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Be prepared on the big day with a kit of essentials for any minor mishaps. Here's a comprehensive list to assemble in a tote or case and have within reach (often kept in the bridal suite or with your maid of honor).
When to assemble: Build the kit whenever your supplies and venue rules are clear. See our Wedding Planning Timeline for the complete schedule.
Clothing & Appearance Fixes
- Sewing Kit: Small travel kit with needles, thread (white, black, and any dress color), small scissors, safety pins (many sizes), and hem tape. For fixing loose buttons, bustle issues, or tears.
- Small Sewing Scissors: Dedicated pair for cutting thread or trimming loose fabric (sharp travel-size).
- Safety Pins & Bobby Pins: Lots of them! Different sizes of safety pins can fix dress emergencies, and bobby pins to secure any hair strays or headpieces.
- Fashion Tape: Useful for securing dress necklines, keeping straps in place, or hemming a fallen dress hem in a pinch.
- Double-Sided Tape: In addition to fashion tape, regular double-sided tape works for securing decor, fixing programs, or other non-fabric items.
- Lint Roller: Essential for suits and dark dresses - removes dust, pet hair, and lint before photos.
- Stain Remover: A tide-to-go pen or Shout wipes for any spills on attire. (White dresses attract red wine and makeup smudges – be ready!)
- Static Guard Spray: If dresses are clingy or staticky (winter weddings especially when air is dry).
Health & First Aid
- First Aid Basics: Band-aids (for blisters from shoes or small cuts), antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (Advil, Tylenol) for headaches or soreness, antacid (Tums/Pepto for nervous stomachs), any personal medications (e.g., inhaler, allergy meds like Benadryl).
- Tissues or Handkerchief: For happy tears during vows or emotional moments.
Beauty Touch-ups
- Makeup for Touch-ups: Translucent powder (to reduce shine in photos), lipstick or gloss (bride's shade to reapply), concealer, and blotting papers for oil control.
- Small Mirror: Compact or hand mirror for quick touch-ups and checking makeup/hair throughout the day.
- Hairspray and Comb/Brush: To tame flyaways and keep hairdo in place, especially if outdoors (Cincy humidity or wind can challenge hair!).
- Deodorant: Travel stick or spray – nerves can cause perspiration, freshen up as needed.
- Perfume/Cologne: A small bottle to refresh scent.
Oral Care & Hygiene
- Mints or Breath Strips: You'll be talking to many guests (and kissing!). Fresh breath is a must. Avoid gum (not photogenic if you forget to spit out).
- Dental Floss/Toothpicks: For post-meal cleanup if something's stuck. Also consider a travel toothbrush and toothpaste if you have a long day between meals.
- Hand Sanitizer: Portable bottle for quick hand cleaning after handshakes and hugs.
- Wet Wipes/Baby Wipes: Versatile for cleaning hands, removing stains, freshening up, or cleaning dress hems. More effective than hand sanitizer for actual dirt.
Food & Hydration
- Snacks & Water: Very important! Granola bars, crackers, or nuts to keep your energy up while getting ready. A couple of water bottles or a mini water pitcher and cups – you might forget to hydrate. (Assign someone to remind you to drink water throughout the day!)
- Straws: Sounds odd, but useful so the bride can drink without smudging lipstick or needing to remove the veil (also avoids leaving lipstick marks on glasses).
Practical Items
- Phone Chargers: Ensure someone has a charger or portable battery for phones (for important calls or if you use phone for music, coordinating, etc.).
- Flat Shoes: Bride should have a pair of comfy flats or flip-flops for dancing or between events. Bridesmaids too if heels get painful.
- Umbrella: Check the forecast – even if low chance of rain, a white or clear umbrella can save the day (and looks fine in pics). Also can provide shade if it's very sunny/hot.
- Lighter: If you have candles in decor, a lighter or matches to light them (your coordinator likely has this, but just in case). Also can seal fraying ribbon ends in a pinch.
- Cash & IDs: Have some cash on hand (for unexpected tips, a vendor errand, etc.) and your ID (especially if hitting bars after or if needed for any reason). Keep these in a secure place or with a trusted person.
Documentation & Planning
- Copy of Vendor Contacts and Timeline: Not exactly an "emergency" item, but have a printout of your vendor list with phone numbers and the day's schedule. If someone's late or lost, you can quickly call or adjust timeline. (Give a copy to your coordinator or maid of honor/best man too).
- Emergency Numbers: Phone number for a backup vendor if something fails – e.g., a taxi number in case the limo no-shows, or nearby salon if a hair emergency. Chances are you won't need these, but having a contingency plan can reduce panic.
Miscellaneous Comforts
- Eye Drops: If you're prone to red eyes or wearing contacts
- Tampons/Pads: Even if not expected, nerves can do funny things; plus someone else might need
- Clear Nail Polish: Fixes runs in stockings or last-minute manicure chips
- Super Glue: For broken shoe heel or decor fix
- Earring Backs: Those little backs love to disappear
- High-Protein Snack for Groom: Beef jerky or cheese stick (guys often forget to eat too!)
Check Venue and Personal Needs
Ask where the kit can be stored and who will carry it between rooms. Keep prescription medication with the person who needs it, and check labels before offering over-the-counter medicine to anyone else. Pack weather and footwear items for your actual route rather than assuming every venue has the same surfaces.
Pro Tips
Designate a Kit Keeper: Assign someone (a bridesmaid, your personal attendant, or coordinator) to be keeper of the emergency kit and to troubleshoot on the fly. That way, if your dress bustle breaks, you say "Hey, can you grab the sewing kit and help fix this?" and it's handled quickly without involving you in the stress.
The Boy Scout Approach: Having this kit means you'll likely need few of these items, but if you didn't have them, that's when something would go wrong! Be prepared and enjoy peace of mind.
Cincinnati-Specific Considerations:
- Humidity: Cincinnati summers can be humid – extra hairspray and blotting papers are your friends
- Weather: Our weather is unpredictable – always have that umbrella ready
- Walking between locations: Pack comfortable shoes if your plan involves outdoor portraits or a walk between stops
Choose the items that fit your group, and assign someone who knows where the kit will be.
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