • 2. Should I check with the bride about my rehearsal outfit?

    Always ask the bride if there is a specific theme or colorway she would like the bridesmaids to dress for the rehearsal dinner. Normally you can get away with wearing something you like; just double check as sometimes there can be lots of photographs at this event.

  • 3. How much should I help during the wedding preparations?

    How much should I help during the wedding preparations?

    As a bridesmaid you will have quite a few responsibilities, and you should be willing to help whenever you can. If the bride asks you to do certain things within your capabilities, always say yes and try your best. However, let the bride know if it gets too much and if you need a bit of help. Usually, the maid of honor has the biggest responsibilities so be sure to also ask her how you can help.

  • 4. Should I stay in contact with the other bridesmaids throughout the wedding weekend?

    Absolutely! To make the wedding feel and run smoothly, make a group chat with all the bridesmaids so anyone can help when needed. Keep the stress away from the bride and chat with the others so any problems can be resolved.

  • 5. Do I prepare for photos?

    Do I prepare for photos?

    It's not uncommon for a photographer to take pictures while you're getting ready for the wedding, during the wedding or even at the rehearsal dinner. If you want to prepare for the photo, you can, but also act natural and see if the bride or groom have requested any specific photos. Usually the wedding photographer will take photos of the bride and her bridal party getting ready and group pictures afterwards.

  • 6. Should I get presents for the bride before her wedding?

    While you've probably given gifts at the Bachelorette party it's always nice to get a personalized gift for the bride before she walks down the aisle. This can be something small and sentimental that's just between the two of you. While most people give gifts at the wedding feel free to do both. I just think it's a nice touch to do something between the two of you that she will remember.

  • 7. Do I have to prepare a speech?

    Normally a speech is delivered by the maid of honor, however if the Maid of Honor asks you to also speak, that would be a lovely addition. Always ask if you're unsure!

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