The Ultimate Wedding Day Emergency Kit List

As you get ready for your wedding, you want to make sure that you’re prepared for absolutely anything that could go wrong. The reality is that wedding planning can be stressful, as can the big day itself. But, the less you have to worry about, the more you’ll be able to relax and enjoy this monumental event.

You’ve already made a rain plan, positioned point-people on troubleshooting the sound system, and visited the venue to anticipate everything that could go wrong. One extra step that can give you peace of mind—and help out in any number of jams—is an emergency kit. Don’t have one? Worry not. We’ll add everything you need in your wedding day emergency kit list.

Keep Comfortable With Your Wedding Day Emergency Kit

The day of your ceremony can be long and emotional. The excitement and stress all bubble up at once, leading to physical symptoms you might not expect (don’t worry, it’s normal!). Use the following list to make sure that you stay calm and comfortable, no matter what gets thrown your way. Plus, any one of these kit items could come in handy if a member of your wedding party starts feeling off, too.

• Antacid – Don’t let an upset tummy get you down.

• Benadryl – Prepare yourself for allergies, including reactions to insect stings.

• Blister pads – You may have already broken your wedding shoes in, but, if hours of standing starts to take its toll, you’ll be ready.

• Breath mints – Feel just as fresh at midnight as when you’re saying “I do.”

• Bug spray – If you’re outside or somewhere tropical, you’re going to want a repellent.

• Caffeine – You might think that adrenaline alone can take you all the way through the day, but if you find yourself crashing, be prepared with a coffee or tea of your choice.

• Contacts and solution – If you or your spouse wears contact lenses, be sure you have an extra pair, as well as contact solution.

• Deodorant – Make sure sweat stains don’t become a part of your wedding ensemble.

• Eyedrops – Combat red, itchy eyes in advance of posing for all of those photos.

• Hand cream – Feel comfortable shaking your guests’ hands, no matter what your emotions decide to do.

• Hand gel – Give yourself an easy way to refresh after eating.

• Lavender essential oil – Smelling this oil or dabbing it on your temples can help give you relief from anxiety, and allow you to head back into the fray feeling calm and grounded.

• Mouthwash – If you sneak a cup of coffee or find your breath less-than-pleasant after your reception, you may feel fresher with a little Listerine.

• Painkiller – Cramps, a headache, neck tension, or even an unexpected trip could leave you or your spouse in discomfort on your wedding day. Be prepared with an over-the-counter painkiller.

• Snacks – You may find yourself with an appetite throughout the day. It’s easier to stay level-headed when you’re not starving, so keep your favorite granola bar or another healthy snack on-hand.

• Water bottle – Hydration is your best friend. Make sure you’re drinking enough water leading up to the event.

Touch Up Your Appearance

It can take all morning, and then some, to get prepared for your wedding day. Even with the most extensive planning, a heavy coat of hairspray, a long day of pictures, location changes, and dancing can make it hard to keep your hair and makeup in place. On top of that, there’s always the chance of a wardrobe malfunction. If that happens, the following will save you:

• Blotting paper – Make sure your face doesn’t appear oily in photos.

• Bobby pins – Tuck a stray hair back where it belongs and keep your updo looking fresh.

• Brush and comb – Be prepared to fix you or your spouse’s hair after any interference from wind, rain, or a good time on the dance floor.

• Deodorant wipe – Make sure there aren’t stray white patches in any of your wedding photos. In a pinch, a spare pair of pantyhose can also remove deodorant stains.

• Fabric tape – Your dress may require fabric tape, and if it does, bring extra. Even if it doesn’t, fabric tape might help in the event that a strap snaps and your dress needs extra support.

• Floss – Make sure you’re prepared to remove stray food from your smile.

• Hairdryer – A hairdryer is useful during styling, and you might need it again in case your hair needs touching up, or even if you end up treating a stain on your wedding ensemble.

• Hairspray – After fixing your hair, make sure it stays in place. As an added bonus, hairspray doubles as a static guard.

• Lint roller – Gently remove any lint or debris that lands on your garment.

• Lipstick and chapstick – You may have a full kit of backup makeup you can use for touch ups. Even if you have nothing else, make sure you have lipstick and chapstick to keep your lips hydrated throughout the day.

• Mirror – Make sure there’s a mirror handy for touching up your hair or makeup.

• Nail kit – In the event of chipped or broken nails, smudged polish, or any other nail blunders, be sure to have polish and a file on-hand for touch ups.

• Straw – Keep your lipstick in place by drinking through a straw.

• Tissues – It’s your wedding day, so you’re going to cry at some point. Make sure you have tissues to help keep your makeup in place when the tears fall.

• Towelettes – Moist towelettes can be used to refresh sweaty armpits, blot minor stains, and so much more.

• Tweezers – Whether you notice a clumped eyelash or get a splinter while dancing barefoot, tweezers can come in handy.

Photo Credit // The Shalom Imaginative

Fix Your Garment and Troubleshoot Lost Jewelry

After all the care—and money—you’ve put into your wedding day ensemble, make sure that you appear pristine when you say “I do” (and in the photos). Be sure to put the following items in your bridal emergency kit.

• Corsage pins – Make sure you have a way to pin flowers to your spouse’s garment, if that’s part of your ceremony or photo shoot.

• Extra tights – In case of runs or stains, pack a second pair of stockings.

• Fake wedding rings – Just in case your groomsman is forgetful, make sure you have a backup on-hand.

• Iron – If a shirt, jacket, or shawl gets rumpled at any point in the day, quickly iron it out.

• Sewing kit – Repair ripped and torn garments with a sewing kit or safety pins.

• Spare earrings and earring backs – It’s easy to lose an earring back, or even a whole earring. If you have a spare pair on-hand, you can complete your look.

• Stain emergency kit – Check out our guide on 5 Tips for Removing Wedding Dress Stains for everything you need to know about stain removal. Recommended items include:

  • A clean napkin
  • Dish soap
  • Vinegar or lemon juice
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • A stain removal pen
  • Cornstarch or baby powder
  • Chalk that matches your dress

Document Your Wedding

You probably hired a professional photographer, or left it to your guests to document your wedding with a photobooth, guestbook, and other means. Whatever your method, make sure you have the supplies on-hand to ensure you have thorough documentation of the day.

• Cell phone chargers – Make sure you keep your cell phone charged in case you want to snap photos, or you need to get in touch with someone.

• Extra film – Sure, your photographer may have some on-hand, but you can never be too safe.

• Pens – Guarantee that guests have a way to sign your book.

Photo Credit // Alisha Tova

In Case of Accidents

The last thing you want to imagine is that someone gets hurt on your wedding day. Just in case, make sure you’re prepared.

• Bandaids – Take care of minor cuts and scrapes in a pinch.

• First aid kit – Be prepared in the face of allergies, bug bites, sprains, and more.

• List of phone numbers – Know who to call in case of emergency.

• Glue – If an essential centerpiece gets damaged, glue it back together in a jiffy.

And, Everything Else You Need in Your Wedding Emergency Kit

With your comfort covered, your appearance troubleshooted, and accidents thoroughly prepared for, there are only a few items left that might come in handy.

• Batteries – Make sure an A/V issue or dead camera battery doesn’t interfere with your dance party or its documentation.

• Cash tips – Don’t forget to tip your servers, DJ, and other support staff.

• IDs – In case you need to sign for something, be sure you have proof of identification.

• Lighter – A lighter can ignite a candle or seal up the seam of a ripped garment; it’s incredibly handy.

Get Prepared With Zola

Assembling an emergency kit is one way to give yourself peace of mind while planning your wedding. From assembling your guest list, creating a wedding website, and planning your honeymoon, there’s a lot to do before your ceremony. Luckily, there’s another way to make life easier. Zola’s free planning tools can help you get organized before the big day so that you can spend more time on what matters—celebrating your love.