Wedding Emergency Kit: What you need to have packed in case something goes wrong

What are the must have items for a wedding emergency kit? I have been photographing weddings long enough to know that very rarely does a wedding go 100% perfectly. There are bugs, wardrobe malfunctions, weather issues, and a host of other things that can make the day complicated. However, it helps to be prepared for some of these minor issues! I typically carry most of the items below in my bag with me, and many wedding planners have an “emergency kit” as well that they bring. However, as a bride it never hurts to bring some of these things yourself! You can always assign this task to an eager bridesmaid or family member that wants to help with wedding planning. 🙂

1. Hair Spray. Here in the south, humidity can destroy a hairstyle quicker than you can say “bless your heart.” No one wants to look like a fluffy poodle on their wedding day or have flyaways due to strong wind. After the hair and makeup team leave, carrying a travel sized hair spray to touch up throughout the day is a must. No Megan Markle tendrils escaping on my watch. These are some of my favorites: Living Proof Humidity Shield and Kenra Maximum Hold. 

2. Bug Spray. Both mosquitos and gnats can leave itchy red marks all over you and your guests. Having bug spray on hand is a nice touch for outdoor ceremonies. I love these PepperMint Wipes and NoNatz.

3. Bobby Pins. Most of the time, hairstylists will leave a few behind (and I carry them with me in my bag), but having extra is important for hair touchups and for securing your veil.

4. Sewing Kit. Unfortunately, dresses do sometimes tear or come apart at the seams. Buttons pop off. Hems come undone. Having a tiny sewing kit (including safety pins and scissors) will make any dress emergency much less stressful. I have had to safety pin a bridesmaid’s dress back together at the seam to make do for photos until we had more time for someone to sew it back together right before the ceremony. Even having a tiny pair of scissors to cut those annoying white straps out of dresses makes everyone’s life easier. I like that this one has scissors and safety pins.

5. Dress Tape. No one wants a Janet Jackson style wardrobe malfunction. Securing low cut or gaping bridesmaid dresses with fashion tape before the dance party starts will ensure that everyone’s eyes stay on the bride. 😉

6. Shoe Inserts. Foam inserts that go into the heel of a shoe or the toe box can make your 3-inch heels much more bearable to walk around in all day. Pro-tip: put them in after your photographer has taken pictures of your shoes.

7. Band Aids. Blisters make people cranky. Enough said.

8. Lint Roller. Taking the time to lint roll a groom’s tux or suit makes everyone happy. Your photographer won’t have to edit out pet hair/lint/dandruff/dust out of every photo and your groom will just look even more sharp. Buy them here.

9. Travel Deodorant. I can’t tell you how many times I hear on a wedding day “would anyone mind if I borrowed their deodorant?” This is an item that is often forgotten, but definitely needed. Wedding dresses are hot, y’all. Bring an extra one (or two) for you or your girls to use. Dove and Secret make multi-packs.

10. Medicine. The stress of wedding planning and/or late nights out celebrating can take its toll on everyone at a wedding. Making sure you have the basics – aspirin, ibuprofen, antacids, pepto-bismal – will keep your maid of honor from having to make a CVS run because someone feels sick.

11. Breath Mints/Gum. News flash- you are going to be kissing someone on your wedding day! Its amazing how much popping a mint or piece of gum can make you feel a little fresher and ready to snuggle up to your groom for the day. Even better- pack your toothbrush. I love Altoids!

12. Lip Color. Most hair and makeup artists now are using long-wear lip products, but make sure to either get a touch up kit from them before they go, or buy a similar hydrating lip color that you can have on hand throughout the day. Ask your photographer to carry it in their camera bag- we are with you all day anyways! 🙂

Those are all my must-haves that I personally try to have with me for my clients! Is there anything missing I need to add? Tell me in the comments!

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