As a Wedding and Event Planner/Consultant since 2001, I have seen many wedding faux pas which threatened to ruin my clients’ formal affairs. However, I can also honestly say that I’ve never lost one entirely! Thanks, in great part, to careful planning and preparation, accidents can and are easily avoided; spills, tears and other seemingly devastating incidents can be overcome so that the nuptial festivities can move ahead as smoothly as possible for the Bridal Couple.
While no one wants to think about all the possible issues that can arise with one wrong move on your wedding day, it’s always better to be safe than sorry… Because each wedding is as unique as each individual couple getting married, it is important that you make a list of “extras” that are more specific to your particular wedding party. Tell your nail tech you need the entire bottle of polish, so it will match in case of breakage or smudges that must be repaired on the big day. Take a swatch of fabric matching the Bride’s gown and one of every other wedding party member with you when you go to purchase emergency supplies. This way you can match it up.
The same goes for extra panty hose, thread for emergency garment repairs, shoe polish and make-up. The whole idea behind having a wedding emergency kit on hand is that even if something does go wrong, it can be handled quickly and efficiently so you don’t have to stress over the “what ifs” when you should be enjoying your day. No one knows your family and friends better than you do, so if you foresee a potential problem, or are aware of any special health needs a loved one may have, eliminate the stress in advance by preparing for it, just in case.
If you’re working with a consultant, be sure and inform her well in advance of any special needs she may need to prepare. This works to your benefit, believe me!
An example of this would be if Grandma has recurrent heartburn, or Mom-In-Law-To-Be is Diabetic. The addition of Tums, Rollaides, or Alka Seltzer to the kit would prepare you to help Grandma feel better after a large, formal supper and Glucose Tabs (and maybe some snack crackers or cookies, too) will help keep the Mother of the Groom from fainting during the ceremony – in case after all her running around, doing last-minute wedding errands, she forgot to have lunch! Of course, if someone does faint, whether from emotion or exhaustion, smelling salts will come in quite handy.
The following is a list of possible items to include in your Wedding Emergency Kit. They are taken directly from my own, which has seen (and saved) many a wedding! My suggestion is that you print this list out and take it shopping with you. Buy everything in travel size containers and take everyone in the Wedding Party into account, as you will all be posing for photographs, etc together. You may even send out an email asking them to add to your list, just in case you leave something out. Brainstorming is always good!
If you are working with a consultant and she will be on site at your wedding, she will likely have a kit such as this in her possession. If not, pack a small bag or suitcase and keep it in the limo or car.Designate a Bridesmaid who will be responsible for transferring it to the dressing area at the church or banquet facility. You may also like to ensure all essential persons know where to find the kit, in case the need arises. Hopefully, you’ll never need these items, but on the off chance you do, there’ll be no need to go scrambling around and looking for essential items like those listed here. What a relief, right?
Best of luck on your wedding and future marriage to the man of your dreams! Blessed Be.
WEDDING EMERGENCY KIT
Extra Matching Panty Hose/Tights
Flats or Sandals to Change Out of Heels
Shoe Polish, Socks and Footie Slippers
Toothpaste and Toothbrushes (several extra)
Dental Floss, Flossers and/or Tooth Picks
Tooth Wipes (in case you get lipstick on your teeth)
Mouthwash, Breath Mints and/or Breath Spray
Motrin / Tylenol Pain Reliever Packets
Cough Drops & Throat Lozenges
Imodium AD Single Dose Packets
Sinus Medicine/Antihistamines Any Prescription Medications Bandages and Alcohol Prep Pads
Antacids (Tums, Rollaides, Alka Seltzer)
Tissues and Baby Wipes
Tampons and Maxi Pads
Cotton Balls, Q-Tips, Make Up Applicators
Makeup and Nail Polish Remover Wipe
Pre-threaded Sewing Kit (Match Thread)
Extra Buttons, Clasps and Bra Straps
Shout Stain Remover Wipes
Static Eliminator Spray
Lint /Hair Remover Roller
Bobby Pins and Barrettes
Safety Pins in Various Sizes
Double Sided Fashion Saver Tape/Fabric Spray Adhesive
Earring Backs – 2 extra for every woman in the wedding party.
FashionSaver Tape (Double-sided)
Sandpaper (to scuff up bottoms of shoes)
Smelling Salts (in case someone faints)
Drinking Straws (keeps lipstick nice – and so you don’t spill)
Sunblock /Lip Balm – (waterproof, non-greasy)
Insect Repellent (unscented)
Hair Spray, Gel, Mouse, etc..
Spray Deodorant (Men’s & Ladies’)
Hand & Body Lotion/ Face Cream
Face Wash and Astringent
Hair Brush and Combs
Ponytail Holder s (White)
Body Wash / Bar of Soap
Hand Sanitizing Gel
Razor and Shaving Cream
Glasses Lens Cleaning Wipe
Contact Lens Cleansing Solution
Clear Nail Polish (to stop runs in hose)
Manicure Kit (clippers, scissors, nail file, emery board, tweezers)
Acrylic Nail Glue and Extra Polish (ask your stylist for matching colors)
AND LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST: Dummy Rings
(In case someone forgets them – It does happen!!)