Do I Really Need All the Things on the Emergency Kit Lists?

The emergency kit list you read in wedding books and on wedding sites covers ever possible scenario -- fashion repairs, stains and everything in between. The truth is you never know what can happen so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

A wedding planner friend once told me about the bride who caught on fire -- her train was ignited by candles close to the floor and they used the safety pins in the emergency kit to conceal the scorch marks on the dress, so you see...you never know.

Before you run to the drugstore to stock your kit ask the location manager if the venue has some of these items on site. If you’re hiring a wedding planner he or she will have everything so you don’t need to think about it.

If you have to buy everything you can either buy one of those all-in-one kits that are sold specifically for brides or buy each item you think you need.

First, look through your medicine cabinet and grab what you already have -- pain relievers, antacid, nail file, hairspray, etc… Then ask mom if she has any of the other remaining items.

Whatever you purchase keep it in its packaging and hold onto your receipt. Don’t open anything unless you need it on your wedding day and then return what was unopened when you get back from your honeymoon.

And remember that some items can actually be used on your honeymoon such as travel-size toothpaste and floss, so you may want to make a list of what is good for both and shop once instead of making two sets of purchases.

Rain on Your Wedding Day

I just watched How I Met Your Mother and while we don't know whose wedding Ted is the best man at we now know that he meets his future bride at a wedding.

Just as Ted and Marshall are making their way inside the church for the ceremony it starts to rain and while no one in the show mentions it, rain on your wedding day is considered good luck.  I think it's a good luck omen the same way if a bird poops on you -- people tell you it's good luck to make you feel better.

No matter what the weatherman says I'd pack a few umbrellas in your wedding day emergency kit, especially if your wedding ceremony and reception are at different locations.  And while you could just toss any old umbrella in the bag you may want to splurge on a golf umbrella which will cover you and your groom.  I've seen some great shots from weddings where the couple is using an umbrella to protect them from the rain.  You can even pick up a pattern or color that matches your wedding palette!

You can't tell from the photo above but Dave's brother, the best man, is holding a lavender umbrella over the two of us as it started to drizzle while we were taking pictures outside the temple we were getting married at.  Lavender was one of the colors in our wedding palette and the accent color on my wedding dress.  My mom found a bunch of lavender umbrellas at a 99-cent store the day before my wedding and bought a bunch of them.  We still use them.

Photo Credit:  Matthew Septimus/Martha Stewart Weddings

You and Your Bustle

If your wedding dress even has the smallest train it may be worth having a bustle added to it. Dance floors are crowded and you don’t want anyone stepping on it, which could tear your skirt or cause you to trip and fall.

Talk to your seamstress about your bustle options and then at your final fitting have one of your bridesmaids come with you to learn how to bustle your dress.

Do not ask your mom to tie your bustle even if she offers it. Mom is probably in a formal dress and it won’t be so easy for her to get on her knees to tie or button the inside of your skirt.

Remember to add safety pins to your wedding day emergency kit in case your bustle rips. You can use the safety pins to pin the bustle back together.

Accidents Happen

It's very likely that you will need some sort of toiletry item the day of your wedding. Maybe your hem will come loose, or your nail will brake, or maybe you need a tissue to dry your eyes.

Whatever you need, it's important to have a bridal emergency kit with you the day of the wedding. You don't want to be running to CVS, or have your mom, groom or bridesmaid running out for you. To save time, and calm nerves, it's better to be prepared.

Just in Case Gift Kits come with everything you could need (toiletry wise) for your wedding. From lip balm to breath mints and antacids to band-aids, this $65 item could be your lifesaver.

And the best thing about the kit is that if you don't need or use the items on your wedding day, you can use them afterwards - either take some in your toiletry bag on your honeymoon or bring them home.

The company also sells kits for the groom and bridesmaids.