The Ultimate Wedding Day Emergency Kit: 50 Must-Have Essentials For The Bride

Your wedding day has finally arrived! After meticulously planning every detail, from the floral arrangements, wedding website and perfectly organized seating plans, everything is set. All you want is for your big day to go smoothly. Unfortunately, as with most major events, unforeseen challenges can arise—such as a small tear in your dress an hour before your grand entrance, unexpected weather changes, or a relentless headache.

That’s where having a wedding day emergency kit comes into play. This small but mighty toolkit ensures that minor hiccups don’t turn into major disasters. Here’s everything you need to know about this essential kit and the must-have items to include, so you can focus on celebrating your love without a hitch! —Christina Armanious

Who Should Put Together Your Wedding Emergency Kit?

This task can be assigned to someone in the bridal party, typically the maid of honour, or a close family member. They should manage the kit throughout the entire day and night, addressing any needs that arise. Ideally, the kit should be packed at least the night before the wedding. It’s beneficial if the person in charge knows the bride’s preferences well enough to include her favourite snacks, personal medications, or specific beauty and hair products. The latter is especially important if the bride has not opted for on-site makeup and hair touch-up services. For extra guidance and to avoid overwhelming the bride, the wedding planner or day-of coordinator can assist in assembling the kit.

How Big Should A Wedding Emergency Kit Be?

A wedding emergency kit can range from the size of a makeup bag to a duffle bag. While it’s important to include all the essentials and nice-to-have items, you ultimately want to ensure it’s not too oversized and is easy to transport. Choose a bag that has enough compartments to keep items organized and easily accessible.

Can I Just Buy A Pre-Made Wedding Emergency Kit?

A pre-made bridal kit simplifies your planning by providing all the essentials, but it lacks the flexibility to be customized. If you want to add specific items suited to the bride and venue, you’ll need to assemble those yourself. Since the essentials can differ for indoor versus outdoor weddings, it’s wise to prepare your own kit in advance. This way, you’ll ensure it meets all the bride’s needs and avoids any last-minute stress.

Other Tips to Consider

Adapt to the venue: Tailor the kit based on whether the wedding is indoors or outdoors. For outdoor weddings, include items for weather-related issues such as dress weights, sinkless heel protectors, insect repellent, and a small fan.

Check for allergies: Be mindful of any allergies or sensitivities, and avoid packing items that could cause reactions, such as certain skincare products, fragrances, and foods.

Consider the timeline: Ensure the kit includes items relevant to different parts of the day, from pre-ceremony touch-ups to post-reception needs.

Include comfort items: Pack things that can provide comfort in stressful situations, like a mini sewing kit, stain remover, pain relievers, and dress tape.

50 Essentials to Pack in Your Wedding Day Emergency Kit + Our Top Picks 

Pharmaceutical and Toiletries 

• Advil and other pain relievers
• Allergy tablets
• Antacids 
• Pill organizer 
• Menstrual products 
• Compact first aid kit 
• Bug spray
• Living Proof dry shampoo and hairspray 
• Gillette Daisy disposable razor 
• Hand sanitizer

Freshen-Up Items

• Stimmie’s first premium reusable toothpick 
• Crest Scope Squeez mouthwash concentrate
• Travel toothbrush and toothpaste 
• Breath mints or breath strips 
• Secret invisible deodorant 
• Travel size ‘Dressed In White’ Bath & Body Works fine fragrance and hydrating body lotion

Beauty and Makeup

• Burt’s Bees moisturizing lip balm
• Bioré weightless and invisible sunscreen 
• Manicure kit (including nail polish that matches the bride’s manicure and pedicure in case of any chips, or KISS imPRESS press-on nails)
• Hair elastics and bobby pins that match the bride’s hair colour
• Eyelash glue 
• Eye drops
• Oil blotting sheets 
• Makeup wipes
• Q-tips
• Setting spray/hydrating facial spray
• Concealer 
• Mascara 

Dress and Wardrobe Care

• Compact sewing kit 
• Safety pins
• Dress weights (yes, those are a thing. They are perfect for outdoor or destination weddings)
• Travel fabric steamer 
• Dress and body tape 
• GoGoHeel sinkless heel protectors (take that, grass)
• Lint roller 
• Static cling spray 
• Stain remover pen or white chalk 
• Super glue 

Miscellaneous 

• Cash if the couple wants to tip a vendor at the end of the night 
• Silicone earring backings
• Travel jewellery organizer 
• Jewellery cleaner (extra useful for those close-up jewellery photography shots)
• Electrolyte hydration packets
• Protein bar/healthy snack 
• Foldable fan 
• Pocket mirror 
• Water bottles 
• Portable white umbrella 
• White lace bolero or faux fur shawl in case it gets cold 

Be sure to keep this list handy and check off items as you go!