Pack a bag with everything you might need when something goes wrong on the big day. From wardrobe malfunctions to headaches, this kit handles the most common wedding-day emergencies.
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Wardrobe and Appearance Fixes
Pack a sewing kit with white, black, and ivory thread
A popped button or loose hem happens at nearly every wedding. Include a few safety pins in 3 sizes — they fix a falling bustle faster than a needle and thread under time pressure.
Include fashion tape (double-sided body tape)
Fashion tape holds necklines, straps, and hems in place without pins. Bring a full roll — one strip lasts about 2 hours before losing adhesion, so you may need to reapply during the reception.
Pack a stain removal pen or wipes
A stain remover pen handles red wine, food, and makeup smudges on white fabric within seconds if you catch it immediately. Blot gently — never rub — and let it dry before applying more.
Bring clear nail polish for stocking runs
Pack an extra pair of comfortable shoes
Heels become unbearable after 3-4 hours of standing and dancing. A pair of foldable flats takes up almost no space and will feel like a gift from above during the reception. Some couples provide a basket of flip-flops for guests too.
Include a small steamer or wrinkle-release spray
Garments wrinkle during transport. A travel steamer takes wrinkles out in 2-3 minutes without an ironing board. Wrinkle-release spray is a lighter alternative — mist, tug the fabric, and let it dry for 5 minutes.
Health and Comfort Supplies
Pack pain relievers (ibuprofen and acetaminophen)
Headaches, backaches, and foot pain are universal at weddings. Bring both types of pain relievers since some people can't take one or the other. Include 10-12 tablets — the wedding party will ask for them too.
Include antacids and anti-nausea medication
Nerves plus champagne on an empty stomach equals stomach trouble. Antacids handle it in minutes.
Pack adhesive bandages in multiple sizes
New shoes cause blisters. Bring blister-specific cushioned bandages — they stay on better than regular adhesive strips and reduce friction.
Include allergy medication (antihistamines)
Pack tissues and a handkerchief
Bring protein bars and bottled water
The couple and wedding party often go 4-6 hours between eating during photos and ceremony. Pack 4-6 protein bars and 2-3 water bottles. Drinking straws prevent lipstick smudges while hydrating.
Protein bars or granola bars (4-6)
Bottled water (2-3)
Drinking straws to protect lipstick
Beauty Touch-Up Supplies
Pack the lipstick or lip color worn for the ceremony
Eating and drinking removes lip color within an hour. Transfer a small amount into a portable container or bring the full tube. Touch up before every photo session and before the reception entrance.
Include blotting papers and setting spray
Blotting papers remove oil and shine without disturbing makeup. Setting spray locks everything in place after each touch-up. Both cost under $10 and save the professional makeup job.
Bring bobby pins, hair ties, and a small hairspray
Updos loosen throughout the day, especially with humidity or wind. Bring 20+ bobby pins that match the hair color and a travel-size hairspray for quick fixes.
Pack breath mints or spray (not gum)
Gum looks terrible in photos and during the ceremony. Mints or breath spray dissolve in seconds and leave no visible trace. Bring enough for the whole wedding party.
Include deodorant or antiperspirant wipes
Practical Tools and Tech
Pack a phone charger and portable battery pack
Phone batteries drain fast when you're texting vendors, taking photos, and checking the timeline all day. A fully charged portable battery holds 2-3 full charges and fits in a clutch.
Include a roll of duct tape or gaffer tape
Tape fixes everything from a dragging hem to a loose tablecloth to a cord tripping hazard. Gaffer tape is preferred because it removes cleanly without residue — duct tape can damage fabric and finishes.
Pack a small pair of scissors
Bring cash in small bills ($200-$300)
Cash handles last-minute tips, parking meters, vending machines, and small emergencies. Bring a mix of $5s, $10s, and $20s. Designate someone in the wedding party to carry it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be in a wedding day emergency kit?
Pack a clear tote with sewing supplies (needle, thread, safety pins), pain relievers (ibuprofen, antacids), beauty fixes (bobby pins, clear nail polish, stain remover pen, blotting papers), and practical items (phone charger, snacks, breath mints, tissues, double-sided tape). The maid of honor or wedding coordinator typically carries this kit throughout the day.
How much does a wedding emergency kit cost to assemble?
A well-stocked wedding emergency kit costs $40-$75 to put together from a pharmacy and dollar store. Pre-made kits sold on Amazon and Etsy range from $25-$60 but often include lower-quality items. Building your own lets you customize for your specific needs — include prescription medications, specific foundation shade for touch-ups, and any items tailored to your venue (sunscreen for outdoor weddings, hand warmers for winter ones).
Who is responsible for carrying the emergency kit at a wedding?
Assign the emergency kit to one designated person — typically the maid of honor, best man, or day-of coordinator. Having one person responsible prevents the kit from getting lost between getting-ready rooms, the ceremony site, and the reception. Give that person a checklist of contents so they can restock anything used during the day.
What are the most commonly needed emergency kit items at weddings?
Stain remover pens are used at 40% of weddings (food, grass, or makeup accidents), followed by safety pins for wardrobe malfunctions, pain relievers for headaches from dehydration or stress, and phone chargers that die from excessive photo-taking. Bobby pins and clear nail polish (for stocking runs) round out the top five. Pack at least two of each high-use item.