by Johanna Osborne

Oh to be a bridesmaid! It’s the greatest honour your bestie could bestow upon you! The minute you are crowned are bridesmaid you have an all access pass to the most fun year of your life. Dress fittings, make up and hair trials, endless deliberations over dress styles, colour schemes, table runners, hors d’oeuvres, music, flowers… it’s like stepping inside a warm cloud of all things gorgeous and wonderful. You get a backstage VIP pass to seeing everything unfold without the stress of being the one that wears the crown. A bit like being Beyonce’s right hand woman or Riri’s bestie. Or at least that’s how it will feel. To your friend on the other hand the process might be a bit more overwhelming, and that ladies, is where you – the supersonic bridesmaid – must step in! I will never forget when the hook at the back of my dress (which was holding my heavy train up) broke at my wedding reception. Out of nowhere my trusty bridesmaid Susan Philp stepped up like wonderwoman, holding a sparkling safety pin that saved the night!

There are many things a bridesmaid does – from lending an ear and being all round supportive to offering to take over small tasks – and of course the all important bridal shower, hens night and other such fancy and exciting celebrations. It goes without saying that a bridesmaid must always be enthusiastic and positive. But more than that, a bridesmaid comes prepared! So superwoman, what do you need to have in your bag on the big day? Let us show you the way!

The bridesmaid emergency kit is the signature trademark of all bridesmaids who take their role seriously. This is your chance to shine and be the knight (or knightess?) in shining armour (or tafetta lace if you prefer). Here is our recommended list of things to pack to keep you prepared. Remember, prior preparation is the key, and this is your licence to wow, dazzle and impress!

-Sewing kit in every colour anyone in the bridal party is wearing, and of course safety pins in all sizes
-Chapstick, gloss, lipliner and lipstick
-Cotton buds
-Tissues
-Hair Spray, Bobbypins/Hairbands. Hairspray can be used to keep dodgy zippers from unzipping, remove lint, polish shoes, keep makeup in -place and preserve wilting flowers.
-Bronzer and all other make up selected for the day
-Water, coffee, energy drink and of course bubbles
-Rescue Remedy
-Muesli bars/candy/snacks
-Straws for drinking with lipstick on
-Nail files, nail polish for touch ups in the designated colour as well as clear to fix runs in panty hose!
-Band-Aids
-Lady Products
-Hand sanitiser and wipes
-Small compact mirror
-Toothbrush and toothpaste
-Chewing gum and/or breathmints – because sometimes there’s no time for a toothbrush
-Masking tape – a great little secret for fixing hemlines.
-Heartburn relief – there’s a lot of rich food and wine at weddings, and you want to be able to enjoy it.
-Cellphone charger – a universal one if you have it
-Deodorant
-Eye drops (and contact lens solution if any of the wedding party wear them).
-Flip flops – heels break and feet get sore and tired. What a relief to be able to kick off the stilettos and slip these on after the formalities are over!
-Water/mist spray to keep everyone cool and dewy
-Sunscreen
-Lintroller