Ready For Anything: Your Wedding day Emergency Kit

As much as we try to make sure an event as important as a wedding goes off without a hitch, it sure pays to be ready for anything.

Whether you are the bride or a bridesmaid, consider tossing a few things into a tote bag or basket to disaster-proof the day. It will save time because no one will need to make a last-minute trip from the church to a store, and it will definitely relieve stress to know that these handy items are within reach.

Start out small, picking up a few things from the list here and there while you’re out, and it won’t seem so overwhelming (or as expensive). But, rest assured, all of these suggestions will eventually be used since they are common, everyday items.

What should you stock up on for the emergency kit?

• Straws (so you can have a drink without messing up your lipstick or spilling all over your dress)

• Insect repellent (for outdoor weddings or receptions – be sure to test its scent prior to the event so you don’t end up smelling like the great outdoors)

• White chalk (to hide stains)

• clear nail polish (to repair a manicure or run in pantyhose)

• instant stain remover (such as a Tide pen)

• safety pins

• nail file or emery board

• miniature sewing kit

• fabric tape

• scissors

• breath mints

• tampons and pads

• pain reliever

• dental floss

• tweezers

• comb/brush

• hair spray

• hair pins/bobby pins

• antacid

• crackers (in case someone forgets to eat)

• batteries (in case digital cameras run out of juice)

• ink pen (for when it’s time to sign the marriage license)

• a list of phone numbers for all of your wedding vendors and your attendants

• contact lens solution

• duct tape

• scotch tape

• dark socks (in case you have any forgetful groomsmen)

• extra car keys

Another handy item to have on hand (but it won’t fit in the emergency kit) would be a barstool without a back or sides. Once you’ve dressed the bride, she’s bound to want to sit down before the ceremony begins, but if she sits in a regular chair, she’ll risk wrinkling.

Keep the emergency kit handy throughout the day. The worst possible thing would be to suddenly need something in the kit, realize you didn’t bring it into the church with you as the bridesmaids are getting ready, and have to send someone to dig through your car to find it.