Weddings! The most magical day of your entire life – or a high-stakes mission complete with a buffet. Why are the stakes so high? There is just so much that goes into planning it all; the ceremony, the reception and of course your entire attire. 

A wedding day toolkit is a necessity because let’s face it, something can go wrong when there is so much going on. What if a part of your dress rips or gets dirty? Or maybe your heel breaks? How about the flower girl who suddenly decides she won’t walk down the aisle or worse – she has thrown away the flowers who knows where? 

It’s like Murphy’s Law if you think about it. Anything that can go wrong will go wrong! Not trying to scare you, just preparing you for the worst so that if something does happen, you know how to tackle it. Enter: The Wedding Emergency Kit. It is a wedding day must-have. A lifesaver, literally. Grooms, take notice too. A groom emergency kit is in fashion!

Expert tip from a Sydney wedding photographer: Unexpected moments are often the ones you’ll cherish the most. Whether it’s a last-minute dress fix, a tearful vow, or a spontaneous dance-off, capturing these raw, real emotions makes for the most memorable wedding album. So embrace the chaos—it’s all part of the story!

What is a Wedding Emergency Kit?

Think of it as being equivalent to a utility belt of a superhero but instead of fighting crime, it is used to combat a hair mess, maybe a makeup smudge or a rip of the dress. But to be more precise, it is a bag of those critical items that you really hope you don’t need but having them around in the time of need will make everything better.

You never know, maybe your best friend’s lipstick stain mysteriously ends up on the corner of your dress right before you have to walk down the aisle. Everyone meets the bride and it could easily happen. Or, maybe there is a stitching problem and the button drops off your dress. I mean, once the imagination goes wild you might have to get one of those bigger bags to make your wedding emergency kit.

Why Being Prepared is Crucial (And to Some Degree Hilarious)

What if…your maid of honour is trying to help you with your veil, but instead, she gets it caught in her bouquet? What if…the bridesmaid is crying because her hairdo has a problem. She shouldn’t be talking about it to the bride of course but you never know, being prepared means being prepared for anything.

I’m not trying to scare you but imagine every disaster that can possibly occur. And then here is where the wedding emergency kit steps in, to avert the crisis. It reduces stress and makes you more content on your day. You’ll be more likely to find a solution rather than cry your eyes out in frustration. It’s your own fairy godmother, but instead of turning the pumpkin into a carriage, it turns freakouts into a relaxed atmosphere.

That’s how to make your wedding memorable—by ensuring that even the unexpected doesn’t ruin your big day.

Who Needs This Kit? (Clue: It’s Not Just the Bride)

It’s always the assumption that the primary beneficiary is the bride. And to a certain extent, it might be true. The bride does panic more and if even the tiniest of mishaps occur, she feels like the entire day has been ruined. However, the simple fact is, everyone at the wedding can use last-minute wedding fixes. It’s necessary for a bride, especially if she needs to rectify a mascara smudge. But, there is also the groom who is also happy about his wedding day.

We often forget him because let’s be real, the bride is the star of the show. And the funny part is, all grooms know this as well. Still, any mishap with the groom is a mishap overall and the bride tends to take stress over that as well. He might need to fix his tie or he’s put the boutonniere on wrong.

Bridesmaids also need a kit. They’re the elves behind the entire show, ensuring that everything is according to plan and schedule and more often than not, they are facing chaos themselves and have to urgently fix a lot of things. What’s more, even the wedding planner should be on the list of people who need this kit. They too can face some sort of trouble and might need something as small as a band-aid. Basically, this life saving item is for all those who want to avoid being a stressed-out and tearful mess by 3:00 p.m. 

The Ultimate Wedding Emergency Kit Checklist: Items to Remember for the Bride, Groom, and All Guests 

Weddings are a show of love and commitment but what is going on behind the scenes isn’t as lovely or charming as what one perceives. There is so much to do and so much going on that you’re on your toes, under complete anxiety and are trying to rethink every detail. Is the DJ on time? Has the maid of honour or the best man remembered to bring the rings? Are the flowers arranged? Is the dress ironed? What if the battery of the phone dies? Not to worry, the DIY wedding emergency bag will save the day! The checklist is here to make sure you are prepared for everything that can fall apart. And I’m not here to spread any negativity, hopefully it all goes well. But just in case it doesn’t, you’ll thank me later for putting together this little list.

Beauty & Grooming Essentials

Mini Sewing Kit

I know you’re not a seamstress but your dress is the most precious tangible thing of the day. And if it takes a rip here or there, maybe some other problem with it all of a sudden, the mini sewing kit will be the answer to your prayers. Most likely you won’t use it but if it is required, better safe than sorry!

Hairbrush, Comb, and Travel-Size Hairspray

The hairdo is such a SALIENT feature of your entire look but most of us have problems in maintaining it. In a few hours of the day, either there is frizz or maybe a strand has come out or if it’s open, it looks like you’ve just run a marathon through a jungle. In times like those, having a hairbrush is a must or a comb if you’re comfortable with it. Carrying a small travel-size hairspray can also maintain the look you had initially.

Makeup Touch-Up Kit

On your wedding day, it’s normal to snack in a frenzy of stress eating, and you definitely don’t want to faint from not eating. No one is going to tell you to starve on your wedding day. But alas, with that in mind, it is tough to have the shade of lipstick as it was when you put it on. Or the foundation to not crack if you are speaking or smiling a lot. In that case, having wedding makeup touch-up supplies can renew your look.

Nail File, Clear Polish, and Tweezers

Usually, every bride and groom undergo proper grooming before their big day. But, that won’t stop from a chipped nail polish or maybe a hair suddenly decides to show itself out of the nose. For such a scenario, put a nail file, clear polish and tweezers inside your kit.

Travel-Sized Deodorant and Perfume

The scent of perfume often goes away in a few hours. In fact, carrying a travel-sized deodorant or perfume is very common and not only restricted to the bridal party. You can sweat even in the coldest weather if you’re anxious or nervous enough. Hence, having it around will have you smelling like heaven still for your partner and guests.

Health & Comfort

Band-Aids, Blister Pads, and Pain Relievers

The heels or the new shoes that haven’t been worn yet tend to give blisters; especially if the couple have been walking around all day, having their wedding shoot done in the day and dancing away in the night. Having blister pads will ease the pain if you develop any.

Antacid, Allergy Medication, and Eye Drops

Wedding food gets anyone excited but you never really know what the menu entails. Or maybe you’re allergic to gluten which is in every food unless you specifically look for gluten free meals. Having an allergy medication nearby or an antacid (in case you’ve overeaten) will be beneficial for health.

Snacks and Water Bottles

You can’t really sit in the corner in silence at a wedding, especially if it’s your wedding! Everyone wants to talk to you, get that beautiful smile flashing. You’re likely to get thirsty. And if you’re part of the wedding party, the toast or long speeches can have the same effect. A nice water bottle or a granola bar to boost your energy will be a blessing.

Comfortable Flats or Flip-Flops

If you’re not the bride, you’re not the center of attention at all times so might as well take advantage of that and get comfortable. Take off those heels and switch into your comfortable flats that you brought in your satchel. And you never know, the bride might ask you to give them to her in case she wants to dance the night away!

Clothing Fixes

Double-Sided Tape for Wardrobe Malfunctions

Wardrobe malfunctions are a nightmare and you really don’t know what to do about it. Even if you do have a sewing kit, sometimes no one knows what to do with it, especially in today’s time when such skills are rare. Hence, having a double-sided tape can make the job easier to fix it without it being evident. And it’s so easy, anyone can use it.

Stain Remover Pen or Wipes

The wedding dresses are usually all white. And weddings always have wine. And that combination is a scary one because anything can happen, anyone can trip or maybe you brushed over some nearby bush and now there’s a shade of green on your dress. But with a stain remover, maybe you can rectify the spill or the stain.

Lint Roller

The entire bridal party might need this because a lot of people have pets. So, maybe carry one around and your aunt or uncle might just get a use out of it if you don’t!

Extra Earring Backs, Cufflinks, and Buttons

If you plan on dancing your heart out and are not shy to make the moves, having extra earrings or cufflinks will make sure your dressing isn’t incomplete and that you have a backup in case you lose any.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Phone Charger and Portable Power Bank

The entire wedding party might be fighting over this one if you have it with you. It should be with the bride, the groom and in the bridesmaid preparation kit in case the girls need to charge their phones because they will be instagramming the entire wedding. Have it in the wedding day survival pack.

Small Scissors and Adhesive Bandages

You never know where you might need scissors. Perhaps there is a thread sticking out of the dress that requires a quick snip. Best to keep it with you as part of the bridal party essentials.

Tissues and Hand Sanitizer

Something as simple as this, you never know when you’ll need it. Weddings are emotional for a lot of people, especially the ones that are getting married and having tissues nearby will be helpful.

Mini Notebook and Pen

In the bridal survival kit, you might not always be able to use your phone. Battery issues and no free hands perhaps? So a mini notebook is a great backup. Sometimes, it is best to go old school and have a notebook around and where there’s a notebook, there has to be a pen too.

Tailoring the Wedding Emergency Kit for Different Wedding Styles

Weddings come with a lot of planning. It’s no wonder that wedding planners have become so imperative to the entire thing. The bride or groom certainly cannot handle all the tiny details, especially in organizing everything that day. They need someone who can do the deed. But in every wedding, most forget to consider the tiny details of emergencies. And emergencies that are tailored to specific wedding styles.

If you’re having a traditional western wedding, or even an unconventional wedding in the form of an elopement, adapt your wedding kit to that situation. After all, no one understands those needs better than you.” If your hem is torn, you should make sure that your emergency wedding kit has got you covered with a needle and thread. In a western wedding, groomsmen are bound to lose their boutonnieres so have extra ones around. And a mini-umbrella will be your hero if it rains and you opted for an outdoor shoot.

And let’s not forget the multiple days of roller coaster rides that is an Indian wedding. For now, your imagination only went to cracked nails or a lipstick stain on the dress; you have not experienced the full spectrum of an Indian wedding with their intense celebrations and beautifully loud events. The grandeur is unmatched. You might need to up your game of designing a wedding emergency kit specifically for an Indian wedding because there will be numerous dresses for different days and none of them will be the same. It might be a sari on one day and a ghagra choli on another. What’s more, the accessories of the bride and the women attending the party are next to none. You’ll need bindis, bangles and a lot of water because there will be an execution of several dance numbers.

On the other hand, eloping is very minimalistic. Even if it’s just you and your partner, keep something on hand in case you want to take pictures or are going on top of the mountain to read your vows to each other. And don’t forget that an engagement photoshoot can be just as important in capturing the raw, intimate moments leading up to the big day. Whether you’re trekking up a scenic peak or strolling through a charming city street, planning for your engagement shoot ensures you’ll have beautiful memories to cherish forever.

Destination weddings have been quite popular for a few years now and for that, definitely have sunscreen in your kit because most of them happen to be in very sunny areas. And yes, have bug spray! You don’t want those mosquitoes giving you bites on your arms and bringing an inconvenience to your style. With a destination wedding, think more towards forming a travel kit as well.

How to Build Your Own Wedding Emergency Kit: A Comedic Guide to Saving Your Big Day (and Your Sanity)

That magical bag that Hermione had in Harry Potter which just saved the day every time? That’s the kind of wedding emergency kit that you need, one where you just put your hand in and voila! What you need is in your hand. Now, you already have so many things to consider and spend on, don’t go wasting money on putting together a kit that will be expensive. You can form a budget friendly kit. In fact, most of the items might just be lying around the house like a lint roller or a pair of scissors. Even a small dry shampoo might be somewhere in the drawer if you take a closer look.

If you don’t find the other essentials on the list anywhere around your home, dollar stores are pretty much full of such things. You don’t have to get designer flip flops to add to your bag either, you can use the ones you’ve already got. Remember, the kit is for emergencies and not for definite usage that you’re thinking of going all out for.

Think of the basics and then do it yourself. Get a bag that you already have and just keep ticking items off the list that you’ve made with the help of this post. Doing it yourself not only ensures you have everything but since your needs are different and only you can figure those out, it is best to form a kit yourself. In case you’re planning to elope in jeans, a thread and needle won’t really be needed in the kit now, will it? And DIY kits will give you full control of what goes in the bag, whether it is glitter or glue, shimmer or a shoe!

One more thing, use a clear bag if you’ve got one and make sure to label if things are in small boxes. It will save time and anxiety in case you really do need to dive into the bag for something.

Pro Tips for Staying Calm During Wedding Day Emergencies

The best tip that one can give a bride or a groom is this; DELEGATE

The day is too big and too important for you to do it all yourself. And you can’t be the director, producer, actor and designer of your own movie. Imagine taking all of that on your own head and the stress levels that will come with it. You need to give your friends a few tasks, especially if they can form your wedding emergency kit for you.

Tell someone to take care of the flowers, your best friend to get the DJ. And one more piece of advice, trust your vendors. The people that you have hired are very experienced in what they do. They have been doing it for a while now and don’t worry if things go a little awry, Perfect Moment Photo and Video have got people who know just how to handle any situation.

If you’ve trusted us with your photography and videography, know that we’ve got our back in other scenarios as well. In case you want us to deal with anything that is giving you stress, we’re there for you. No questions asked.

We want you to enjoy and have fun because that’s where the pictures will be great and we are most concerned about your well-being because if you’re happy, the day is happy. 

Featuring (Your Future Wedding Photographer!) Perfect Moment Photo and Video

You know, we’ve all had that experience where the photographer is telling us to stand a little to the left, tilt our head and not give such a forced smile to our partner. It’s mostly because we are very aware of the lens of the camera being on us. Well, we have somehow devised a method where our team is practically invisible to the couple or you can think of us as being friends who are just standing nearby and capturing lovely moments. We focus on candid moments. We don’t tell couples what to do. In fact, we prefer it if they are themselves and show us their true, natural love.

Perfect Moment Photo and Video makes it all perfect for you. Our photographers are super friendly. In fact, there was a time where a bride was panicking before walking down the aisle because she messed up her eyeliner and only our team was with her at that time. Not only did our team fix her eyeliner but also brought back her confidence before she stepped towards her partner.

We are prepared for everything and that is the key. Plus, a dash of magic on our part makes it all the more special. Don’t ask how, we can’t reveal all of our secrets here now, can we?

How You Get Support From Perfect Moment for Your Big Day

We know the toll a wedding takes on a person, young or old, man or woman. Whether the toll is emotional or financial, we aim to support you in any way that we can. We understand the different types of weddings that are happening and form tailored packages according to need. Our packages are very reasonable and we are flexible in days as well, in case you are planning to have an Indian wedding where you need a photography team for at least five days.

We like authenticity and our motto is to let the couples relax in a stress-free environment where we can very easily capture their moments together. And it turns out into the best pictures ever.

Anddd…we also have a wedding emergency kit!

Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Emergency Kits

What’s the most forgotten item in a wedding emergency kit?

It’s probably a lint roller. It doesn’t really cross your mind with the threads and needles and stain removers and hairbrushes.

Can grooms use a wedding emergency kit too?

Of course they can! Grooms have mishaps and wardrobe malfunctions just as much as brides do. In fact, they probably might have more because men tend to drink more at their wedding and no one is judging but that does tend to lead to more accidents. A cufflink missing here and there. In fact, groomsmen, take notice! Ask your buddy to form an emergency kit and form one yourself too. Your guy might need you in his hour! Have an extra pair of shoes in your car too in case he accidentally steps in the mud.

How do I pack an emergency kit for a destination wedding?

Well, do not make the mistake of packing certain items in your hand-carry, especially those like a needle or scissors. And ensure that you have a checklist and are packed for everything in your checked luggage. The best thing to do is also research about the destination first. If it is a beachy area, have sunscreen and extra sunscreen for all those who might not be as prepared. If the place is an island, there are bound to be bugs so have a bug spray. Do your research!

Does Perfect Moment Photo & Video assist with unexpected wedding-day challenges?

We not only assist, we try solving it! On that day, we are not just your wedding photographers, but we are your friends as well. Your mascara got smeared? We’ll dab it off for you. Your hair has fallen out of place? We’ll try fixing it for you. Our history with our clients has always been a friendly one and we realize truly how important this day is for the couple so we want to be there in any way that we can. 

You’ll Be Thanking Us Later

The bottom line is, you should always hope for the best but prepare for the worst. And a wedding day is a day that you certainly don’t want to be going through a situation and thinking “gosh, I wish I had a pair of scissors with me!”

Prepare the emergency kit well beforehand and if you have a lot on your plate, delegate it to your friend! But just in case you forget an item and don’t know what to do, we’ve got your back. With Perfect Moment, feel at ease knowing that we are prepared and will try to solve any unforeseen mishap that can occur. Contact us today if you’d like to work with more than just photographers. Think of us as your friends on the big day—here to help you relax and make the most of it!