After years of doing wedding photography, we have finally compiled our version of some must have items for brides. If you want to be the best bridesmaid ever, this list might be for you! We even carry most of these items on us but it’s always safe to have a backup. Without further ado, scroll below for the ABP guide!

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1. Bobby Pins – this might be a simple and easy one but I can’t tell you how many times, after portraits and fun parts of the day, all the girls are wishing they had some extra bobby pins. They are almost always needed to secure the veil as well so keep them handy!

2. Makeup Wipes – After all the cuddling we do, some times, your groom might need a little clean up of his suit.

3. Safety Pins – I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen a bridesmaids strap snap, a dress not zip or the brides bustle breaks. They are always nice to have and so tiny to add to your kit.

4. Oil blotting paper – These are really great for those summer wedding days. Sweat and oily skin can be inevitable, believe me, my wedding was over 100 degrees. Try to find a brand that won’t remove your makeup as well. It’s always great to try a few out before the big day.

5. Lighters – Now this only applies to if you’re having a sparkler exit. If you plan on having a magical exit, plan to bring about 5 lighters. You can’t always expect the venue to supply them and they might not have enough. The quicker we can get every one lit (instead of waiting for it to go down the line) the more time we have for your photos.

6. Lipstick – This one might seem a bit silly or a bit obvious but I can’t tell you how many brides don’t have the same lipstick as what the hair and makeup artist put on you. So half of the day you have a nude lip and the other half of the day, you have a pink lip from your collection. Either ask the artist to use one of your favorite lipsticks, have the artist swab a few sticks and put them into baggies or purchase the same lipstick the artist used during your trial.

7. Fashion Tape – For the girls (ALL the girls) and those darn fray lace pieces or keeping your dress to your skin.

8. Hairspray / Deodorant / Mints / Mini Champagne Bottles – These are all simple things to add to your list that you are sure to use throughout the day.

9. Braless – I beg of you, bride, please go braless or wear an extremely loose bralette for getting ready. It is not beautiful when you have bra marks on your back for your beautiful photos. Depending on your skin, they can last quite a while.

10. Clear Umbrellas – If your wedding has some impending rain in the forecast, prep for it! If you full prepare for rain, we can make some beautiful things happen. Purchase some clear umbrellas for every member of your bridal party or every other one. Also, consider cute rain boots! Then, let the professionals do the rest. If it doesn’t end up raining, you can always return your umbrellas and other rainy day essentials. 

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11. Mini Speaker – I beg of you, pump yourself up and have fun during your getting ready. Create a killer playlist for before the ceremony and you will be sure to have an amazing time!

12. Cash – Again, self explanatory but it’s always really great to have some extra cash on hand. If you want to pay the DJ, bartender, photographer, etc for an extra hour or if they just really blew it out of the water. You’ll be kicking yourself later for not having cash. 

13. Eyelash Glue – This is a BIG one. I can easily reapply your eyelashes or a bridesmaids if they start coming off halfway through the day. This happens very often and I really recommend having a tube on handy. (preferably the kind with a small brush)

14. Long Straight Pins – Purchase some long + strong straight pins for the bouts. Many florists don’t provide you will good pins. They often bend, break and aren’t strong enough to hold the flowers up for longer than an hour or two.

15. Drivers License / ID – Simple but so often forgotten. If you plan on stopping at a bar after the ceremony, after the wedding, even some bartenders at your own wedding, refuse to serve unless you have your ID. So lets not forgotten those pretty little cards so your photographer doesn’t have to sneak you drinks. 😉