Of course, nothing will go wrong on your big day – but better safe than sorry.
Below is a great DIY wedding day emergency list. And just like your big day, make this list your own – pick out items you want, don’t worry about the others.
Download our Wedding Day Emergency Kit-Bride checklist, fill it out, save to your desktop and give a copy to your maid of honor. And here’s a Wedding Day Emergency Kit-Groom checklist for the groom, too.
In Your Purse or Maid of Honor’s Purse
Keep essential items on hand in a bag or purse.
- Brush/comb
- Cell phone (be sure to turn it off before the ceremony!)
- Dental floss (for all those photos!)
- Emery board
- Extra pantyhose
- Hair spray
- Handkerchief
- Makeup
- Mints
- Mirror (small and portable)
- Perfume, travel size
- Legal documents needed
WHN Reader TIP – Bring the License! “I forgot the wedding license. My brother and his wife missed half of my wedding going to get them for me.” Carol H., a new (and legal) bride
Appearance
WHN Reader TIP – Bring the Dress! “I was a bride who used your wedding day emergency kit list and followed it to the letter. I had brought everything on your list to the wedding, just in case of an emergency. I was so proud of my bridesmaids and myself for getting everything on the list packed in the car to go to the ceremony. The only thing we forgot, since it wasn’t on the list, was the dress, veil, undergarments, and shoes!!! I would highly suggest putting these items on your list for other brides like myself who want to follow your list in case of an emergency too. By adding these items to your list, you could save the bridal party valuable time and automobile fuel. Also, you might want to add tux/formal wear, tie, and shoes to the groomsmen emergency list too.” Jenn J. W., bride
- Baby powder (useful for getting out last-minute spills on a white dress)
- Bobby pins and hair elastics
- Brush and comb
- Clear nail polish (also helpful for stocking runs)
- Corsage pins
- Cotton balls/swabs
- THE DRESS!
- Extra earring backs
- Extra pair of flat shoes
- Hairdryer
- Iron
- Lint brush
- Makeup
- Nail polish in the bride’s shade
- Undergarments
- Sewing kit:
- Buttons
- Hem tape
- Needle
- Safety pins
- Small scissors
- Straight pins
- Thread that matches the wedding/bridal party’s dresses.
- Shoe polish that matches wedding parties shoes
- Shoes
- Spot remover (test it out on an inconspicuous part of the dress before using!)
- Static-cling spray
- Straws (for drinking without messing up lipstick)
- “Throwaway” garter
- White chalk (to cover any stains on the dress)
- Wrinkle out spray (test it out on an inconspicuous part of the dress before using!)
- Other:_____________________
- Other:_____________________
- Other:_____________________
Health/Toiletries
- Antacid
- Aspirin/ibuprofen
- Band-aids (that best match your skin tone)
- Contact lens solution/cases
- Deodorant
- Dental floss
- Eye drops
- Insect repellent (for outdoor ceremonies or events – be sure it smells nice!)
- Lotion
- Medications
- Moist towelettes
- Mouthwash
- Smelling salts
- Sunscreen
- Tampons or pads
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Tissues
- Wash cloth or hand towel
- Other:_____________________
- Other:_____________________
- Other:_____________________
Outdoors
- Bug spray (be sure it has leaves no spots and has no smell or smells nice)
- Extra flowers (in case of sun wilting)
- Handkerchief for dabbing sweat
- Sunglasses (pre- and post-ceremony)
Just In Case
- Cash ($20 – you never know what you’ll need it for)
- Driver’s license or photo I.D. card
- Duct tape (good for any handy repairs)
- Extra copies of directions to your reception
- Important phone numbers:
- Family
- Wedding party
- Wedding vendors
- Taxi company
- Notebook and pens
- Portable flashlight
- Roll of quarters (phones, parking meters, vending machines, etc.)
- Snacks/bottled water (granola bars, dried fruit, etc.)
- Umbrella
- Watch
- Other:_____________________
- Other:_____________________
- Other:_____________________
- Other:_____________________
For More Information
- Wedding Disasters: Real-Life Stories from Wedding Planners
- 6 Tips for Preventing Wedding Disasters
- Wedding Disasters: A Bride’s Story