Wedding Overnight Bag – Your Ultimate Packing List

So, it’s here, your wedding day is almost upon you. Ohh it’s so exciting. One of the final elements to organise is your wedding overnight bag and this handy list will ensure you remember everything. Whether you are a bride or a groom.

Photo: Bubear Photography via Farmhouse Redcoats Wedding

Now, it may be that you’re getting ready at home, at a loved one’s or in a hotel. Or you may be staying overnight on your wedding night, or possibly at home. I’ve come up with the ultimate packing list, no matter your situation to help.

Let’s face it, there’s a lot to remember the week of your wedding, let’s make sure your overnight bag is one thing you don’t need to worry about. Shall we dive in?

Wedding Overnight Bag Packing List

First up, you’ll want to snag yourself a holdall, suitcase or backpack. You may already have one handy, or you may wish to treat yourself to a new one (it may be useful for your minimoon or honeymoon too).

Here’s the checklist for things you may need if you are staying overnight on your wedding night:

Pjs/Nightie/Lingerie
Dressing Gown/Robe/Slippers
Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Floss/Mouthwash
Medication
Washbag & Toilerties (Shower Gel/Facewash/Makeup Remover/Moisturiser/SPF/Razor/Trimmer)
Tissues/Cotton Wool Pads/Earbuds/Wipes
Lip Balm
Outfit For The Following Day (Clothes/Undies/Socks/Shoes/Swimwear)
Accessories/Jewellery
Makeup
Sanitary Products
Towel/Facecloth/Hair Towel
Hairstyling (Brush/Comb/Bobbles/Pins/Shampoo/Conditioner/Styling Products/Electronic Tools)
Nail File/Tweezers/Makeup Brushes/Nail Clippers
Deodorant
Purse/Wallet (ID/Passport if travelling & Cash)
Phone/Tablet/Headphones
Car/House Keys
Charger (Phone/Watch/Tablet)
Aftershave/Perfume
Sunglasses/Contact Lenses/Glasses
Sanitiser
Luggage Tag With Your Name/Contact Number
If You Have Children (Kids’ Clothes/Nightwear/Toiletries/Snacks/Drinks)

Photo: Sarah Taylor Photo & Film via Van Life Wedding Ideas

Wedding Morning Prep Bag Packing List

If you aren’t getting ready at home, here are some of the items you may wish to pack in your bag:

Dressing Gown/Robe/PJs/Slippers/Flip Flops To Get Ready In
Wedding Rings
Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Floss/Mouthwash/Mints/Gum
Snacks/Drinks Bottle
Wedding Gifts/Cards
Medication
Suppliers List/Wedding Day Timeline
Toiletries (Facewash/Moisturiser/SPF/Lip Balm)
Razor/Trimmer/Shaving Foam
Tissues/Cotton Wool Pads/Earbuds/Wipes/Sanitiser
Wedding Day Outfit(s) (Suit/Dress/Shirt/Jacket/Accessories/Outfit Cover)
Wedding Shoes
Wedding Hair Accessories/Jewellery
Wedding Bag
Makeup
Sanitary Products
Towel/Facecloth/Hair Towel
Hairstyling (Brush/Comb/Bobbles/Pins/Dry Shampoo/Styling Products/Electronic Tools)
Nail File/Tweezers/Makeup Brushes/Nail Clippers
Deodorant
Purse/Wallet (ID/Passport if travelling & Cash For Suppliers)
Phone/Tablet/Headphones
Car/House Keys
Charger (Phone/Watch/Tablet)
Aftershave/Perfume
Sunglasses/Contact Lenses/Glasses
Emergency Day Kit
On-The-Day Wedding Decor
Your Vows/Speech
Paperwork For Ceremony
Iron/Clothes Steamer
Luggage Tag With Your Name/Contact Number
If You Have Children (Kids’ Clothes/Nightwear/Toiletries/Snacks/Drinks)

These items may be in addition to your overnight bag, or some items may overlap.

Photo: Francesca Francesca via Anthurium Wedding

When To Pack My Wedding Overnight Bag?

It’s a good idea to try and pack your overnight bag as you go, up to a week before your wedding. That way you have one less to-do in the run-up. Obviously, some items won’t be able to be packed unless you have two of them. So make a checklist and tick it off as you pack. Then the night before your wedding, add in those essential items.

How Do I Know What To Pack In My Overnight Wedding Bag?

It’s a good idea to check out your accommodation details to see what’s included. Some rooms may have towels and basic toiletries, others may not. If you are staying with a loved one check with them about what you need to bring, or not bring. It’ll save time and excess packing if there are things you don’t actually need.

If you have hired a makeup artist or hairstylist, again, you may not need all the beauty or hair items you think. Ask for their advice on the day before or the day of prep and what you need to bring with you.

Between you as a couple, ensure you have everything covered. If one of you is packing less, they may be able to bring items such as cash for suppliers or chargers for instance. Try to spread the load. However, if you don’t wish to see each other on the morning of the wedding, be sure to have what you need with you rather than with your partner.

Some items could be handed to other members of your wedding party to look after and bring along. Or your wedding planner!

Photo: Allison Dewey Photography via Alternative Home Made Colourful Wedding

When Do I Take My Wedding Bags/Outfit To My Room?

It’s unlikely you will wish to take your wedding bags/luggage with you in your wedding car. Especially if you have a ceremony in a different venue to your reception or a car filled with your wedding party. First things first, ask your overnight accommodation when you can take your bags and where or how they will store them.

It may be that you can have your bags delivered to your wedding room by a loved one in advance. That way you don’t need to worry about getting it there on the day of your wedding. The accommodation may also take your outfits and carefully hang them for you to avoid creasing. Just be sure to check your bags and outfits are safe and securely stored.

Photo: Fly On The Wall Photography via Peak District Elopement

How Should I Pack My Wedding Bag?

There are no rules on how to pack your bag(s). It could be that you wish to pack one large suitcase or holdall with everything or spilt your morning prep essentials from your overnight must-haves. If you are super organised, try having a list for each bag and pop them in the side pocket of the bag. That way if you or a member of your wedding party need to find something in a rush, you can cross-check the list to see where it is.

Packing cubes have risen in popularity as they keep everything neat and tidy. These can be ideal for a busy wedding morning with lots of people around you. Plus you can section off your items into categories so you know where everything is.