We get it - emergencies happen. As much as you can prepare and plan on executing every detail, there are some emergencies that you can’t predict.

As wedding planners, we’ve seen our fair share of emergencies. On one of our past planner’s first wedding days, the grandfather had to be rushed to the emergency room by ambulance before the bride walked down the aisle.

We’ve had wine stains, buttons pop, and decor disasters. But, regardless of the type of emergency, there are some things you and our planning team can do to prepare for the worst. No matter who your planner is with our team, we are prepared for emergencies. Our planners carry an emergency kit, completely filled with odds and ends to plan for those emergencies that we can handle. If you’re planning your own big day, we can’t recommend enough to create your own emergency kit. What items go in the kit? Read on below for all of our must-haves! 

Sewing Kit: I can’t count how many sewing projects we’ve had on wedding days. There was even a wedding where we had to sew a bridesmaid into her dress, because the zipper broke. Are we master seamstresses? Okay, maybe not, but we can work our way around a basic sewing kit. Now, when we’re talking basic, we mean an assortment of needles, thread in the colors of your suits and dresses, a seam ripper, buttons, and Witcher’s tape. With these basic materials, you will be able to mend a hole, fix a popped button, or hem a bridesmaid’s dress that didn’t make it to alterations. 

First Aid Kit: You definitely should pack a complete first aid kit. This includes: bandaids, alcohol swabs or pads, sample packs or mini packs of antiseptics, advil, cold medicine, and/or itch cream, mole skin, and gauze. Wedding shoes may cause blisters, so you never know when you’ll need a little extra hand. Or you may have a guest that takes a fall. It’s better to be prepared than under prepared, so it’s ok to bulk up this section of your emergency kit. 

Scissors, Glue, and Tape: Be sure to pack a pair of scissors, or even two. These will come in handy for basic needs such as decor, fixing any loose ends, or sewing support. Pack a few different kinds of tape including: duct tape, gift tape, and packing tape. You never know what details may need a little adhesive to work. Speaking of adhesives, pack glue sticks and even a bottle of Elmer’s Glue. 

Toiletries: Make sure you hit up the travel section for your emergency kit. Purchase some of our essentials: dry shampoo, razor, shaving cream, hair spray, travel toothpaste and toothpaste , q-tips, cotton balls or pads, and deodorant. It may be a good idea to purchase some feminine hygiene products as well. Your wedding party may need to freshen up at some point in your event or you may have a groomsmen or bridesmaids that forgets something. It’s best to pack a little extra to ensure that everyone has what they need. 

Stain Support: Stains happen. We’ve been to so many weddings where groomsmen spilt some liquor or an Aunt spilt red wine. Have some different types of laundry support, like tide pens handy. Bleach pens are another great option for emergency stains. Keep these handy, especially before pictures and after dinner to hide and remedy any accidents that may happen. 

Batteries and Lighters: Although you may not have planned or expected to use batteries for anything, it’s a good extra to pack in your kit. You don’t know what may need a battery, or if your vendor may need something. It’s best to be over prepared! Pack a stick lighter or two. Candles may need to be lit or you may need support elsewhere. Sometimes venues will not light your candles and you’ll have to do it yourself. So pack a few stick lighters, just incase. 

All the Pens: Yes, pack all the pens. You never know who or what will need pens. You may need pens for the guest book, or the caterers may need pens to keep track of tasks. It’s always good to pack pens and keep a selection of pens in your emergency kit. We recommend you have Sharpies, ball point pens of a neutral color (black or blue), paint pens and chalk pens. We’ve had to make last minute adjustments to signs or decor, so you never know when you’ll need a craft pen. 

Wet Wipes, TP, and Tissues: We always like to have these handy for the day of. Tissues come in handy for tearful guests or family during the ceremony. Wet wipes are necessary for any quick clean ups or hand/face wipes. Now, you’re probably thinking TP? As in toilet paper? Yes, recommend you pack a small roll. You never know when nature calls, and plus TP comes in handy for all sorts of things!

Hair Accessories: You may have gotten your hair and makeup done by a professional team, but let’s face it, life  happens to your hair. Bobby pins, hair ties, and even a claw can support any hair need. You may need to reinforce an updo, or you may just want to pin your hair back so you’re ready to dance the night away! Don’t forget a comb and brush- you may need to refresh your hair halfway through your event. 

Touch-Up Materials: Three basic touch up needs- lips, powder and fresh scents. Pack an extra copy of your lip color, or just put your lip color in the kit. Be sure to pack a quick and easy to apply face powder to reapply throughout the day and night. And to keep yourself smelling good, pack a travel sized version of the scent you’re planning to wear on your wedding day. This will help you keep fresh throughout the whole day.

Snacks and Mints: You’re most likely moving at a fast past throughout the day. It’s smart to pack some nutritional snacks to help you survive the day. Trial mix, peanuts, granola bars, protein bars etc. are a great way to keep your energy levels up and your nutrients on point. Be sure to have some mints handy, for a quick way to freshen your breath after you eat. 

These are just some ideas, and our must haves, in our emergency kit. Of course, as wedding planners we have additional things such as walkie talkies, numerous copies of the day’s events and timelines, and vendor lists. As you consider what to put in your emergency box, think about any specific needs you or your wedding party has, and plan accordingly. Be sure to keep your emergency kit in a place that is accessible for your wedding party. If you’ve hired a wedding planner, ask if they will provide an emergency kit or bring their own. Often times, wedding planners come prepared, or at least we always do! So, happy creating your emergency kit. And once your event or wedding day is finished, keep it around in your house or in your car because emergency’s just happen. 

Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Seattle Wedding Planner with over 17 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.