Wedding Day Emergency Kit List

Don’t let mishaps ruin one of the most important days of your life

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“I was so immersed in wedding planning that I hadn’t thought about packing something as simple as a Tide stain remover pen — just in case I needed it.”

This is a thing? I had no idea what wedding day emergency kits were until my maid-of-honor handed me a bag of items the day before I was to tie the knot, and she simply said: “In case of an emergency.”

I looked inside and said to myself, “Oh my God, how was I not prepared for small emergencies?”

I was so immersed in wedding planning that I hadn’t thought about packing something as simple as a Tide stain remover pen — just in case I needed it.

I actually used some of the items my maid-of-honor had so thoughtfully packed for me the day of my wedding. I also learned it was the perfect kit to take on my honeymoon, which I went on the next day.

We should hope for the best on our wedding days, but also be prepared for the worst.

Here’s a list of what should be included in your Wedding Day Emergency Kit:

1. A stain remover. Make sure to have a Tide pen as well as a red wine remover. God forbid you spill red wine on your wedding dress before you’re able to take pictures.

2. Oil blotting paper. Don’t let naturally oily skin or sweat ruin your wedding pictures. Keep the shine away by dabbing your t-zone with pressed powder or oil blotting paper. Many swear by this brand.

3. Sewing kit. You just never know if you or someone in your wedding party will need a thread and needle. Let’s certainly hope it’s not your dress that needs an emergency repair. Be prepared for one of the worst scenarios or an on-the-fly alteration with a small sewing kit you can fit in your purse. This kit is already pre-threaded and it’s a two-pack.

4. Fashion Tape. Double-sided adhesive tape in case of any wardrobe malfunctions is a must. There are many on the market, but this toupee tape is what Jennifer Lopez used to keep her infamous green Versace dress in place. It’s one of Hollywood’s secrets.

5. Bobby Pins & Travel Hairspray. Grab a few bobby pins and a small bottle of hairspray from the travel section of your store, and you’ll be ready if your wedding updo or hair style starts to fall out of place.

6. Breath Mints. You want to make sure your breath is fresh when you go in for the kiss, don’t you? I don’t personally like chewing on anything before I have to get in front of a crowd so I use breath strips, which work just as well, but are more discreet.

7. Vaseline. I had no idea why Vaseline was so important to have on your wedding day until my maid-of-honor included a travel-size bottle in my emergency kit! I did some quick research and sure enough — a thin layer of petroleum jelly on your teeth prevents your lips from sticking to your teeth, which can come in handy when taking wedding photos. Bonus: it also keeps lipstick, food or red wine from transferring to your pearly whites and staining them.

8. Headache Medicine. You never know when you or someone at your wedding will need some relief from a pounding headache, ache or fever that might suddenly come on. A small bottle of acetaminophen or ibuprofen is always good to have nearby.

9. First Aid Kit. Make sure to carry a bandaid no matter where you are. A mini first-aid kit is all you need for bumps, bruises, scratches and small cuts.

   Pro tip: If you get blood on your clothing use the red wine remover mentioned above to remove it from clothing. Dab it first to test for discoloring of clothing.

10. Tampons or Sanitary Napkins. Don’t get caught off guard. Pack just one or two in case it’s needed for yourself or someone else.

11. Flip Flops. If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to kick off those heels and wear something more comfortable for dancing the night away. Some brides like to put on a pair of flip flops and call it a night. If you want something more personalized, check out these sandals that have the word “bride” imprinted on them.

12. Kleenex. Definitely make sure to have a tissue in hand when attending your wedding. If not for you, have Kleenex ready for your future spouse or someone in your wedding party. I wrapped a few around my bouquet to keep them hidden while at the alter.

    Protip: My makeup artist told me to tilt the chin slightly upward when crying so the tears fall from the outer corners of your eyes instead of the inner corners. It prevents makeup from streaking down the middle of your face. Another word of advice: dab your eyes instead of wiping.

13. Snack. The last thing you want on your wedding day is to be “hangry.” Pack a light snack in case you forget to eat while running around or to calm the nerves; preferably one that won’t stain your dress if you’re eating on the go.

This may seem like a lot to gather on top of the wedding planning you’re already doing. But you’ll be grateful to have this Wedding Day Emergency Kit if something comes up and you don’t have much time to troubleshoot a problem. The good news is the kit is made up of inexpensive items, and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg to put together.

Written By Vows & Forever Founder and Veteran Journalist Maria Cid. V&F is a wedding vows & speech writing service that also specializes in speech coaching and wedding timeline coordination.