Wedding Planner's Emergency Kit: Essentials For The Big Day

Wedding planners need to be prepared for any eventuality, and that means having an emergency kit to hand. But what does a wedding planner need to pack to be ready for any disaster, big or small? From the essential to the unexpected, we've got you covered with this list of must-haves for wedding planners.

Health and beauty products

Beauty Products

• Lip balm with vitamin E and peppermint oil to moisturise dry lips.
• Lipstick or lip gloss to touch up the bride's lip colour.
• Blotting sheets or blotting pads to control oil and shine.
• Concealer to cover up any blemishes or redness.
• Mascara to enhance the eyes and touch up any smudges.
• Setting spray to help prolong the bride's makeup look.
• Eyelash glue in case any faux eyelashes come loose.
• Makeup remover wipes to fix any smudges without affecting the rest of the makeup.
• Hand cream to keep hands soft and moisturised.
• Nail polish — clear polish can help stop a chip from getting worse, while coloured polish can cover up any chips.
• Nail file to smooth out any broken nails.

Health Products

• Pain relievers such as Tylenol, Advil, Aleve, and acetaminophen (especially for pregnant guests).
• Antacid (e.g. Tums) and stomach relief medication (e.g. Pepto-Bismol) for upset stomachs.
• Motion sickness medication (e.g. Dramamine) for anyone feeling nauseous.
• First aid kit with band-aids, hand sanitiser, and antibiotic ointment.
• Hand sanitiser to keep hands clean and sanitised.
• Breath mints or breath strips for fresh breath.
• Dental floss to remove any food stuck between teeth.
• Toothpaste and toothbrush to keep teeth clean and breath fresh.
• Feminine hygiene products such as tampons.
• Bug spray to keep bugs at bay during outdoor ceremonies and receptions.
• Sunscreen to protect skin from the sun's rays.

Fashion and beauty fixes

Sewing and Repair Supplies

• A travel sewing kit can be a lifesaver for small rips or tears.
• Safety pins are one of the most-used items in a wedding planner's emergency kit. It's a good idea to have a range of sizes to cater to different fabrics and garments.
• A small crochet hook can be handy, especially for dresses with a lot of buttons.
• Fabric scissors are a must-have for cutting ribbon or fabric cleanly.
• Clear nail polish can help stop a chipped nail from getting worse.
• Fashion tape can help keep necklines lying flat and bra straps hidden.
• Chalk can be used to cover up unexpected stains on a wedding dress.

Personal Care and Grooming

• Blotting sheets or pads can help control oil and shine, especially for the bride and bridesmaids.
• Bobby pins are always in demand, especially if there's an unexpected breeze at an outdoor wedding.
• Lip balm will keep lips moisturised and refreshed after hours of talking and celebrating. Go for a classic option like Burts Bees Beeswax Lip Balm.
• Hand sanitiser is an essential, especially after all that handshaking and before meals.
• Lint rollers will ensure the wedding party stays fuzz-free and photo-ready.
• Hairspray can tame flyaways and static clingy fabric.
• A small, portable steamer can smooth out any last-minute wrinkles.
• A small, retractable lint roller will help remove lint, dust, and hair from fabrics.
• Breath mints or breath strips will keep you feeling fresh after meals and mingling with guests.
• Tampons and sanitary products are always good to have on hand.
• Deodorant or antiperspirant will help keep everyone feeling and smelling fresh.
• Makeup for touch-ups: during the hair and makeup trial, determine what products will be used on the day so you can stock up on travel-size versions. Blotting pads, concealer, mascara, and setting spray are all good options.
• Backup earrings and extra earring backs are a good idea, especially if the original earrings are heavy.
• Dress weights can be a lifesaver for outdoor weddings, keeping dresses and skirts in place in windy conditions.

Food and drink

• Pour-over or instant coffee – for a quick energy boost when you need it.
• Protein bars and snacks – these can be a lifesaver if the wedding party or guests need a quick snack to keep them going. Go for gluten-free and nut-free options to cater to common allergies.
• Water – it's important to stay hydrated throughout the day, especially if it's an outdoor wedding in warm weather.
• Mints – to keep breath fresh.
• Tums – to help with any stomach aches or heartburn caused by too much food or drink.
• Tide pen – for removing any food or drink stains from clothing.
• Wine wipes – to remove any red wine stains from teeth and prevent any stains on clothing.
• Wet Ones wipes – for cleaning up any food or drink spills.

Tools and equipment

• A multi-piece sewing kit, including needles and thread, fabric scissors, and a crochet hook.
• A hot glue gun and glue sticks for quick fixes.
• A staple gun and extra staples.
• Zip ties of various sizes for fastening decorations or loose items.
• A mini screwdriver set for assembling or repairing small items.
• A clothes tagger for fixing torn wedding dress bustles.
• A utility knife or small scissors for opening boxes or cutting items.
• Floral wire for floral arrangements or bouquet touch-ups.
• A cake cutting set in case the client's set is missing.
• A portable clothes steamer to remove wrinkles from garments.
• Power strips and extension cords for providing extra power outlets.
• A dolly cart or collapsible wagon for transporting decorations and supplies.
• Mesh pouches or clear plastic organisers for storing and organising small items.
• A rolling duffle bag or suitcase with wheels for easy transportation of the emergency kit.
• Stackable plastic tubs for storing and transporting rental items or decorations.

These tools and equipment will help wedding planners handle a variety of unexpected situations and ensure they are well-prepared for any challenges that may arise during the wedding day.

Decorations

Zip Ties, String, and Fasteners

Zip ties are a versatile item to have in your kit and can be used to secure decorations or fix last-minute problems. String is also useful for a range of purposes, from tying up loose ends to hanging decorations. Other fasteners, such as staple guns, can also be handy for quickly fixing decorations or putting up signs.

Floral Wire

Floral wire is essential for reinforcing floral decorations, especially if your wedding is outdoors and you're dealing with windy conditions. Green floral wire blends in with the greenery, while other colours like silver can be used to match the surfaces your flowers are on.

Tape

A range of tapes can be useful for decoration emergencies. Black duct tape is great for taping loose wires on the ground, while clear Scotch tape, double-sided tape, and mounting putty can be used for more subtle fixes.

Glue

Super glue can be a lifesaver for repairing decorations or even a bridesmaid's heel! Hot glue guns and glue sticks are also useful for more heavy-duty repairs.

Candles and Candle Adhesive

Candles are a popular wedding decoration, but they can be tricky to keep upright. Candle adhesive can help you secure those pesky taper candles that refuse to stand straight.

Command Hooks

Command hooks come in a variety of sizes and can be used to hang decorations or as a quick fix for hanging items that fall apart.

Pipe Cleaners

White or black pipe cleaners are flexible and subtle, making them ideal for securing items together without being noticeable. They can also be easily cut once secured.

Scissors and Utility Knife

A good pair of fabric scissors is a must-have for cutting ribbon or fabric cleanly. A utility knife is also useful for opening boxes of décor items and saving your nails!

Glass Cleaner Wipes, Pledge Wipes, and Goo Gone Wipes

Keep your decorations looking spotless and smudge-free with glass cleaner wipes. Pledge wipes are great for quickly dusting surfaces, and Goo Gone Wipes are perfect for removing stickers or labels from décor items.

Frequently asked questions