Wedding Guest Essentials
All the things you need to survive the wedding circuit, from a (very) seasoned vet
Over the past few years, I feel like I’ve gotten my wedding/travel packing down to a science. I’m not a minimalist by any means—I come well-equipped with packing cubes and my (perhaps overstuffed) toiletries case (this thing is a lifesaver if you’re traveling with makeup/skincare or taking a longer trip—highly recommend!)—but on my past few trips I’ve felt like I was right in the sweet spot between overpacked and underprepared, which is the best place to be!
What follows are a few of my wedding weekend must-haves, though a lot of this carries over into regular, non-wedding travel too.
Pre-travel: Call the hotel to make sure they have steamers (or an iron, whatever you know you will need in this category) IN ADVANCE. If they’re not already in the rooms, ask if you can have one sent to yours once you check in. Assuming you’re in the clear here is risky, especially if you’re in an Airbnb, and the last minute scramble to steam your shit 10 minutes before you have to be on the shuttle is one I know far too well at this point. Just make the call.
Skin: I have a million and one skin things, hence my need for such a roomy toiletries bag, but my biggest wedding essentials are these micellar pads (the best for makeup removal and the packaging is perfect for travel), my trusty NuFace and this very budget-friendly gel (the higher the cheekbones, the closer to God), these overnight face masks (for the plumpest, most hydrated skin of your life—I wear the night before a big event), and these under-eye masks that are basically dark-circle erasers (splurgy, but on sale here if you want to try). If you’ve been here awhile, you also know I don’t travel without my beloved mini cleanser. It’s the perfect little size to bring along, and so easy to refill once you’re home.
My Kit: This is a collection of underthings that I often find myself using when dressing for an event or vacation, so I like to keep them all together in a dust bag to make sure I’m never without when I travel.
I’ve written about Nippies before—they’re nipple covers that blend seamlessly into the rest of your boob under clothing, and if you can get away with no support up top, they’re perfect for things that are strapless or just don’t look right with a bra. Wash with soap and let them dry overnight after each use to keep the adhesive sticky (I end up replacing my pair once a year). Double-sided fashion tape is a no-brainer to keep your necklines secure. And as far as shapewear goes, there’s still nothing I really love out there (if you have favorites, please let me know!!! I’m dying to hear!), but depending on the outfit or level of smoothing I want, I usually wear these from Spanx or this longer pair from Skims. Unfortunately, if you really want to look sucked in, the best solution I’ve found is pulling a vintage Kim K and doubling up. This is neither comfortable nor is it necessary, so don’t take this as something I’m saying everyone should do, but I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t a few times. I also keep a g-string in the bag just in case—I don’t love them, but they come in handy for sheer or slinky fabrics.
Potions: I’m not the world’s biggest offender when it comes to these (aka various powdered drink mixes), but I did spend enough time in LA to dabble. I like bringing LMNT to have before a day or night of drinking to make sure I’m going in as hydrated as possible (I also like these after a hot yoga class or sweaty summer run), and I also bring a couple Magnesi-Om packets or melatonin gummies in case I have trouble sleeping (which after travel or a few cocktails, I almost always do). I have the regular bottles at home (berry is my favorite), but the packets are perfect for travel. Advil isn’t technically a potion (nor is it a revolutionary recommendation), but my travel bottle of liqui-gels always makes the trip too.
Shoes: Last but certainly not least! The shoes you wear to a wedding (or any event where you’ll be on your feet and/or dancing for multiple hours) might not make your entire night, but they do have the potential to break it. After some trial and error (aka these beautiful Bottega heels via TheRealReal that are truly the most painful things I have ever put on my feet), I try to stick with a heel under 2.5 inches (2 or under is honestly ideal) and the most simple straps possible.
My go-to’s are these Khaite sandals in nude and an older pair of low Louboutin slingbacks in black (these are similar!). In addition to dangerously high heels, I also tend to stay away from fun fabrics like satin or suede or anything too strappy. I love a dance floor, but navigating them can feel a little like a war zone—people are sloshing drinks and dropping glasses, full grown men are jumping around in dress shoes, someone’s probably getting thrown in the air on a chair... You need to be able to move out of the way and your shoes need to be able to survive a few spilled vodka sodas!
Other things I’ve been loving recently: This jasmine wood body oil is DIVINE. The scent alone is amazing, but the fact that it’s a dry oil with a spray-on application makes it perfect for summer (PRIYANKA15 gets you a discount if you want to try)! Can’t wait to wear these simple leather flip flops to dinner every night of my upcoming vacation (they run true to size). This claw clip from my sweet friend Morgan is my new go-to! I’ve been making spritzes at home with single serve Prosecco bottles thanks to the tip from Bretts Bites! Genius!!!
It's like you can read my mind!! Having an upcoming wedding soon and I've been out of the loop for a hot minute. Taking notes.
Love these recs! Thank you! Also obsessed with your makeup case - looks so helpful for a hotel bathroom sink (where I normally have cups and cups of brushes etc)