Be Prepared - Wedding Day Emergency Kits!

If you have ever known a Boy Scout, you have heard the motto "Be Prepared". This advice applies not only to eight year old boys on camping trips, but to anyone about to explore new territory - especially brides! Put on your thinking cap, and make a list of any little thing that you might need at the last minute on your wedding day, then prepare your emergency kit.

What types of things might you need? Number one is safety pins. That way you are prepared if your strap breaks, your hem drops, or your zipper pull falls off. Other gown issues can include a lipstick smear (stain removal wipes), a smudge of dirt (white chalk), or a drop of blood (believe it or not, your own saliva works best for to remove a spot of blood!).

To help the entire bridal party looking their best, your kit should also contain static spray, a small pair of scissors, and a seam ripper (for last minute removal of those pesky hanging straps that pop out of the armholes). The truly prepared bride will also bring along a fabric steamer in case one of the bridesmaids shows up in a wrinkled dress.

Of course your kit should include basic necessities like aspirin, breath mints, and feminine products. (Bring plenty of these supplies, as you may not be the only one to need them.) Beauty products are also a must. Any wedding day kit should have an ample supply of bobby pins and hairspray. Also keep your lipstick and blotting papers handy for any last minute touch ups.

Another thing to keep on hand is clear nail polish for chips in your manicure or runs in your stockings. It is a good idea to keep a back up pair of pantyhose in your kit, just in case. A can of spray deodorant could come in handy for anyone who gets sweaty when they are nervous (the spray kind is best because it can be shared with others). Though surely the bride will be as cool as a cucumber because she knows that she has prepared for every contingency!

A needle and a thread is one of the other key items for a wedding day kit. You never know what might need a quick stitch, so bring thread colors to match the dresses of the bridesmaids and mothers, as well as the bride's gown. Keep a packet of spare beads and crystals for your gown in your sewing kit. You can also use the thread to repair wedding jewelry, such as a snapped strand of pearls. Be prepared for other wedding jewelry needs, such as spare earring backs (did you know that in a pinch, you can use a pencil eraser to replace a missing earring back?).

General necessities like tissues, a comb, band-aids, and saline solution will round out the bridal emergency kit. Some people recommend smelling salts, but that strikes me as a bit over-the-top. Of course, if you think that you are the type to swoon, go ahead and include them. Round out your kit with a few snacks like pretzels and protein bars in case anyone needs a little fortification before marching down the aisle (just be careful to pick foods that will not leave a spot if they touch your dress). Last, but not least, toss in a bottle of Champagne and a couple of plastic flutes. You know, just in case.

With all of these supplies, you will need a festive way to transport them. Instead of dumping them in your gym bag, choose something more wedding appropriate, like a monogrammed tote or duffel bag. Your maid of honor or wedding planner should be in charge of the wedding survival kit. Brides should not be responsible for toting their own luggage - this is your day to be treated like royalty! Once your wedding emergency kit is ready, you will be able to relax and enjoy your day, knowing that you are prepared for any predicament.