A wedding day emergency kit is a small bag of fixes for the problems that happen almost every wedding: a torn hem, a headache, a missing safety pin, a dead phone. Pack it the week before and give it to one person who is not you.
The kit
Clothing. Safety pins, double-sided fashion tape, a mini sewing kit, a lint roller, a stain remover pen, and a steamer or wrinkle spray.
Body. Pain reliever, bandages, blister pads, tissues, deodorant, breath mints, and a hair brush with pins and elastics.
Beauty. Powder, lip color, blotting papers, and any touch-up items your makeup artist recommends.
Tech. Phone chargers and a power bank, cables, and spare batteries for any cameras. If your guests will shoot photos, a card with a QR code makes the process simple.
Food. Snacks and water for the couple. Getting ready runs long and meals get missed.
Paper. Printed timeline, vendor phone numbers, and a copy of any vows or readings.
Weather. Umbrellas, sunscreen, and a few blankets for cold evenings.
Assign a point person
Give the bag and the vendor list to one person with a clear job. They solve problems so you don't have to. For the schedule they will follow, see the reception timeline.
Do a final check the day before
- ·Confirm vendor arrival times by phone.
- ·Walk the venue and note outlets and restrooms.
- ·Pack rings, license, and payments in envelopes.
- ·Print the QR cards if you're using a shared camera.
What goes in, and why
The point of a kit is that you do not have to think when something goes wrong. Pack it in a labeled bag, in categories, so a friend can find things without asking.
Clothing repairs
- ·Safety pins in two sizes, and a few straight pins.
- ·Double-sided fashion tape for plunging necklines and hems.
- ·A mini sewing kit with white, black and a neutral thread, plus a needle already threaded.
- ·A lint roller and a stain-remover pen.
- ·A small steamer or wrinkle-release spray.
- ·Clear nail polish to stop a run in tights.
Comfort
- ·Blister pads and bandages.
- ·Pain reliever, antacids and any medicine you take daily.
- ·Tissues, wet wipes and a small towel.
- ·Deodorant, breath mints and a travel toothbrush.
- ·Hair pins, elastics and a small comb.
Beauty touch-ups
- ·Powder, blotting papers and the lip color you wear.
- ·Concealer and a small brush, if you use them.
- ·Hair spray in a travel size.
Tech and paper
- ·A phone charger, a power bank and cables. A dead phone is the most common emergency.
- ·Printed timeline, vendor phone numbers and the venue address.
- ·Copies of vows, readings and the marriage license.
- ·Envelopes for vendor payments and gratuities, labeled by name.
Food and drink
- ·Water, snacks and something with protein. Getting ready runs long, and the day's schedule often pushes meals aside.
- ·A straw, so lipstick survives.
Weather add-ons
- ·Hot day: hand fan, sunscreen, extra water.
- ·Cold day: shawls or jackets, hand warmers.
- ·Rain: clear umbrellas, towels, a spare pair of shoes.
Who should carry it
Give the bag, the printed timeline and the vendor list to one person who is not part of the couple, such as a sibling, a close friend or a coordinator. Tell them their job is to solve problems quietly, and make sure vendors know their phone number.
The day-before check
- ·Confirm every vendor's arrival time by phone.
- ·Walk the venue and locate restrooms, outlets and the loading entrance.
- ·Pack rings, license and payment envelopes where you cannot lose them.
- ·Print QR cards and table signs if you are collecting guest photos. See our QR code ideas.
- ·Charge your devices and the power bank.
What not to pack
Skip anything you cannot use in 30 seconds: elaborate sewing, heavy tools, a full makeup bag. If it needs a table and an hour, it belongs with your stylist, not in the kit.
After the wedding
Keep the unused supplies for the next event. Return any rented items, and make a note of what you used so you can fix the list for a friend who asks.
FAQ
Who should carry the wedding day emergency kit?
A trusted friend, family member, or coordinator who is not part of the couple, so they can respond while you stay with your guests.
What is the most useful item in a wedding emergency kit?
Safety pins and fashion tape cover a surprising number of clothing problems, followed by pain reliever and a phone charger.
Related: wedding planning checklist and how to save money on a wedding.
