As a former wedding consultant, my emergency kit was my lifesaver. It was with me at each wedding I worked, and my brides found it incredibly useful. I usually left my emergency kit in their hotel room while the bridal party was getting ready, because you never know what will happen with so many women dressing and primping in the same room. Every wedding coordinator will have their own recommendations for an emergency kit, and most will keep the contents to themselves until that day. My kit saved me so many times, however, I have no reservations in sharing what was in my bag of tricks. For some brides, you may not need all of these items, but many of the strangest things have come in handy for my couples.
• First aid kit – If the kit is to be used for only one wedding, often a travel-size kit with adhesive bandages, gauze and tape will do just fine. You never know when the flower girl will fall and scrape their knee.
• Advil, Tylenol and antacid tablets – there’s nothing worse than a bridal party member with aches and pains. You want smiles in those pictures – not grimaces!
• Assorted toiletries – you never know what you’ll need more of or what someone will forget at home:
– travel size lotion
– hairspray/ hair gel
– tissues
– pads/tampons
– moist towlettes
– cotton swabs
– deodorant.
– small mirror
– plenty of extra bobby pins
– Oral B brush-ups
– mouthwash
– makeup sponges for deodorant white marks (it works!)
• Clear Nail Polish – for pantyhose runs and last minute touch ups.
• Shoe Shine Sponge – Great not just for the wedding, but everyday use. These are found next to the shoe polish at the store and have oils in them that will shine up a shoe with a once-over application – and not get on your clothes! Especially good for outdoor weddings to keep everyone looking great for the party.
• Sewing kit with extra black and white thread – for the buttons that fall off and the zippers that won’t close.
• Extra pair of black socks/nylons – just in case the bachelor(ette) party was a little too good.
• Assorted office supplies – small pad of paper, writing pens, felt-tip marker, scissors and krazy glue.
• 2 copies of the phone numbers and contact names of all vendors and bridal party members.
• 2 copies of the wedding day timeline.
• 2 copies of directions to ceremony and reception sites.
• Clicker-type lighter for candles and such.
Although you might not need all of these things, I will say that as a wedding coordinator, I’ve had to use most of these items at least once on a wedding. I’ve also had to replace many of the toiletry items because they were used – so obviously they came in handy to someone!
No matter what you bring with you, however, nothing is a better stress beater than good planning. Always be generous on your timelines and allow plenty of time to get from place to place. Make sure to double check that you have everything a day or two prior to your wedding. Don’t leave anything until the last minute. It’s better to be done with something months before-hand than to stress about it in the hours before you walk down the aisle.
Most importantly, take time to step back and realize that this day is special and all about you and your new spouse. All of these guests have come to support your union and pass along their wishes to you for a wonderful life together. Take a moment with the microphone to say thank you to them, because no matter how hard you try, you just might not get to talk to everyone. And lastly, take a moment to steal away with your new husband or wife and let the happiness sink in.
Best wishes to you in your new life together – make sure you start things off smoothly by being well prepared for the little things that come up on your wedding day!
