I was the in the middle of a wedding reception when the third pair of pantyhose I had put on that day snagged on my chair and immediately started a run right down the side of my leg. I was desperate for some clear fingernail polish to control the damage or even better, another pair of hose but alas, I was stuck, looking disheveled for the rest of the festivities. I vowed right there to start a quest to help other unfortunate guests by spreading the word of putting guest baskets in the restrooms at wedding receptions.
For my own wedding, I made baskets for the men and the ladies and I am happy to say, I have seen guest baskets at many receptions since that fatal pantyhose day. Here’s a list of practical things your guests might need to address an unexpected snag or ailment on your big day.
After the wedding is over, combine the baskets and place one in your guest bathroom at home. If you don’t have the space to leave it sitting out all of the time, just put it in a closet and bring it out when you have company. Just make sure to refresh the basket periodically to replace used items or expired medications. I can’t tell you how many times I have raided my own guest basket!
For the ladies:
- An extra pair of nude pantyhose
! Choose a size larger than average to accommodate the widest variety of sizes.
- Tylenol
- Tampons
- Travel sized hair spray
- Trial sized unscented hand lotion
- Travel sewing kit
- Safety pins
- Bobby pins
- Static Guard tote size
- Shout Wipes
or Tide To Go stain pen
- Deodorant Spray
- Imodium A-D
- Tums
or another antacid
- Breath mints
- Floss
- Contact lens solution
- Manicure set
- Clear fingernail polish
- Tissues in a pocket pack
- Cough drops
For the gentlemen:
- Sample size of cologne
- Travel Shoe Shine Kit
- Tylenol
- Trial sized unscented hand lotion
- A sewing kit that contains threaded hand needles
and extra black and white buttons
- Safety pins
- Static Guard tote size
- Shout Wipes
- Spray deodorant
- Imodium A-D
- Tums
- Breath mints
- Floss
- Contact lens solution
- Manicure set
- Tissues in a pocket pack
- Cough drops
Related favorite product: Galison Wedding Planner
5 comments so far:
For the men’s basket, I’d add “black socks” to the list. It’s amazing how many groomsmen will show up with the tux and shoes in good order, but with nothing but white socks to wear.
I’ve been lucky enough to see a few of these baskets at weddings and I agree that they are a real lifesaver at times!
I’d also recommend attaching a nice little sign or card to the basket (or place it nearby) that says “For our guests, compliments of the Bride and Groom”. This accomplishes two things.
First, it lets any tentative guests know that they are welcome to use the items in the basket if they need.
Second, it lets the users know that the hosts themselves cared enough to provide for their comfort. (There have actually been several times when I’ve overheard a guest say “I can’t believe the hotel is so nice that they provided that basket!”)
I LOVE this idea! One of my bridesmaids did this at her wedding few years ago, and loved it so much, I’m creating one for my wedding in Oct!
I would also suggest adding baidaids and toothpicks to the list.
In my country, we also put band-aids, nail file, repair-a-nail plaster and hair clips.
We also have a basket with flip flops, because we usually have a theme party kinda parade (typical, Hawaiian, carnival, etc) for those who have high-heels.
Having travel sized mouthwash is also good idea. I mixed pain mads with hard liquer(didn’t have a prob with beer) Needless to say, having mouthwash after being sick was a godsend. I went on to enjoy myself.