Wedding Day Survival Kit

Wedding Emergencies

Brides and grooms plan for months coordinating every intricate detail to create the perfect day. Unfortunately, one unintentional mishap can wreak havoc on the most meticulous plans, and more than one wedding has been derailed by these types of emergencies.

• Illness: From a simple headache to a nerve-induced upset stomach to an exhaustion-driven fainting spell, illness in the wedding party, guests, or the couple can be a wedding day disaster.
• Attire Catastrophes: Zippers that won’t open or close, visible stains, unraveling seams, uneven hems, loose accents, and improper sizes are some of the clothing calamities that can befall the bride’s gown, bridal party dresses, tuxedos, and other attire.
• Botched Beauty: A disintegrating wedding hair style, runny makeup, bad breath, chipped nails, rough hands, and other small beauty mishaps are much more prominent on a day when hundreds of photographs will be taken.
• Missing Persons: Late attendants, a limousine driver without directions, lost vendors, and misdirected guests can delay or decimate a wedding celebration when the perfect day depends on perfect timing.

No matter what emergency may strike, a comprehensive survival kit can help couples cope with unexpected problems discreetly and efficiently, keeping the wedding festivities on track.

Stocking a Wedding Day Survival Kit

There are dozens of necessary items that can be part of a nuptial survival kit, including:

• Toothpaste, floss, a toothbrush, and breath mints or spray to deal with bad breath or sticky food.
• Scissors, needles, and thread for attire mishaps.
• Pain relievers, antacid, smelling salts, and bandages for minor injuries or illnesses.
• Hand lotion, hairspray, nail polish, deodorant, makeup, nail files, a comb and brush, compact mirror, and bobby pins to deal with beauty calamities of any type.
• Wet wipes for a quick cleanup and instant stain remover for larger messes.

Safety pins are a lifesaver.

• Safety pins and straight pins to help with attire emergencies, affixing corsages and boutonnieres, and adjusting wedding reception decorations.
• Spare earring backs for quick jewelry fixes.
• Different varieties of tape, super glue, and wire for emergency decoration repairs.
• Feminine hygiene products for unexpected monthly emergencies.
• A lint brush for quick attire touch-ups.
• Quick snacks such as hard candy, granola bars, or crackers to ease a queasy stomach and provide an essential energy boost.
• Extra cell phone and camera batteries as well as camera memory cards so no moment is missed.
• Phone numbers of all the bridal party members, parents, vendors, and venue locations in case of a communication breakdown.
• Sufficient cash for quick phone calls, cab fare, or other unexpected expenses that can delay the day.
• Personal identification and duplicate documents necessary for any security measures or verification.
• Pen and paper for unexpected notes, lists, contact information, or other details.
• Matches or a lighter to relight a unity candle or decorative candles at the ceremony or reception.

These items will provide relief for most wedding day emergencies, but many brides and grooms choose to personalize a wedding day survival kit with other essential items that may be needed for their specific celebrations. Extra keys to the getaway car, a thank you note for both sets of parents, honeymoon travel documents, and other items may be necessary for some couples.

Creating the Kit

A couple can create their own survival kit by stocking up on necessary items and putting them in a convenient, well organized case, bag, or tote. Stocking the kit can also be an innovative bridal shower game if guests are asked to bring essential items to help outfit the kit. Be sure to keep a list of items and augment the kit with any missing necessities before the big day, and don’t forget to include emergency items for the entire bridal party, such as thread colors to match the bridesmaids’ dresses and any prescription medications that bridal party members or close relatives may need.

Where to Buy Kits

Basic wedding survival kits can be purchased from a number of wedding accessory retailers. Kits generally cost between $30 and $50 depending on the size and scope of the supplies, and some retailers also offer personalization for the happy couple or specialized kits for bridesmaids, the groom, and other individuals involved with the festivities.

Vendors offering a selection of survival kits include:

• Wishing Fish
• Ms. and Mrs.
• Wedding Stand
• My Wedding Favors
• Abernook
• Your Exciting Wedding Favors

Keeping the Kit Handy

Whether you buy a ready-made kit or assemble emergency supplies yourself, it is essential to keep it handy at all times during the wedding. The kit may be entrusted to a bridal party member, guest, or parent, or it can be stowed nearby for easy access in case it is needed. Be sure that several bridal party members, parents, and other individuals are aware of what the kit contains and where it is located so it can be found immediately should the need arise.

A properly stocked wedding day survival kit can help couples overcome most wedding emergencies and mishaps. By creating a thorough kit, couples can breathe easier on their wedding day knowing they’re prepared for minor problems that can become major catastrophes during this special occasion.