What To Put In A Wedding Day Emergency Kit For The Bride
Even with the best planning small mishaps and surprises can happen on your wedding day.
That’s why having a well-packed Wedding Day Emergency Kit For The Bride is a must.
From beauty essentials to practical must-haves here are some ideas on what to include inspired by many wonderful suggestions we’ve picked up from our brides here at Villiers Hotel over the years.
Bridal Wedding Emergency Kit Checklist
Beauty & Touch-ups
Your wedding day is full of hugs, happy tears and hours of dancing. A few beauty essentials can help you stay flawless from the first photo to the last dance.
Blotting Papers
Blotting papers are perfect for dabbing away shine without disturbing your makeup. Keep them handy for touch-ups after outdoor photos or lots of dancing.
Lipstick / Lip Gloss
After eating, drinking, and plenty of kisses, your lipstick will likely need a refresh. Bring along the exact shade used by your makeup artist so you can easily top it up.
Makeup Setting Spray
This is a must-have if you want your makeup to last through hours of celebration. It’s especially helpful in warm weather or if you expect to shed a few happy tears.
Concealer
Even with professional makeup, occasional touch-ups can come in handy. Concealer is great for covering any unexpected blemishes or redness that might appear as the day goes on.
Small mirror
A compact mirror is essential for quick check-ins when you’re not near a bathroom. It’s a simple item that often comes in very handy.
Hair spray
A mini bottle of hair spray will help keep your style looking polished all day. It’s perfect for taming flyway's and keeping curls or updos in place.
Bobby pins
Hair emergencies happen for example a loose curl, a falling veil, or a hairpiece that needs a bit more security. A stash of bobby pins in your kit will ensure you’re prepared for any last-minute fixes.
Hair ties
If you want to change your hairstyle later in the evening or need a quick solution if the weather plays havoc with your hair, have a few hair ties on hand. They’re also useful for creating a more relaxed look for dancing or the after-party.
Nail file
A chipped or snagged nail can be both annoying and painful. Having a nail file in your kit allows you to smooth out any rough edges quickly.
Perfume
You’ll want to smell as lovely as you look on your wedding day. A small travel-size bottle of your chosen perfume will allow you to reapply as needed.
Mini Hairbrush
A mini hairbrush is perfect for smoothing your hair back into place throughout the day. Between hugs, wind, and dancing, your hair may need occasional refreshing.
Deodorant
With all the excitement (and potentially warm weather or lots of dancing), staying fresh is key. A mini roll-on or stick deodorant is perfect for discreet reapplication.
Tissues
Happy tears are all part of the day, so pack plenty of tissues. They’ll come in handy during the ceremony, speeches, and emotional moments.
Comfort & Health
Staying comfortable on your special day is very important. These essentials will help you handle any small setbacks and keep you feeling your best.
Pain Relief Tablets
Headaches, cramps or backaches can happen even on the happiest day. Having a small supply of your preferred pain relief tablets ensures you’re prepared. That way, you can focus on your celebration rather than discomfort.
Plasters
New shoes or long hours on your feet can lead to blisters. A few plasters in your kit will save the day if this happens. They're also great for small cuts or scrapes.
Mints or Chewing Gum
Fresh breath is a must when you’ll be greeting guests, posing for close-up photos and sharing special moments with your new spouse. Pack some mints or gum to freshen up throughout the day.
Snacks
Wedding day schedules can sometimes mean long gaps between meals. Having a light snack like a granola bar or nuts in your kit helps keep your energy up.
Bottled Water
With all the excitement and busy moments it’s easy to forget to stay hydrated. Pack a small bottle of water in your kit to sip throughout the day.
Tampons / Sanitary Pads
Even if you’re not expecting your end of the month, it’s always wise to be prepared. You may also be able to help out a bridesmaid or guest in need.
Antihistamines
Unexpected allergic reactions to flowers or even insect bites can happen. A few antihistamines in your kit provide a simple way to handle any surprises.
Clothing & Accessories
Little wardrobe issues can pop up at the most inconvenient times. This section of your emergency kit will help you handle them quickly and stress-free.
Safety Pins
Safety pins can fix a multitude of small wardrobe problems. Whether it’s a broken strap, a fallen hem, or a loose button, you’ll be glad you packed a few.
Sewing kit
A small sewing kit with needles, scissors and thread in key colours of your wedding dress is essential. It allows you to quickly mend any unexpected tears or loose embellishments.
Fashion Tape
Fashion tape is perfect for keeping straps, necklines or hems exactly where they should be. Having a roll in your kit ensures that wardrobe malfunctions won’t derail your day.
Spare earring backs
Earring backs have a habit of disappearing at the worst times. Pack a couple of spares in your kit to avoid losing your earrings mid-celebration.
Stain Remover Wipes
Spills and smudges can happen even when you’re being careful. Stain remover wipes help you tackle them quickly.
Spare Tights / Stockings
If you’re wearing tights or stockings, a spare pair is a smart backup. Snags and runs can happen easily, especially when you’re moving around a lot.
Flat Shoes
After a full day in heels, your feet will thank you for a comfortable alternative. A pair of pretty flats is perfect for the evening reception and dancing.
Other Essentials
Finally, here are a few extra items that can really save the day which are often overlooked but incredibly useful to have on hand.
Phone Charger
Your phone will likely be used for messages, photos and coordinating with suppliers. A phone charger ensures you won’t be caught with a low battery mid-celebration.
Power Bank
If you’ll be away from a charging point for much of the day, a fully charged power bank is a great backup. It means you can keep your phone charged no matter where the celebrations take you.
Straws
Drinking through a straw is the best way to avoid smudging your carefully applied lipstick. Pack a few in your kit so you can sip discreetly.
Copy Of Vows
If you’ve written your own vows bring a printed or handwritten copy. Emotions and nerves can sometimes make it hard to remember your words on the spot.
Contact Lenses And Solution / Glasses
If you wear contact lenses be sure to pack your solution and a backup pair of glasses. If your eyes get irritated or dry, you’ll be glad you did.
Scissors
A small pair of scissors can be surprisingly useful on your wedding day. Whether it’s trimming loose threads, cutting tags, or opening tricky packaging, you’ll be glad to have them on hand.
Important Contact Numbers
Have a printed list of key phone numbers like your wedding planner, venue coordinator, suppliers, photographer, and transport providers. If your phone battery runs out or gets misplaced, you’ll still have the info you need.
Small Packet Of Wet Wipes
Wet wipes are useful for all sorts of small clean-ups from sticky hands to makeup smudges. Having a packet in your kit ensures you’re prepared for any minor messes.
Sunscreen
If your ceremony or photos are outdoors and it's sunny, you may want to put on some sunscreen. A lightweight formula that works well under makeup is ideal.
Insect Repellent
Especially useful if your venue includes gardens or outdoor spaces. A quick spritz of insect repellent can help prevent bites and irritation.
Hand Sanitizer
It's always wise having a small bottle of hand sanitiser in your kit. It allows you to quickly freshen your hands before handling your bouquet, greeting guests, or sitting down for your meal.
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We hope you found this ultimate guide to packing a wedding day emergency kit for the bride helpful.
We recommend going through the list and creating a personalised checklist with these suggestions, along with any other items you feel would suit your day.
While mishaps are unlikely it’s always best to be prepared, and a little planning goes a long way towards keeping your celebration stress-free.
From all of us at the weddings team here at Villiers Hotel, happy packing and happy wedding day!
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Wedding Day Emergency Kit For The Bride | FAQS
What is a wedding day emergency kit for the bride?
A wedding day emergency kit for the bride is a collection of essential items that can help handle any unexpected issues on your wedding day. It typically includes beauty products, comfort items, health supplies, and practical tools to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Who should be in charge of the bride’s wedding day emergency kit?
Most brides give this responsibility to their maid of honour, a bridesmaid, or a trusted family member. That way you don’t have to worry about carrying it yourself, but it will be close by whenever you need it.
When should I prepare my wedding day emergency kit?
Ideally, start preparing your wedding day emergency kit a couple of weeks before the big day. This gives you time to shop for anything you’re missing and avoid last-minute stress.
Do I need to include items for other members of the bridal party?
It’s a thoughtful idea! While the kit is mainly for the bride adding a few extras (like plasters or mints) can be helpful for bridesmaids or even the groom.
How big should my wedding day emergency kit be?
Your kit should be big enough to hold all the essentials but still easy to transport. A small tote bag or makeup pouch works well and can be easily carried between the ceremony, photos, and reception.
Can I buy a pre-made wedding day emergency kit?
You can, but creating your own allows you to personalise it with items that are important to you. Use a pre-made kit as a base if you like but we recommend adding personal favourites to make it perfect for your day.