Maybe it’s misnamed — a wedding day “emergency kit” isn’t for real emergencies. It’s for the minor ones. Like at my wedding, when one of my bridesmaids accidentally brushed against the skirt of my gown as she helped me put on my shoes, and she left behind a streak of makeup on the rippled taffeta. That wasn’t an emergency — it didn’t seem likely that anyone would even notice that bit of makeup unless they knew it was there. But we turned to the magic of a Tide Pen just to be sure.

Whenever you have a group of girls together for hours, getting ready to look the prettiest they’ve ever looked into their lives, it’s pretty much inevitable that someone will need something that no one thought to bring. Hence the emergency kit. It’s a great idea to have a little bag or box filled with supplies that you — or anyone else in the bridal party — might need. Here’s what I recommend:

• Tylenol or other painkiller
• Small sewing kit
• Scissors
• Deodorant
• Baby powder
• Stain removing pen
• Dental floss
• Mouthwash
• Band-Aids
• Small packs of tissues
• Chapstick and lip gloss
• Compact with neutral-colored powder
• Oil absorbing sheets (to freshen up before photos)
• Makeup remover
• Body or hand lotion
• Sunscreen (if you’re going to be outside in strong sun for very long)
• Hairbrush
• Hair spray
• Lots of bobby pins
• Nail file and nail clippers
• Granola bars and assorted nuts (for a quick protein-and-sugar boost)

On a wedding day, it feels as if you have to be ready for anything! So be as prepared as you can for any minor emergency, and you’ll be so much more relaxed.

~ Laura