Dear Jessica ...

POSTED BY Kelley Lynn, 30 August 2007

Dear Jessica,

This is a great question, and you are smart to be thinking about things such as this before your wedding day. A Wedding Day "Emergency Kit," as its often referred to, is sort of like health insurance. Ninety-five percent of the time, its useless and you don't need it; but on the off-chance that you do need it the other 5 percent of the time, you are more than grateful to have it.

A Bridal Emergency Kit is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. It is a collection of items that you, the Bride, bring with you on your wedding day. Things that you might very well need; or things that fall into the "just in case" category.

What goes into an Emergency Kit can vary greatly depending on what your circumstances are, what things your venue or bridal suite might already have available to you, and what you feel you might need. If you have a wedding coordinator, this is something he or she will most likely put together for you, especially if he or she is doing his or her job correctly! But if not, you can certainly put the items together yourself. As far as what to put them in, I would highly suggest one of those roll-up traveling cases that have see-through compartments, can be unfolded and hung from a door. This way you can actually see each and every item that is inside it and be able to find it easily.

Here are my suggestions for some necessary items to go inside an emergency kit:

extra buttons

straws (so you can drink water or other beverages while getting ready and not ruin lipstick)

hairbrush, hairspray

snacks like a Power Bar, crackers, an orange, grapes, bottled water

sewing kit

shoe polish

antacid, aspirin, and Ibuprofin

safety pins, bobby pins

clear nail polish (to help with runs in pantyhose)

extra pair of pantyhose

Band-Aids

mints, toothbrush and toothpaste, mouthwash

sanitary napkins, tampons

duct or masking tape (for fixing broken doorknobs or table legs, etc.)

scotch tape, scissors

stain remover pen (like Tide)

white envelopes (for vendor tips)

extra pens

extra copies of any ceremony readings

mini hand-dryer

list of phone numbers for all vendors (also put each one in your cell phone)

handy wipes, baby powder (this can help anyone who is sweating)

deodorant

cough drops

static guard, lint roller

You get the idea. Basically, if you plan ahead for anything that "could" go wrong on the big day, you will be better prepared for any mishaps or happenings that might occur. And that will make you a happy bride!

Oh, and dont forget the marriage license!!! Thats kind of important.

E-mail Kelley at kelleyiskelley@gmail.com