Here’s Exactly What You Need in Your Bridal Suite

Your bridal suite acts as your big day headquarters, your sacred space. It not only provides you with a place to get ready in the morning, but it’s also where you’ll prepare mentally for the coming celebration. It’s where you’ll hang out with your bridesmaids, clink glasses of bubbly, and probably take photos to add to your wedding day story.

It’s a private and comfortable space where you and your bridal party can prepare, relax, and spend time together before walking down the aisle. The bridal suite often serves as a staging area for the bridal party to get dressed, do hair and makeup, and engage in pre-wedding activities.

1. Full-length mirrors: To help you and your bridesmaids check attire and makeup.
2. Seating and lounge areas: Comfortable seating arrangements for your bridal party to relax and socialize.
3. Vanity or makeup station: A designated area with good lighting and mirrors for hair and makeup preparations.
4. Restroom facilities: Private restroom access is usually available for convenience.
5. Refreshments: Some bridal suites may offer snacks, beverages, or even a small catering setup for the bridal party.
6. Privacy: The bridal suite is typically a private area where you and your bridesmaids can have some alone time away from the guests and groom.
7. Storage space: Closets or storage areas for hanging wedding attire and keeping personal belongings secure.

It’s safe to say that this special place – whether located at a historic hotel, a chic urban venue, or someone’s home – requires a few essentials. Make sure your bridal suite has these items stocked and you and your bride tribe will stay fueled, positive, and pumped for the adventure that is your wedding.

1. Water

Whatever the weather, it’s important to keep the H2O flowing. Even if it’s winter and the last thing you want to think about is an iced glass of water, everyone needs to stay hydrated. Dehydration can lead to headaches, faintness, faux hunger, achy joints, and a plethora of other problems.

No thanks!

Stock your suite with bottled water or a large water jug and encourage your bridal party to bring their own reusable bottles to cut down on plastic.

You can also provide straws so that no one smears their lipstick while sipping.

2. Food / Snacks

Having light, healthy snacks on hand will give you and your maids the energy you need to power through the day.

Non-messy, quick, bite sized snacks like vegetables, fruit, crackers, protein bars, nuts, meats and cheeses, and popcorn are your best bet.

You might even take a cue from the Japanese and put together bento boxes for each bridal party member. Bento boxes can include everything you need, from protein-packed snacks to sweet treats.

When deciding on the type of food to serve to bridesmaids while getting ready, it’s important to consider convenience, ease of eating, and the preferences of the bridesmaids. Here are some ideas for food options:

1. Finger foods: Opt for easy-to-eat finger foods that won’t require a lot of utensils or create a mess. Some examples include: Mini sandwiches or sliders – Fresh fruit platters – Vegetable platters with dip – Mini quiches or frittatas – Cheese and charcuterie boards – Chicken tenders or nuggets – Mini pastries or muffins
2. Snack options: Provide a variety of snacks to keep energy levels up. Consider: Assorted nuts and trail mix – Popcorn – Chips and salsa or guacamole – Hummus with pita bread or veggie sticks – Mini pretzels or pretzel bites – Mixed berries or grapes
3. Breakfast items: If you’re getting ready in the morning, consider serving breakfast items like: Breakfast burritos or breakfast sandwiches – Yogurt parfaits with granola and berries – Mini muffins or croissants – Bagels with cream cheese and smoked salmon
4. Beverages: Alongside the food, offer a variety of beverages, including: Bottled water – Coffee or tea – Fruit juices or mimosas (if it’s appropriate for the time of day and the bride’s preferences) – Champagne or sparkling wine (for toasting, if desired)
5. Dietary considerations: Be mindful of any dietary restrictions or preferences among the bridesmaids. It’s a good idea to include some gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan options to accommodate everyone.
6. Sweet treats: Don’t forget to include some sweet treats for a sugar boost and celebration. Options may include: Mini cupcakes or macarons – Chocolate-covered strawberries – Candy or a candy bar with assorted sweets

Ultimately, the key is to provide a selection of foods that are easy to eat, won’t create a mess, and will keep the bridesmaids satisfied as they help the bride prepare for her special day.

3. Music

Wouldn’t it be awesome if during every big event of your life music played in the background? Even everyday routines would be more fun if life soundtracks were a thing.

Now’s your chance to put together your very own pre-wedding soundtrack to listen to while getting ready. Make it romantic or girl powered or whatever gets you going. You can also ask your bridesmaids for suggestions for songs they’d enjoy getting ready to.

4. Extra Chairs

Make sure there is extra seating for those times when you’re not all dancing around in your bridal party robes. If you don’t think your suite has enough chairs, ask your venue to bring some in before you arrive.

5. Emergency Kits/Items

Things never go exactly as planned, so make sure your bridal suite is stocked with these necessities:

• Bandages
• Bobby pins
• Sewing kit
• Tweezers
• Medicine (allergies, headache, etc.)
• Feminine products
• Hairspray
• Clear nail polish
• Nail file
• Safety pins
• Hair ties
• Scissors
• Dryer sheets (gets rid of static cling)
• Eye makeup remover
• Baby wipes
• Q-tips

6. Power Strips and Chargers

Check out your bridal suite for how many electrical outlets are available. Since everyone will probably use hair dryers, straighteners, and/or curlers, you’ll want to make sure there are enough outlets to go around. Bring in a couple extra power strips if you’re concerned.

And as a kind gesture (even if you’re having an unplugged wedding), consider stocking an extra phone charger, because you know there is always that one person who forgets it.

7. Hangers

No one ever thinks of the simple hanger, but it can save lives! Okay, maybe not lives literally, but it will definitely save dresses from wrinkles and floors from clutter.

8. Mirrors

Mirror, mirror in my hand, are there enough in all the land? Aside from the lame attempt at fairy tale poetry, this little rhyme has a good point. Are there enough mirrors to go around?

Some bridal suites have loads of built-in theater style mirrors, while others provide one main mirror and perhaps a stand-up one for full-body inspection.

If you find your suite lacking looking glass, stock it with a few extra hand mirrors or bring in a wall mirror if it’s light and convenient.

9. Flats

Even if you think you’ll dance the night away in your swoon-worthy heels, put a pair of flats in your bridal suite. In fact, put a few extra pairs of foldable flats or flip-flops in the room just in case one of your girls gets a blister or just can’t handle walking on her tiptoes any longer (can’t blame her).

Besides, you don’t want to get stuck between wearing heels or going barefoot on the dance floor, right? Exactly.

That’s it! These simple, but oh-so practical items are exactly what you need in your bridal suite to ensure your big day goes smoothly for you and your lovely ladies.