Wedding day emergency kit
Something always goes slightly off-plan on a wedding day. A small, well-packed emergency kit turns a minor crisis into a 30-second fix and keeps you calm from the first photo to the last dance.
How to pack it
Use a small, clear bag or cosmetic case so items are easy to find fast. Pack everything the week before the wedding and hand it to one trusted person — your maid of honor, best man, or coordinator — before the rehearsal dinner.
Beauty & wardrobe essentials
- Fashion tape and safety pins
- Stain-remover pen (Shout Wipes or Tide To Go)
- Clear nail polish (stops runs in stockings and secures loose sequins)
- Lipstick, lip balm, and compact mirror
- Bobby pins, hair ties, and a small comb
- Tissues and oil-blotting sheets
- Deodorant and a travel-size fragrance
- Comfortable flats or foldable sandals
Health & wellness
- Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
- Antacids and anti-nausea tablets
- Band-aids, blister pads, and antibiotic ointment
- Allergy medication and any personal prescriptions
- Eye drops and contact lens solution
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Water bottle and light snacks (protein bars, crackers)
Tech & logistics
- Phone chargers and a portable battery pack
- Cash and tip envelopes pre-labeled by vendor
- Vendor contact sheet printed and saved on phone
- Timeline printout for the bridal party and coordinator
- Umbrella or compact rain poncho
- Sewing kit with thread in the wedding palette
- Scissors and double-sided tape
For the ceremony & reception
- Extra copies of vows, readings, and speeches
- Ring box or fake ring stand-in
- Guest book pen (test it first)
- Cake-cutting knife and server if not provided
- Bug spray for outdoor ceremonies
- Sunscreen for outdoor portraits
- White chalk or a small towel for dress hems on grass
Things to assign to one trusted person
- All vendor tip envelopes
- The emergency kit itself
- Your phone once photos begin
- A backup copy of the timeline
- Gift cards for any last-minute vendor meals or tips
Add the emergency kit to your day-of timeline
Lumière's day-of generator builds a rehearsal, wedding-day, and day-after schedule with built-in buffers. Add a task to pack the kit and assign it to your emergency-kit keeper so nothing gets forgotten.
Frequently asked questions
Who should carry the wedding day emergency kit?
Assign it to your maid of honor, best man, or day-of coordinator. The couple should not be the one digging for safety pins ten minutes before the ceremony.
When should I pack the emergency kit?
The week before the wedding. Last-minute errands will crowd out the final day, and you want the kit ready before the rehearsal.
Can a venue or coordinator provide some of these items?
Many coordinators carry professional emergency kits, but it's still smart to bring your own basics, especially wardrobe and health items.