Outdoor summer weddings are always a good idea—but in order to maximize your experience (aka, stay fresh and gorgeous while you’re battling the elements), you’ll need a few things in your toolbox clutch. If you have a summer wedding coming up, I’ve compiled a list of the essentials, below.
1. Sunblock
A travel sunblock for your clutch is an absolute necessity. The Shiseido Clear Stick sunscreen is perfect—it fits right in your bag and can be applied directly over your makeup (!) if you feel yourself starting to burn while sitting at a ceremony.
2. Blotting Papers
Sitting under the sun for hours at a time requires some extra maintenance for your makeup. If you notice yourself getting shiny (rather than glowy or dewy), you’ll want to have a pack of Boscia Blotting Sheets on hand to save your makeup from melting off.
3. Hair Tie Bracelet
Heat, humidity and dancing? Sounds like a bad hair day just waiting to happen. In order to keep things under control, you can come prepared with a hair tie on your wrist, and these ones by Maria Shireen double as chic bracelets so you don’t have to let an elastic band ruin your outfit.
4. Portable Charger
An outdoor wedding venue isn’t likely to have tons of outlets nearby. To make sure your phone lasts long enough to post a few cute Instagram pics, bring along a portable battery pack charger like this Kate Spade one.
5. Handheld Fan
If the venue doesn’t have a tent or other form of shade, you’ll definitely want to bring along an easy travel-size fan to keep cool.
6. Rollerball Perfume
You’ll probably want to freshen up throughout the day if you’re feeling a little sweaty, and that’s where a rollerball perfume comes in handy. The Daisy Eau So Fresh rollerball is the perfect size for your clutch, and the scent is super bright and refreshing.
7. Travel Deodorant
Again, if you’re feeling a little sweaty under the heat of the sun (no one blames you), an on-the-go antiperspirant is essential. Bring along this discreet Secret deodorant to keep you feeling clean.
8. Heel Plugs
Outdoor weddings always get tricky if you’re a heel lover—if you know the venue will have exposed terrain or grass, you run the risk of sinking into the ground (yikes). Luckily, you can bring along some Solemates Heel Plugs to keep your stilettos above ground.
9. Insect Repellent Wipes
Unfortunately, insects and mosquitoes are unavoidable during the muggier months. Avoid getting itchy bug bites all night by taking along some easy, on-the-go insect repellent wipes.
10. Pain Reliever
When you’re stuck in the heat for a few hours, you run the risk of becoming dehydrated, which can lead to headaches. Always remember to drink water, but in the case you feel a headache coming on, you’ll be happy you brought along some ibuprofen or other pain reliever so you don’t have to let it ruin the fun.
Brittany Lo is the founder and CEO of the New York City-based beauty services company, Beautini, and an ultimate beauty junkie. She’s been obsessed with makeup her entire life, and knew she’d end up dedicating her professional professional life to making women feel beautiful for the most important day of their lives.
