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 and aspirin. Make sure to have a non-aspirin option available for those that can’t take aspirin. Small travel bottles or individual packets should be plenty.
• Tampons and maxi pads
• Travel sized hair spray
• Trial sized unscented hand lotion
• Travel sewing kit
• Safety pins in a variety of sizes. (I had to use these to hold a bridesmaid’s top together at a reception after it split up the seam!)
• 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 and aspirin. Make sure to have a non-aspirin option available for those that can’t take aspirin. Small travel bottles or individual packets should be plenty.
• Trial sized unscented hand lotion
• A sewing kit that contains threaded hand needles and extra black and white buttons
• Safety pins in a variety of sizes.
• Static Guard tote size
• Shout Wipes or Tide To Go stain pen
• Spray deodorant
• Imodium A-D
• Tums or another antacid
• Breath mints
• Floss
• Contact lens solution
• Manicure set
• Tissues in a pocket pack
• Cough drops

Related favorite product: Galison Wedding Planner