One always hopes for a picture perfect wedding, but it’s no secret that the “big day” also comes with stress and some unexpected hurdles too. A bridesmaid chipped her nail, the groom’s suit has a loose button, and the flower girl got apple juice on her dress…as any event planner knows, accidents are bound to happen. Being prepared with a wedding day emergency kit is essential, and is something all planners always have on hand at events. A properly equipped emergency kit, will ensure that the day will go smoother, whether you’re a wedding planner or the maid of honor.
No matter if I’m organizing a wedding or just setting up decor, I always bring my survival kit with me, it’s quite a necessity. And you don’t have to be the event planner to have one at a wedding, it’s a great thing for a bride or groom to have when preparing for the big day. So I’ve put together an extensive list to things to have on hand during your wedding day, as the bride, the MOH or the planner, as well as a list of common tools that event stylists and coordinators often bring with them when setting up an event…
You can download the PDF file here. Below you’ll find common wedding day/event disasters and easy fixes that will make it seem like nothing ever happened.
Common Disaster Fixes
- Ripped Dress: Use double-sided tape or even crazy glue can be used for last-minute repair.
- Stuck Zippers: Rub the teeth of the zipper with a bar of soap or candle to lubricate the zipper without staining.
- Stains: There are different products that can totally fix a number of stains problems.
- For delicate fabrics, hairspray on a Q-tip or Shout wipes can be gently rubbed on the stain.
- For watermarks, dab the fabric with a white towel, then steam the spot to eliminate. **DON’T use a hairdryer, in some fabrics it might make the watermark bigger**
- For red wine, absorb as much of the stain as possible using a white lint free towel. Then dab gently with another warm water-soaked white cloth, from the outer edges of the stain to the middle. Cover any remaining stain with white chalk of baby powder.
- For grease and oily food, dust stain with baby powder to absorb oil, then gently brush away. Wet a Q-tip with rubbing alcohol, and dab from the outer edges of the stain to the middle. Cover any remaining stain with white chalk of baby powder.
- For ink, wet a Q-tip with rubbing alcohol, and dab from the outer edges of the stain to the middle. Protect the underside of the dress with a white cloth to absorb ink. Cover any remaining stain with white chalk of baby powder. Hairspray is also said to removed the stains.
- For lipstick or make-up, try a stain removal wipe, gently dabbing at stain. Cover any remaining stain with white chalk of baby powder.
- For blood, use a gently soaked white cloth in warm water, and blot from the outer edge to the middle.
- For deodorant, use a makeup sponge to gently erase you deodorant marks off.
- Puffy or Red Eyes: A few drops of Eye Drops and a cold compress made from a washcloth or tea bags will work.
- Facial Spots, Blotches or Acne: If a disaster happens to the bride a day or two before, a dermatologist can give a cortisone injection. For morning of facial disasters, apply concealer to the pimple with a brush, then setting with powder. **DON’T try to pop your pimple, minimal touching is the best**
- Shaving Nicks or Cuts: Use a hemostatic that stops bleeding, then use an antiseptic to clean skin. {make sure the first aid kit you choose includes these items.
- Runny Mascara/Eyeliner: Wipe make-up marks up facial cleansing wipe. Then use concealer to cover, and blend well.
- If you don’t have a face wipe, use extra virgin olive oil on a Q-tip to remove make-up marks.
- Scuffed White Shoes: Lightly brush white-out onto the scuff marks, and allow to dry.
- Slippery Shoes: If floors are waxed, and women’s shoes keep slipping roughen up the soles using sandpaper.
- An overly sweaty bride/groom or bridal party: Dry shampoo works wonders at controlling hot and wet conditions under arms and down the bride’s back.
The Kit
Ask any event planner, and they’ll say their trusty on-site event kit is always at a location with them. Before the actual wedding or event, when stylists are making the perfect day look perfect, that’s when mishaps often occur, so I’ve learned throughout the years which tools come in handy. I remember doing a wedding on New Year’s Eve and having to help the bride fix her bustle with safety pins, after ripping it on the dance floor! Things happen, and it’s always better to be prepared. I learned during my internship at a wedding planning company to use an art supply case. It’s sturdy, easy to carry around and has plenty of space to place all the things needed. I’ve also seen planners use three-pocket jewelry holders like this one. Whichever style kit you use, make sure it works best for your working style and needs.
Here’s just a look at my event survival kit, minus a few crucial tools I load up before event days.
If you see anything on these lists that is missing, please let me know, would love to hear your ideas and suggestions!
