There’s a lot to do in the last few weeks before you get married, but putting together a good wedding day emergency kit is one job you shouldn’t miss. And, with luck, you’ll hardly need any of it. However, blisters, makeup disasters and spillages do happen, even on the biggest day of your life, so it’s best to be prepared.

To help, we asked the people who know - our instore bridal experts and brilliant real brides - for a checklist of their ‘must have’, ‘should have’ and ‘nice-to-have’ items. The result is an expert-approved kit that will get any wardrobe malfunctions or minor mishaps sorted in a jiffy. Leaving you to enjoy your day to the full!

What is a wedding day emergency kit?

Hopefully there won’t be any actual emergencies on your big day but, for everything else, you have your wedding day emergency kit. This includes the items in your bridal bag, from lipgloss to mints, plus a few more essentials, such as sewing kits, painkillers, stain removers, etc.

When to pack it and where to keep it

Ideally start thinking about your kit a month or so before the wedding, so you have time to get a few bits together. Why not get your bridal party to help with ideas too, and sourcing some of the items? You could also check with your wedding planner or venue for their thoughts on what to include.

The most essential things should go in your bag while your bridesmaids look after the rest (check out some stylish storage ideas here). They should also be in charge of getting them, if they’re needed.

Wedding Day Emergency Kit: The Must Haves

Include these in the bag you keep with you (or nearby) on the day…

  • Makeup minis, such as lipstick, blotting paper/face powder and concealer
  • Lip balm
  • Small mirror
  • Floss
  • Tweezers
  • Handbag-sized perfume
  • Mints/gum
  • Tissues
  • Phone
  • Wedding day itinerary

Wedding Day Emergency Kit: The Should Haves

Ask your bridesmaids or wedding planner to have these close to hand for a quick refresh or spillage…

  • Wet wipes
  • Deodorant
  • Sunscreen
  • Small snacks, like high energy muesli bars or sweets for a quick sugar fix
  • Nail file
  • Hairbrush
  • Hairspray 
  • Hairband and hairpins
  • Anti-chafing stick
  • Phone charger
  • Toothpaste/brush
  • Plasters (including blister plasters)
  • Sanitary products

Wedding Day Emergency Kit: The Nice-To-Haves

Relax, store this last kit somewhere at your venue so that everything from wardrobe malfunctions to hay-fever flare ups are well and truly covered…

  • Sewing kit with needles, thread, scissors, spare buttons, instant hemming tape and safety pins. Plus, fashion tape for keeping low necklines in place. 
  • White chalk for masking stains on a white dress
  • Mini first aid kit with painkillers, eye drops and indigestion tablets, plus antihistamines, bug bite cream and insect repellent if needed
  • Clear nail polish to stop ladders in tights
  • Stain remover wipes
  • Superglue
  • Portable power bank
  • Flat shoes
  • Crochet hook (if your dress has a lot of buttons)
  • Spare earrings/earring backs
  • Portable fabric steamer
  • Lint roller

And a few top tips from our real brides…

"Bring a fan,” says wed2b bride Billie who married in Las Vegas. “Also, wear cycling shorts under your dress if you’re saying 'I do' in the desert!” 

Billie and Jack

Real bride Katie agrees. “Pack a mini, hand-held fan,” she says. “Also, make sure someone in your bridal party brings a steamer and knows how to use it. Plus, extension leads, which you’ll need to plug it in. Mini perfume pump bottles are great so you can reapply your favourite scent during the day. And buy a pair of comfortable flats, in case your feet swell from your shoes.”

Katie and Jack

And we’ll leave the last word to real bride Gaby, who had an unusual emergency kit item to help with her dress… “Get a very large plastic bag from a Swedish furniture store, cut a hole in the middle, and step into it when you need the toilet,” she says. “It’s the perfect way to hold up your dress and underskirt to protect it from the bathroom floor. It also meant I didn't have to pester my bridesmaids every time I needed a wee!”

Gaby and Zac

Get hitched without a hitch

There you have it. Pack all of the above and we’re certain your day will go without a hitch (or one you can’t handle, anyway!) and you can enjoy your day totally stress free. Then all that’s left to do is sit back, relax and let the fun begin…

Click here for lots more planning ideas from our brilliant real life brides or here for our full Wedding Checklist. Also, for more inspiration, check out our Instagram, Facebook or TikTok accounts.