Editor’s Note: This article was written by Susan Moran, President and Owner of That’s It! Wedding Concepts, a Central Pennsylvania–based wedding planning and design company. Susan brings more than 40 years of experience to the wedding industry, and I’m honored to welcome her as a Firefly Brides guest writer, sharing expert insight for couples planning weddings throughout Central PA and beyond.
In this month of celebrating a beautiful and blessed Easter holiday, with spring flowers starting to bloom, we certainly have “baskets” on our minds. As you plan all the special details for your wedding, one question that always pops up is:
Do we provide a wedding bathroom basket for your guests… or is it something to do without?
Wanna know a secret?
There are only four things that must be checked off your "I Do To-Do List":
- You gotta have each other... duh!
- You gotta have a marriage license
- You gotta have someone officiate your ceremony
- The two of you and your officiant have to breathe the same air long enough to complete your ceremony
That's it! (See how I worked that in there?)
Not sure about the marriage license process? Read this next: How to Get a Marriage License in Central PA: Everything You Need to Know
So... What About the Wedding Bathroom Basket?
Having one is completely optional. You know your people, so go with whatever your gut is telling you.
A Few Things to Think Through
Before you decide, here area few logistics to consider:
- Do you provide basket for both men and women, or just the ladies?
- Do you go all out with everything imaginable, or keep it to just the essentials?
- Will items be replenished throughout the night, or is it first-come, first-served?
Cost + Planning Tip
One important thing to keep in mind: These items add up quickly. The more you include, the more expensive it becomes.
Pro tip: Many couples pick up items gradually in the months leading up to their wedding to avoid one big expense at once.
Trying to prioritize you budget? This can help: Do You Tip Wedding Vendors? Expert Advice From a Wedding Industry Insider
Don't Forget the Season
The time of year matters more than you think. Different seasons call for different items, so tailor your wedding basket emergency kit accordingly.
Final Thought
Whatever you decide, whether it's a "yes" or a "no"... it will be the right choice.
Want more simple. no-stress planning advice like this? Browse all Susan Moran's Expert Planning Tips for Central PA Brides
The "Whole Enchilada" Amenities List
If you do decided to include a bathroom basket for your wedding guests, here's a comprehensive list of potential items to consider:
Oral Hygiene
- Breath mints
- Breath strips
- Floss
- Toothpicks (individually wrapped)
- Mouthwash
First Aid
- Antacids
- Band-Aids (antibiotic-infused)
- Cough drops
- Hand sanitizer
- OTC pain reliever (individual packets)
Beauty Aids
- Bobby pins
- Contact lens solution
- Deodorant (aerosol)
- Elastic hair ties
- Facial blotting paper
- Hair spray
- Hand lotion (unscented)
- Insole pads
- Nail clippers
- Nail files / emery boards / nail glue
- Clear nail polish
- Nude pantyhose (2 pairs)
- Q-tips
- Small sewing kit
- Tissues (pocket packs)
Feminine Hygiene
- Panty liners
- Regular pads (individually packaged)
- Tampons (variety pack)
Fix-It Items
- AA, AAA, C, and D batteries
- Double-stick tape
- Extra earring backs
- Lighter
- Lint brush
- Matches
- Pens + notepads
- Safety pins
- Scissors
- Shout wipes / Tide pen
- Static guard
- Super glue
Read more about the author, Susan Moran, and That's It! Wedding concepts in her Firefly Brides vendor feature.
