When it comes to a wedding day, something will always go wrong. It’s just a fact! There are too many moving parts that have to line up exactly right for it not to. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll be unprepared. Having a wedding day emergency kit is a must for any wedding planner.
When it comes to putting an emergency kit together, yours should have everything from extra writing utensils to bandaids to chargers. You’ll want to think about things the wedding party may forget, like a black tie or some socks. Anything and everything to cover all your bases.
You’ll also want to think about decoration issues, so having extra floral wire and ribbon for anything that may fall or come loose will be key to keeping everything looking like it’s supposed to. Just know your emergency wedding kit is going to be big, but you’ll have everything you could possibly need.
Putting Your Emergency Kit Together
One of the first things you really need to think about is how you’re going to transport everything. A lot of wedding planners have a dedicated suitcase for their wedding planner emergency kit.
Using a suitcase, especially one with built-in storage pockets or dividers, can be a great way to keep everything organized and portable. You’ll want to make all items as easily accessible as possible. Invest in some packing boxes and sturdy plastic bags to keep things tidy and contained. The last thing you want is everything exploding in your suitcase.
Having a place to keep items stored is great, but what about on the day of? If you don’t want to wheel around a suitcase, consider a dolly cart or wagon to transport items. These will make things even easier to grab and will let you see exactly what you have on hand. Trust us, having something in which to cart around your wedding day emergency kit will be a lifesaver.
Also, don’t forget your tablet. You can use your tablet to keep inventory on what you have. Make a spreadsheet with everything listed and be sure to keep it updated after every event. Don’t want to suddenly be out of glue sticks because you forgot to keep tabs on it, after all.
Key Items for Your Wedding Day Emergency Kit
Depending on the types of weddings you do, your kit may look different from another wedding planner’s. Someone who tends to do more destination weddings won’t be able to cart around a suitcase of supplies as easily as someone who keeps things local.
However, there are some important staples that should be in every wedding planner’s emergency kit. Think of these as the bare necessities and a solid group of items you can build off of based on your needs and business.
Office Supplies
These are the items that will always come in handy. Services, guests, and the wedding party are likely to need these items, as well as yourself. Don’t forget, you may suddenly be needing a spare pen or two on the big day.
- Pens
- Pencils
- Sharpies
- Highlighters
- Sticky notes
- Scissors
- Business cards (networking is always important)
- Tape measure
- Notepads
- Binder clips
- Paper clips
- Printed copies of contracts, timelines, and checklists
- Apple and Android chargers
- Tablet Charger
- Laptop charger
- AA and AAA batteries
Tools
Sometimes even a wedding planner needs to get a bit crafty or administer repairs. While we can always hope there won’t be a need for such a thing, it’s vital to have the proper tools to fix something at the last minute.
Image Credit: Loverly.com
- Exacto knife
- Utility knife
- Lighter
- Matches
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- Wrench
- Hammer
- Nails
- Screws
- Safety pins
- Sewing kit
- Flashlight
- Wire cutters
- S-hooks
- Fabric scissors
- Zip ties
- Fishing wire
- Rubber bands
- Floral wire
- Command strips
- Command hooks
- Hot glue gun
- Hot glue sticks
- Electric tea lights
- Glue sticks
- Spray adhesive
- Scotch tape
- Black duct tape
- Double-sided tape
- Krazy glue
- Glue dots
- Goo Gone
- Power strip
- Extension cords
Emergency Supplies for the Wedding Party
Now that you have your base kit sorted, it’s time to think about specifics. When it comes to your clients, you’ll want to tailor some emergency supplies to their needs. Is this a couple that is forgetful? Better stock up. Are they having a wedding outdoors? Maybe some extra bobby pins are in order.
The biggest thing to remember is to think outside the box. What are some common items that people take for granted but will definitely miss if they’re not there. Our suggestions include:
- Hair brush
- Hair comb
- Bobby pins in a variety of hair colors
- Clear hair ties
- Hair spray
- Hair gel
- Static guard
- Blotting paper (everyone gets a little sweaty on their wedding day)
- Chapstick
- Nail clippers
- Nail file
- Clear nail polish
- Nail polish remover
- Men’s socks
- Black tie
- Tide-Stick
- Lint roller
- Fashion tape
- Floss
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Tampons
- Pads
- Eyelash glue
- Eye drops
- Glasses cleaner
- Compact mirror
- Tweezers
- Makeup remover wipes
- Tissue packets
- Shaving cream
- Disposable razors
- Deodorant
- Mints
First Aid and Health-Related Items
While no one wants any injuries to happen, it’s important to have basic first aid items. Oftentimes the venue will have this or a medical person on staff. If not, that may be something to discuss in a budget meeting with your clients.
Major injuries or emergencies should always be dealt with by medical professionals or a trip to the emergency room. However, when it comes to a paper cut or a scraped up knee, that is something a first aid section in your emergency kit can help with—especially if there are kids at the wedding.
Here are some first aid staples to include.
- Sunscreen
- Bandaids in a variety of sizes
- Tylenol and Advil
- Aspirin
- Cold compress (put in venue freezer)
- Hot compress (microwave to activate)
- Pepto Bismol
- Lotion
- Hand sanitizer (especially if venues are still COVID compliant)
- Hydrocortisone
- Neosporin
- Baby wipes
- Sterile gauze pads
- Insect repellent
- Anti-itch cream
- Tweezers
- Oral thermometer
- Gloves
Unexpected Emergency Items
There will, unfortunately, always be something you will never think of. A good way to buff out your wedding emergency kit is to make note of unexpected items as you go along, such as an extra bottle opener for the bar should theirs break or be misplaced.
The more you experience, the better your kit will end up being. Soon, you’ll be prepared for absolutely any emergency, even when it comes to major issues. A back-up wedding music CD can be used in a pinch, especially if things are going a little haywire at the reception or the band or DJ just doesn’t show up.
Also, don’t forget an extra pair of shoes for yourself or at least some comfy inserts. You’re going to need them.
The Importance of a Wedding Day Emergency Kit
One of the most important roles of a wedding planner is to plan for emergencies. Just know that some things will be out of your control. You could plan for everything, and there will always be a surprise.
Having a kit that has the basics plus additional supplies for a variety of scenarios can put your mind at ease. You’ll be able to tackle the bigger issues without having to worry about the small stuff.
The best part of your emergency kit will be your ability to keep calm, keep the wedding party calm, and to provide reassurance. Being able to improv is also incredibly helpful in these scenarios. Will it be perfect? Maybe not. But your effort will not go unnoticed.
