Wedding Guest Comfort Baskets: What to Include & Sign Wording

It's often the smallest touches guests remember most: a pair of flip flops when their heels give up at 10pm, a blanket as the evening air turns chilly, a spare hair grip in the loos just when it's needed. Guest comfort baskets cost very little, take minutes to set up on the day, and quietly tell everyone you've thought about them. Here's what to put in each one, where to place them, and how to word the signs.

The Bathroom Basket

The bathroom (or "loo") basket is the classic. Ideally you'll have one in both the ladies' and the gents', and it's worth checking with your venue whether they already supply anything so you don't double up.

• Hand cream, deodorant and a travel-size hairspray
• Hair grips, bobbles and a small brush or comb
• Plasters and blister pads (a lifesaver for new shoes)
• Mints, chewing gum and dental flossers
• Tissues, cotton buds and blotting papers
• Paracetamol or antacids
• Sanitary products, safety pins and a mini sewing kit
• A stain-remover pen and a phone charger, if you have a spare plug nearby

Wording ideas for the sign:

Freshen up and help yourself — we're so glad you're here.

A little something in case you need it. Love, Emily & James

Primp, spritz & party on.

The Flip Flop (Dancing Shoes) Basket

Once the first dance is over and the band kicks in, heels start coming off. A basket of flip flops or foldable ballet pumps by the dance floor keeps everyone dancing until carriages. Offer a spread of sizes (small, medium and large usually covers it) and pop each pair in a small bag or tie them with ribbon so they stay together.

Dancing shoes — because sore feet shouldn't stop the party.

Kick off your heels and dance the night away.

Time to get comfortable. Grab a pair and hit the dance floor!

The Blanket Basket

For autumn and winter weddings, outdoor evening drinks, or any British summer (we all know how it goes), a basket of blankets or pashminas near the doors or firepit is a lovely gesture. Rolled throws in your colour palette look beautiful and double as décor.

To have and to hold, in case you get cold.

Feeling chilly? Wrap up and stay a while.

Snuggle up — the night is still young.

Summer Extras: Fans, Tissues & Sun Care

For outdoor ceremonies and heatwave dates, a basket of paper fans by the aisle is both practical and pretty, especially if your order of service is printed on the back. Sun cream, a jug of water and a few parasols are worth having to hand too. Inside the ceremony, small packets of tissues labelled "for your happy tears" are a sweet touch on each chair or at the end of each row.

Stay cool, it's about to get hot in here!

For your happy tears.

Tips & Etiquette

• Ask your venue first. Many hotels and country house venues already stock toiletries, so you may only need a few extras.
• Delegate the set-up. Hand the baskets to a bridesmaid, usher or your venue coordinator the day before, with a photo of how you'd like them laid out.
• Think about refills. Someone should give the bathroom baskets a quick tidy and top-up after the wedding breakfast.
• Keep signs at eye level. A small framed or easel sign makes it clear the items are free to take, so guests don't feel awkward helping themselves.
• Buy in bulk and early. Travel minis, multi-packs of flip flops and throws are far cheaper ordered a couple of months ahead than picked up the week before.
• Match your stationery. Using the same fonts and colours as your invitations and welcome sign makes even the loo basket feel part of the design.

Finishing Touches

A comfort basket is one of those details that costs very little but makes guests feel genuinely looked after, from the first hymn to the last dance. Pair yours with a simple, elegant sign and you'll have a thoughtful moment in every corner of the day. Browse our editable wedding sign templates to find bathroom basket, flip flop, blanket and fan signs that match the rest of your stationery.