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A wedding day emergency kit is a small bag of fixes for the things that go sideways: safety pins and fashion tape for wardrobe malfunctions, blotting papers and bobby pins for touch-ups, pain reliever and blister pads for comfort, plus snacks, water and a phone charger. Here's my complete checklist, built from years of wedding mornings.
You planned your big day. The flowers are waiting, the champagne is chilled, and your hair is done. But no matter how much you plan, something that isn't in your day-of packet will happen.
Like the hook-and-eye on the back of the dress. Yes, it happened. Her mom had just zipped the dress, she exhaled, and the hook-and-eye popped right off.
Because I always carry an emergency kit in my camera bag, it was fixed in two minutes, and nobody but the three of us ever knew.
Wedding Emergency Kit Checklist
Wardrobe fixes
Safety pins & mini sewing kit – Because buttons pop and straps snap.
Fashion tape – Keeps necklines in place and fixes a loose hem.
Stain remover pen – Wine, lipstick, foundation… the usual suspects.
Lint roller – Especially if your pup snuck in a cuddle before you left.
Extra earring backs – Those little guys love to disappear.
Clear nail polish – Stops a run in tights or secures a loose thread.
Beauty touch-ups
Blotting papers or powder – Bye-bye, shiny forehead.
Mini hairspray & bobby pins – Stray hairs, meet your match.
Your lipstick or gloss – For fresh "just married" kisses and photos.
Cotton swabs & makeup wipes – Perfect for happy-tear mascara.
Nail file – Because snagged nails are no one's favorite wedding memory.
Health + comfort
Pain reliever – Headaches, cramps, sore feet… handled.
Bandages & blister pads – Those dreamy new shoes? Yeah, they bite.
Tissues – You'll need them (and so will mom).
Eye drops – Especially after the happy tears.
Mints or gum – For picture-perfect breath during the first kiss.
Snacks & water – Because hanger on your wedding day? Not cute.
Straws – Sip water without ruining your lipstick.
Tech + random lifesavers
Phone charger or portable battery – To keep your hype playlist going.
Cash – For tips or last-minute runs.
Contact solution or glasses – If you wear them.
A copy of your vows & timeline – Just in case nerves make you forget.
For the suit side
Collar stays – Keeps that crisp collar crisp all night.
A spare tie – Because someone will spill something.
Deodorant & a spare pair of socks – Dancing is cardio.
Who should carry the emergency kit?
Pack everything in a cute tote or clear organizer and hand it to your maid of honor, a trusted friend or your coordinator, never yourself. You'll probably only need a few of these items, but knowing they're there lets you relax and focus on what matters most: marrying your person and having the best day ever.
DIY kit or pre-made kit?
A pre-made kit covers the basics in one purchase and makes a great bridesmaid or groomsman gift. A DIY kit lets you skip what you don't need and add your own lipstick and meds. My advice: start with a pre-made kit and add your personal items.
Pair it with your detail box
Your emergency kit handles the surprises; your detail box holds everything you want photographed. Here's my wedding day packing list for detail photos.
Wedding emergency kit FAQ
What should be in a wedding day emergency kit?
Wardrobe fixes (safety pins, fashion tape, a stain pen), beauty touch-ups (blotting papers, bobby pins, lipstick), comfort items (pain reliever, blister pads, snacks, water) and tech (a phone charger).
Who carries the emergency kit at a wedding?
Your maid of honor, a trusted friend or your wedding coordinator. Many photographers, including B. Jones Photography, also carry a backup kit.
Is a pre-made emergency kit worth it?
Yes, as a starting point. Add your own lipstick, medications and contact solution.
As you prepare for your wedding day, I highly suggest you start setting aside things you plan to bring. I've put together a packing list of must have items for photography that many of my couples have found helpful. Bring along anything from this list that fits your vibe, and feel free to add your own special touches too