Wedding day emergencies are not uncommon ... but they don't have to derail your day if you just plan ahead. The Wedding & Special Event Yellow Pages recommends that you prepare the following emergency kit a week or two ahead of your wedding (to be sure you have time to acquire all the components). An overnight bag or knapsack works well.

Give the kit to your bridal consultant, your mom or your groom's mom, or another trusted family member or friend who can bring it to the wedding ceremony early and be sure it's available to you if needed.


• Beauty Needs. Nail polish, lipstick (for touchups), nail clipper and file, tissues and/or extra handkerchief, bobby pins, hairspray, comb/brush/pick, makeup remover, toothbrush and toothpaste, and a hand mirror.

• Garment Emergencies. Sewing kit, club soda, stain remover wipes or detergent pen, clear polish (for stockings), safety pins, tape (duct, scotch, double-stick), extra jewelry/earrings, extra pantyhose/stockings, extra shoes (e.g., flats).

• Health Needs. Bottled water, healthy snacks (crackers, fruit), hard candy/mints, band-aids, medicines (aspirin/acetominophen/ibuprofen, decongestant, allergy medicine, antacid/upset stomach medicines, any prescriptions).

• Other Potential Emergencies. Vendor contact/cell phone list (important!), spare cash, super-glue, driving directions, umbrella(s), camera/video supplies.

• Want to print this list? PDF version appears here (after the timeline).

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