Wedding Day Emergency Kit: 40Things You’ll Be Glad You Packed
Something will go wrong on your wedding day. A button pops, a heel breaks, someone gets a headache, your phone dies. None of these have to ruin anything — if you’re prepared. Pack this kit and hand it to your maid of honour or coordinator.
19 February 2026 · 6 min read
🪡 Wardrobe fixes
Mini sewing kit (white, ivory, black thread)
Loose buttons, popped seams, torn hems. The #1 most-used emergency item.
Safety pins (assorted sizes)
Broken zippers, gaping necklines, securing boutonnieres.
Fashion tape (double-sided)
Keeps straps in place, fixes neckline gaps without sewing.
Stain remover pen (Tide to Go or similar)
Red wine, makeup, food stains — act fast and it won't set.
White chalk or baby powder
Emergency cover for small marks on white fabric.
Spare pair of tights/stockings
Runs happen. Have a backup.
Comfortable flat shoes
For when the heels come off at 9pm. Your feet will thank you.
💄 Beauty & grooming
Bobby pins and hair ties
Updos loosen, strands escape. Match your hair colour.
Compact mirror
Quick checks between photos and the reception.
Blotting papers
Oil control without disturbing makeup.
Lip colour or balm
Touch-ups after eating and drinking.
Concealer or powder
Quick coverage for shine, redness, or under-eye fatigue.
Deodorant (travel size)
Long day, dancing, nerves — you'll want a refresh.
Breath mints or spray
Ceremony kiss, speeches, mingling. Essential.
Perfume (travel size)
A quick refresh before the reception.
💊 Health & comfort
Painkillers (paracetamol + ibuprofen)
Headaches, sore feet, tension — don't let pain ruin the day.
Antihistamines
Outdoor ceremonies, flower allergies, unexpected reactions.
Plasters / bandaids (assorted)
New shoes + dancing = blisters. Moleskin patches are even better.
Antacids
Nerves and rich food don't always mix well.
Tissues (travel pack)
Tears, spills, runny noses. Bring more than you think you need.
Eye drops
Long days, wind, crying — keeps eyes fresh for photos.
Sunscreen (SPF 50)
Outdoor ceremonies can mean hours in the sun. Burns show in photos.
Insect repellent
Garden and vineyard weddings — mosquitoes don't care about your vows.
🔧 Practical essentials
Phone charger (portable battery pack)
Your phone will be at 12% by 3pm. Guaranteed.
Phone charging cable
Backup in case someone borrows yours.
Cash (small bills for tips)
Tipping vendors, paying for unexpected taxi rides, vending machines.
Umbrella (clear or white)
Rain photos can be stunning — but only if you have an umbrella that looks good.
Snacks (granola bars, nuts, chocolate)
You probably won't eat properly until dinner. Hunger + nerves = bad combination.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated. The day is longer than you think.
Pen
Signing the marriage certificate, writing last-minute notes, addressing an envelope.
💍 Ceremony & rings
Ring box or pouch
Don't leave the rings loose in a pocket. They deserve better than that.
Marriage licence and ID
You can't legally get married without it. Triple-check this one.
Vow cards
If you've written your own vows, have them printed on nice card stock — not on your phone.
Vendor contact list (printed)
If your phone dies or the coordinator is unreachable, you need backup contacts.
Day-of timeline (printed copies)
Copies for the MC, bridal party, and venue coordinator.
✨ Nice to have
Steamer or wrinkle-release spray
Creased tablecloths, wrinkled suits, crushed dress trains.
Superglue
Broken heels, loose decorations, detached buttonholes.
Scissors
Cutting tags, trimming loose threads, opening packaging.
Static guard spray
Clingy fabrics, flyaway veils.
Nail file
A chipped nail before the ring exchange photo? Fix it in 30 seconds.
Who should carry the kit?
Not the couple. Assign the emergency kit to your maid of honour, best man, or day-of coordinator. They should know where every item is and have it within arm’s reach throughout the day.
A medium-sized tote bag or zippered pouch works perfectly. Keep it in the getting-ready room during the morning, then move it to the reception venue.
When to pack it
Pack the kit 1–2 weeks before the wedding, not the night before. You don’t want to be running to the pharmacy at 10pm. Add “Pack emergency kit” to your wedding checklist as a task for the final week.
Pair it with your day-of timeline
The emergency kit handles the unexpected. Your wedding day timeline handles the expected. Together, they mean your day runs smoothly even when things go sideways.
For the full planning picture, check out our hour-by-hour wedding day timeline guide and the complete wedding planning checklist.