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We wish every couple the perfect wedding day, but we know all too well that unexpected “emergencies” can occur at any moment, so we’re going to dive into one of the most practical, yet often overlooked aspects of wedding planning – your bridal emergency kit. You can think of it as a bridal first-aid kit mixed with a fairy godmother's touch of magic! Trust me, when it comes to wedding day hiccups (and they can happen to the best of us), being prepared is your secret weapon for a stress-free, picture-perfect day.From wardrobe malfunctions to last-minute mishaps, being prepared is key to ensuring a smooth and stress-free wedding day. That is why every bride needs to have a wedding day emergency kit on hand. So, let's get packing!
The Importance of Being Prepared on Your Wedding Day
Your wedding day is undoubtedly one of the most memorable and important days of your life. It's a day filled with joy, love, and celebration, but it's also a day where unexpected things can (and many times do) happen. From a button popping off your dress, to a migraine headache, these little emergencies can quickly turn into big stressors if you're not prepared.
It's not just about having a backup plan; it's about feeling confident and in control, no matter what happens. When you're prepared for any situation, you can ensure that your day runs smoothly and that you can fully enjoy every moment, without worrying about the small stuff. So, before you walk down the aisle, take the time to put together a thoughtful collection of your day-of must-haves.
What Goes In The Bridal Emergency Kit
With these key items on hand, you'll be prepared for any unexpected situation that may arise on your special day.
Fashion Fixes:
Mini Sewing Kit: This little gem can be a lifesaver for any last-minute wardrobe malfunctions. Think popped buttons or a tiny tear. Your bridesmaids will thank you! This TSA compliant kit covers all the bases and can still be stowed in a carry on bag.
Safety Pins: These little wonders can rescue a strap, secure a fallen hem, or keep a dress in place in a pinch.
Extra Earring Backs: Prevent any potential panic if one of your earring backs goes missing. Having a spare will ensure your earrings stay secure. (These are less than $4 for 200 pieces.)
Fashion Tape: Perfect for keeping straps and necklines in check, or for preventing any peek-a-boo moments. W've been recommending Hollywood Fashion Secrets Fashion Tape for a decade.
Scissors: Small, sharp scissors are handy for trimming loose threads, snipping tags, or opening tricky packaging.
Lint Roller: Keep your dress, suits, and bridesmaids' outfits lint and pet hair-free for those close-up photos. This sturdy roller from Scotch-Bright gets the job done.
Glam Squad:
Hairpins and Bobby Pins: No updo is too secure! These little pins are like magic for keeping every strand in place.
Hairspray: A travel-sized hairspray can help you maintain your hairstyle throughout the day, even during those epic dance-offs.
Clear Nail Polish: Besides touch-ups for your nails, clear nail polish is a quick fix for runs in stockings and loose gems on accessories.
Blotting Papers: Keep shine at bay for you and your bridal party with these pocket-sized saviors.
Calm, Cool, Collected
Pain Relievers: Headaches happen. Have some over-the-counter pain relievers on hand for you and your bridal party.
Tissues: For happy tears and runny noses. Opt for travel-sized packs to stash in bouquets or pockets.
Water and Snacks: Stay hydrated and energized throughout the day. A bottle of water and some non-messy snacks can be a lifesaver.
Straws: Protect that freshly applied lipstick by sipping through a straw.
Band-Aids: For those unexpected blisters from your fabulous yet slightly uncomfortable wedding shoes.
Tampons & Pads: Be prepared for unexpected (and most unwelcome) visitors on the big day. She has a wicked sense of humor and never knows when she is not welcome.
Deodorant: Stay fresh throughout the day with a small travel-sized deodorant
Mints or Gum: Keep your breath fresh throughout the day, especially for those close-up moments like your vows and photos.
Pepto Bismol: Stress and nerves can do funny things to people. We love having these bad boys ready.
Type A All The Way:
Phone Charger: Because no one wants a dead phone on the big day, especially when you're relying on it for music, communication, and photos. No need to break the bank with this three pack.
Extra Copies: Have extra copies of your wedding vows, timeline, and vendor contact information, just in case.
Umbrella: Rain or shine, an umbrella can keep you and your dress dry and beautiful. These are perfect for staying dry and keeping it cute.
Cash: You never know when you might need it, whether for a last-minute vendor tip or an emergency cab ride.
Important Medications: We can’t stress this enough. If you take medication daily, or have medication on hand for a condition that has the potential to be an emergency - ensure you have this item packed and ready to go long before the day of. Have an epi-pen because you’re allergic to dairy, make sure it’s packed. Have xanax because you have panic attacks, make sure it’s packed. Have an inhaler because you get asthma sometimes, make sure it’s packed. While we hope you won’t have one of these emergencies, having the treatment on hand (no matter how unlikely) will allow you to mitigate a problem and prevent an all-out crisis
Organizing & Packing Your Bridal Emergency Kit
To ensure that your emergency kit is easily accessible and well-organized, it's important to properly pack it before the big day. By putting in a little extra effort to organize and pack your emergency kit, you'll be prepared for any unexpected situations that may arise on your wedding day.
Choose the right container: Select a sturdy and waterproof container that is spacious enough to hold all your essentials. A small, compact bag or a plastic cosmetics storage box with dividers can work well. Caboodle, anyone?!
Categorize your items: Divide your emergency kit into different categories, such as beauty, clothing, medical, and technology. This will make it easier to find what you need quickly during any unforeseen situations. This is especially important is you are bringing any type of emergency medication.
Use small pouches or zip-lock bags: Group together similar items in individual pouches or zip-lock bags to keep them organized and prevent any spills or leaks from ruining other items, clear nail polish all over things is not a good look. Here are some fun color coded ones!
Use a checklist: Create a checklist to ensure that everything is packed and accounted for, or use one of ours! Our digital planners come with a checklist ready for you to use and edit/add to!
Keep it close: Pack your emergency kit in a location that is easily accessible and assign someone you trust, like your maid of honor, to be responsible for it throughout the day.
How To Handle Unexpected Emergencies
No matter how well prepared you are, it's always possible that unforeseen emergencies may occur on your wedding day. It’s important to know how to go about handling the unexpected:
Stay calm: Remember that emergencies happen, and it's important to stay calm and composed. Take a deep breath and assess the situation before taking any action.
Designate a point person: Choose someone you trust, such as your wedding planner or a close friend, to be your point person for handling emergencies. Provide this person with your emergency kit and make sure they know where to find it in case it's needed.
Communicate with your vendors: If an emergency arises, communicate with your vendors immediately. Whether it's a delayed delivery, a missing item, or a weather-related issue, keeping your vendors in the loop will help them work with you to find a solution.
Delegate tasks: If an emergency arises, don't try to handle everything on your own. Delegate tasks to your inner circle and those your can count on.
Remember to breathe: While emergencies truly stink, remember you are not the first, nor will you be the last, to experience one on your wedding day. Had a panic attack and needed that xanax before walking down the aisle - NBD. It’s a story to tell your kids one day. Got rained on and your hair got wet? It’ll make amazing, memorable photos. Do yourself the biggest favor by taking whatever comes at you, taking a deep breath, and moving past it as quickly as possible. Your wedding day will only happen once. Don’t dwell on the bad. Get back to the good stuff as quickly as possible. You will thank yourself later.
Be Ready For Anything On Your Big Day
Having an emergency kit ready to go is an essential part of wedding day preparations. In the event that anything does go awry, remember to stay calm. Lean on your designated point person- whether it’s your maid of honor or day-of coordinator, to help you manage any snags…or stains…or stomach troubles…or split seams…With a well-stocked wedding day emergency kit, you’ll be ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
Want more planning advice? Come be part of our community of Brides & Grooms planning their big day and get access to our FREE Bride Guides: join us at The I Do Club!
Happy Planning!
Jillian
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