Most wedding day problems are small: a popped button, a blister, a smudge, a dead phone. They only become stressful when nobody has the fix on hand. An emergency kit packed a few days ahead, and handed to someone calm, takes care of nearly all of them. Here is a checklist you can adapt.
Who carries the kit
The kit should not be your job on the day. Give it to a member of the wedding party, a family member or your planner or day-of coordinator, and tell them where it is at each stage of the day. Many planners and coordinators bring their own kit, so ask what they cover and pack only what is missing. Split it into two small bags if you are getting ready in separate places.
Clothing and attire fixes
- Safety pins, a small sewing kit with thread in your attire colors, and double-sided fashion tape
- A stain remover pen or wipes, and white chalk to hide light marks on a white or ivory dress
- A lint roller, especially for dark suits
- Spare buttons, extra boutonniere pins and a few bobby pins
- Clear nail polish to stop a run in tights
- Comfortable backup shoes for dancing, plus blister bandages
Hair and beauty touch-ups
Ask your hair and makeup artist whether they stay for touch-ups or leave you with a kit. If they leave, include:
- Your lipstick or lip color, blotting papers and powder
- A small mirror, cotton swabs and makeup wipes
- Hairspray, extra bobby pins and a few hair ties
- Tissues, mints and travel toothpaste with a toothbrush
- Deodorant and a travel-size fragrance
Health and comfort
- Pain relievers, antacids, allergy medicine and any personal prescriptions
- Bandages, a small first aid kit and hand sanitizer
- Snacks and water for the couple and wedding party. Many people forget to eat until the reception.
- Feminine care products
- Eye drops and contact lens solution, if anyone wears them
Paperwork, payments and the details
- Your marriage license, if you are bringing it rather than your officiant. Our marriage license guide covers who needs it and when.
- The rings, handed to one trusted person with a clear plan for when they pass them over
- Labeled envelopes with final payments and tips for vendors. Our guide to tipping wedding vendors explains the norms.
- A printed copy of your day-of timeline and a list of every vendor's name and phone number
- Vows and speech notes on paper, not only on a phone
- Pens, a lighter for candles if your venue allows open flame, scissors and tape
Tech
- Phone chargers and a fully charged power bank
- Any adapters or cables your musicians or DJ asked you to supply
- Backup copies of important playlists or songs, saved for offline use
Extras for North Carolina weather
North Carolina can deliver heat, humidity, a pop-up thunderstorm and a chilly evening in the same season. Pack for what your date and setting might bring:
- Heat and sun: sunscreen, hand fans, cooling towels and extra water. Our summer wedding guide has more ideas.
- Rain: a few umbrellas, ideally clear or white for photos, and towels for wet shoes and seats.
- Bugs: insect repellent for outdoor ceremonies and evening portraits.
- Chilly evenings: a wrap or jacket, and hand warmers in cooler months or in the mountains.
- Pollen: tissues and allergy medicine during spring pollen season.
For bigger weather plans, see our guide to outdoor weddings in heat, humidity and storms.
Pack it early
Pack the kit a few days before the wedding, using this list as a checklist, and keep it with your attire so it travels with you. A small toolbox or clear zippered pouches make it easy to find things fast. If you would like a professional to handle the day's surprises for you, you can browse planners and day-of coordinators or search the directory by city.