Don't Forget A Thing With This Ultimate Wedding Guest Packing List

Stick to this and you'll have everything you need for a weekend to remember.
Wedding guests packing suitcase
Photo: FluxFactory / Getty Images
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by
Lauren Nowack
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Lauren Nowack
The Knot Contributor
  • Lauren is a freelance writer for The Knot Worldwide.
  • While Lauren has been writing her whole life, she began her career by travel writing and reviewing outdoor gear.
  • Lauren is passionate about encouraging people planning a wedding to make it exactly what they want and need it to be.
Updated Jan 17, 2024

The wedding weekend is finally here and it's time to pack everything you'll need for the fun and festivities without going overboard. The best way to do this is with a proper wedding guest packing list, which we have curated just for you. Whether you're heading to the beach, out of the country or just down the street to watch the couple exchange vows, our four packing categories will walk you through all the minutiae you don't want to forget.

Before you start checking things off of your wedding guest packing list, you'll need to spend a few minutes getting acquainted with the wedding's events, dressiness and schedule in order to be a great wedding guest. To do this, first find the couple's wedding website and registry and review the details. The choices you make as you pack will ensure you don't make any major wedding guest faux pas and that your fit is spot-on for when you post photos on social media with the perfect wedding guest caption. So, unzip your suitcase and let's get started.

Everything to Include on Your Guest Packing List: Attire | Toiletries | Gifts | Miscellaneous

Attire

Figuring out what to wear to a wedding can be quite tricky, especially if you're attending multiple events over the course of the weekend. Depending on your current wardrobe and how fancy the wedding is, you may have to budget for a new dress or suit. This is all part of the cost of being a wedding guest. Here's every type of outfit and article of clothing you'll need to be ready to celebrate alongside the couple.

  • Wedding and Reception attire (see invitation for dress code)
  • Rehearsal Dinner Outfit (if invited)
  • Post-Wedding Brunch Outfit
  • Comfortable Travel Clothes
  • Casual Outfits for Downtime
  • Pajamas
  • Underwear & Bras
  • Socks, Leggings and/or Tights
  • Shoes (for each outfit, including a comfortable pair for dancing)
  • Sweater or Jacket
  • Swimsuit
  • Purse or Clutch
  • Belt
  • Sun Hat for Warm Weather Destinations
  • Scarf, Hat and Gloves for Cold Weather Destinations
  • Sunglasses
  • Jewelry (earrings, necklaces, bracelets, cufflinks, watches, rings, etc.)
  • Optional: Shapewear

Toiletries

A packing list for a wedding guest should include a wide variety of toiletries, especially for destination weddings. Depending on the wedding location, there may be more sun, wind, rain or bugs than you're used to, each which demands a different set of tools. So, on top of your usual toiletries kit, make sure to include anything above and beyond to keep you comfortable and looking sharp throughout your time away.

  • Shampoo & Conditioner
  • Body Wash or Soap
  • Face Wash
  • Deodorant
  • Hair Products (gel, spray, oils, etc.)
  • Hair Styling Tools (brush, comb, dryer, curler, etc.)
  • Hair Ties and Bobby Pins
  • Makeup, Makeup Remover/Wipes & Small Mirror
  • Tweezers
  • Nail Clippers & File
  • Nail Polish & Remover
  • Toothbrush & Toothpaste
  • Floss
  • Tissues or Handkerchief
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug Spray (for outdoor wedding)
  • Earplugs
  • Dry Shampoo
  • Cotton Swabs
  • Razor & Shaving Cream
  • Lotion
  • Glasses and/or Contacts
  • Menstrual Products
  • Perfume or Cologne

Gifts

Any wedding guest packing list isn't complete without the gifts for the newlyweds. First, head here to find the couple's registry. While you can order the gift to your home and bring it along, most registries allow you to send it directly to the couple which lightens your load and gives you one less thing to possibly forget. If you have the gift sent to their house, make sure to bring a card along so you do not show up empty-handed.

  • Card with Handwritten Note
  • Gift
  • Optional: Cash or Check to put inside the card

Miscellaneous

While the bulk of your suitcase will be clothes, shoes and toiletries, there are still quite a few random things to pack, especially if you have a beach or summer wedding guest packing list in front of you. So, peruse these various items to see what you need. If you're staying at a hotel, it is likely some of these will be in your room or available to you already, meaning you can leave them out for now. If you are attending the wedding with others, you can coordinate which of these items you all can share, especially if you all are sharing accommodations.

In the end, it is always better to have something on hand when you need it than to have to run out and get it, especially when you are somewhere you are not familiar with or do not have a car.

  • Wedding Invitation or Picture of it
  • Event Schedule or Link to Wedding Website
  • Phone w/ Camera & Charger
  • Laptop & Charger if needed
  • Wallet with Cash, Credit Cards and ID
  • House Keys
  • Passport if traveling internationally
  • Medications (prescription and over-the-counter, incl. Allergy medications, antacids, pain-reliever)
  • Sewing Kit & Safety Pins
  • Reading Book (or other activities as you travel, ex: Sudoku, crosswords, etc.)
  • Tissues
  • Fashion Tape and/or Dress Weights
  • Sleep Mask
  • Bandaids
  • Superglue
  • Iron and/or Steamer
  • Lint Roller
  • Reusable Water Bottle
  • Reusable Coffee/Tea Thermos
  • Snacks
  • Hydration Packets
  • Gum or Mints
  • Stain Remover Pen
  • Optional: Handheld Fan
  • Optional: Bluetooth Speaker
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