While you obviously don’t want anything to go wrong on your wedding day, it’s always good to be prepared. Honestly, it’s almost inevitable that something is going to be wrong, even if it’s extremely small! And that is perfectly okay. Your wedding day will be everything that you dreamed it to be no matter what, and small blunders should not ruin your day.
However, being completely prepared will give you a peace of mind and will give you the ability to fix any problems that do arise! Having a bridal emergency kit will give you everything that you need to feel prepared and fix any snafus during the day.
We recommend packing a bridal emergency kit in the weeks leading up to the wedding. The week before the wedding — especially the few days before — can be stressful and overwhelming with everything going on. Because of that, we don’t recommend waiting until then to start packing. Besides, if you forget anything, you’ll have plenty of time to look things over and ensure that you have everything!
So, what should you pack in your bridal emergency kit? Honestly, it really depends! Every bride and every wedding is completely different. You may need things that other brides don’t, and vice versa. However, today we’re going to give you our absolute must-have items, as well as some inspiration on what else you could pack!
BRIDAL EMERGENCY KIT: 10 MUST-HAVE ITEMS
While there are so many items that you could pack in your bridal emergency kit, here are 10 must-have items that we truly recommend every bride packing in her bridal emergency kit.
1. Sewing kit
A sewing kit can come in handy for so many reasons! You don’t have to be a seamstress to use one, but it is helpful to have someone around who knows how to sew.
Whether you need it for your own gown, a bridesmaid’s hemline, or a groom’s button, you will definitely be thankful that you have a sewing kit if you need it! We recommend having a kit that includes safety pins and scissors. We also recommend making sure that you have all of the thread colors that you need — ones that match your dress, your bridal party’s dresses/suits, and all parents’ attire.
2. Fashion tape
You would be surprised at how many brides use fashion tape on their wedding day! While alterations should keep your dress fitting you exactly how you want it to, you just never know. You may want some double-sided fashion tape to keep the chest area of your dress exactly where it should be, or to keep your bra straps in place.
Whatever you may need it for, it is another one of those things that you will be thankful you have it if you need it!
3. Makeup backups
Even if you have your makeup professionally done, it’s a good idea to have some backups of your makeup just in case! When you have your trial done, find out exactly what makeup they will be using on your wedding day — brands and shades. Get as much of it as you can to have on hand. Most of it will probably be available in travel sizes!
The items that we most recommend having on-hand as backups are your mascara and lipstick. These are two common items that typically need touching up throughout the night. Your makeup stylist may even give you a small tube of your lip color to have with you throughout the day. Don’t be afraid to ask them!
4. Jewelry backups
This is something that you probably hadn’t thought of, but it’s a good idea to have some backup jewelry on hand. For example, are you wearing large, heavy earrings for your wedding? While they will look gorgeous for your ceremony and wedding photos, they may start to become uncomfortable throughout the night. Bring a pair of backup, simple earrings to swap out!
You could even have a few necklace and earring options on hand for your bridesmaids who may have forgotten their jewelry for the day.
At the very least, make sure that you have some earring backings on hand! You never know when you could lose one of yours.
5. Medicine
Of course, it’s crucial to have any and all medicine that you may need throughout the day. If you have any prescriptions that you’ll need to take while you’re there, don’t forget them!
Otherwise, bring along Advil or Tylenol, antacids, and non-drowsy allergy medicine (especially if your wedding is outdoors)! Don’t forget the Band-Aids, too.
6. Hairspray
Hairspray is going to be your best friend throughout the day. Whether you are getting your hair professionally done or you’re doing it yourself, you’re going to want to touch it up throughout the day and make sure that it stays in place.
Plus, hairspray can double as a static guard when needed!
7. Lint rollers
Lint rollers can be extremely handy, too. This is especially true if you have dogs or if you’ll be around any at all on your wedding day!
Have these on hand as everyone is getting ready to go into the ceremony — it will be useful for everyone, especially for groomsmen or bridesmaids who are wearing dark suits or dresses!
8. Portable steamer
A portable steamer is crucial for getting out wrinkles in your dress — or anyone else’s dress or suit! Of course, you could bring a full-sized steamer with you, but a portable one is so much easier.
We actually recommend packing two — one for the girl’s suite and one for the guy’s lounge! It’s highly likely that someone will need it throughout the morning.
9. Stain remover pen
While no one wants to imagine getting anything on their wedding dress… it happens. Don’t panic and make sure that you have a stain remover pen with you!
First, blot the stain with a clean, damp cloth. Make sure that you are careful with any delicate fabric! Once it’s dry, spot treat it with the stain remover pen. If it still needs some help, we recommend using some baking soda, white chalk, or baby powder!
Before your wedding day, check with your bridal shop or seamstress to ensure that it’s okay to use a stain remover pen on your dress. You don’t want to damage your dress further by trying to remove the stain! They’ll be able to provide you with alternate solutions if one cannot be used.
Even if you can’t use a stain remover pen on your dress, we still recommend packing one. Someone in your bridal party could need it!
10. Bobby pins & hair ties
This goes without saying… don’t forget to bring bobby pins and hair ties! You may need bobby pins to fix your hair throughout the day. And, if you’re wearing your hair down, you may want to put it up as it gets later in the night. Just don’t forget to take the hair tie off of your wrist before you walk down the aisle or before pictures get taken!
ADDITIONAL BRIDAL EMERGENCY KIT ITEMS CHECKLIST
Here are some additional items that you may want to consider adding to your bridal emergency kit! These are all on a case-by-case basis, so look through it to see what you may want to add to your list.
- Tissues
- Gum
- Breath mints
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Oil blotting sheets
- Nail file
- Clear nail polish
- Polish that matches the color on your fingers/toes
- Lip balm, lip gloss, and lipstick
- Water bottles
- Juice/energy drinks
- Drinking straws
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Extension cord(s) and surge protector(s)
- Extra phone charger (for wall)
- Portable phone charger
- Pen and paper
- Extra pair of shoes
- Super glue
- Eyelash glue
- Sole inserts
- Anti-blister balm
- Heel protectors
- Lighter(s)
- Printed copy of wedding day timeline
- Antibacterial wipes
- Razor
- Mini bluetooth speaker
- Fragrance
- Cash
- Lotion
- White chalk
- Boutonniere pins
- Deodorant
- Brush/comb
- Small mirror
- Tweezers
- Safety pins
- Q-tips
- Small fan and/or cooling mist
- Extra contacts
- Snacks
- Eye drops
- Extra underwear
- Static guard