Let’s cut to the chase! You have worked your butt off to plan the wedding of your dreams. So, by the time you get to your wedding day, it should be relaxed and fun! And to help ensure that it is, I’ve put together a list of items you should consider having with you on your big day. A kit called your “Wedding Day Emergency Kit” (also known as a “Bridal Emergency Kit”).

What Is A Wedding Day Emergency Kit

A wedding day emergency kit is exactly what it sounds like; a safety raft if anything should go awry on your big day! Wedding days are long and have many moving parts and people… and it’s simply impossible to predict how everything will unfold.

For example, what happens if your falsies start to fall off right before the ceremony… or a bridesmaid rips her dress… or maybe you lost a little more weight than you thought and your strapless dress keeps slipping down… or your hair decides to start falling out as you start taking photos and need to pin it down better… these little things can all add up to big headaches.

But, they’re all easily and quickly manageable, IF you’re prepared! So, let’s make sure you’re prepared!

What Should Be Included In Your Wedding Day Emergency Kit

After 8+ years as a wedding photographer, I have found that there are a handful of things that you should always have nearby on a wedding day. Without fail, I am asked for at least 3-5 of these items at every single wedding.

So, today I wanted to share what some of the most common items are so that you can quickly and easily compile your own. This way, come your wedding day, you can have peace of mind knowing you’re as prepared as possible!

Typically, I recommend tossing these things in a bag and keeping them nearby on the big day. You just never know if/when you might need something from it. And it’s a time saver and massive stress reliever to know that you’re covered against just about anything!

*Little tip: while I’ll be sharing all the “must-haves” from my own wedding experiences. I highly recommend walking through your own wedding day… moment by moment… and thinking about all the possible “what if” scenarios. Then pack any items necessary to solve those unique scenarios!

Wedding Day Emergency Kit

Without further ado, here are the items I strongly recommend including in your own kit:

1. Mini Sewing Kit (including scissors)
2. Safety Pins
3. Bobby Pins
4. Fashion Tape
5. Super Glue
6. Eyelash Glue (if wearing falsies)
7. Advil/Aspirin (or any other necessary meds)
8. Antacid
9. Tissues
10. Makeup for Touch-Ups
11. Hairspray
12. Chapstick / Lipgloss / Lipstick
13. Tweezers
14. Q Tips
15. Makeup Remover Wipes
16. Tweezers
17. Travel Deodorant
18. Matte Blotting Paper
19. Toothbrush / Toothpaste
20. Lotion
21. Steamer
22. Mini Lint Roller
23. First Aid Kit (including Band-Aids)
24. Tide To Go Stick
25. Floss
26. Gum and/or Mints
27. Snacks and Water (nuts, protein or granola bar, chocolate, fruit – anything that’s small and portable and that’s easy to nibble on to keep your blood sugar and energy levels up)
28. Straws (to avoid lipstick smudges)
29. Tampons / Pads
30. High Heel Protectors (for outdoor weddings on grass)
31. Flat Shoes for Walking
32. Diamond/Jewelry Cleaner

When Should You Pack Your Emergency Kit

You will have plenty of last-minute things to finish up and take care of as your wedding day approaches. This is why I recommend you start working on your kit weeks, not days, before your wedding. The sooner you can start thinking about it, the more likely you are to not forget anything.

Or, better yet, make the list and then task your Maid of Honor or another family member to pull it all together for you! One more thing you can take off your plate.

Who Should Hang On To Your Emergency Kit

You should be fully present and enjoying every second of your wedding day. That should be your only job! An emergency kit should be the very last thing you have any attention on. So, I recommend you hand this off to a trusted friend or family member and ask them to keep it close by. This way, you’ll know it’s there if you need it, but you can stay focused on the things that matter most: like your future husband/wife and enjoying every moment of this special and fleeting day!