Photography: Alexis Birkmeyer
Nobody wants to face any mishaps or emergencies, let alone on the wedding day. But as perfect as your wedding planning is, there is always a possibility that something unpleasant could happen when you least expect it. Wedding emergencies don't need to be big to cause a problemâ€"maybe someone stepped on or spilled wine to your wedding dress, or maybe the zipper got stuck just as you were going to wear the dress in the first place.
No matter what happens, you won't need to worry if you've prepared a wedding emergency kit beforehand. Whether you're the bride or the bridesmaid, don't miss out on these just-in-case items that will save the day. Remember, it's better to stick to travel-sized items to save space.
For making sure you'll look beautiful throughout the day:
1. Lipstick and lip balm
It's easy to get your lipstick smudged, especially after the wedding dinner. To avoid that, cut your food into small pieces and use a straw for drinking. Keep a mini lipstick and lip balm close as well, as they can double up as an emergency blush or eyeshadow.
2. Sunscreen
This is especially important if you're having an outdoor wedding by the beach or at a park. Without using proper sunscreen, your skin will get burned and blotchy in no time.
3. Blotting papers
Even if you're having an indoor wedding, being under the spotlight for hours can make your face look oily. Every once in a while, use blotting paper to ensure your face looks fresh at all times.
4. Tweezers
When your false eyelashes fall off or a few stray hair strands make you look messy, this tiny yet useful thing will be a lifesaver. It also won't take up much space, as you can easily find travel-sized tweezers in any beauty store.
5. Eyelash glue
Even if you rarely use fake eyelashes, you should keep this item at hand on the wedding day especially if your makeup artist won't stay for touch-ups. Practice using it a few times before the big day, or ask for help from a bridesmaid who is good at makeup.
6. Perfume
Spraying a pleasing fragrance on yourself can make you feel refreshed and ready to be the belle of the ball alongside your dearest bridesmaids.
7. Bobby pins
If hair spray is just too big to bring along, save a little space for bobby pins instead. You can use them to make sure your hairdo stays intact all day.
8. Dental floss or toothpicks
You'll be smiling all day and these items will be the best companions to make sure you have a great smile in every frame.
9. Other makeup essentials
Makeup remover, compact mirror, concealer, cotton padsâ€"bring any handy item that you can fit in your beauty pouch or bag.
10. Breath mints
Don't forget to take a breath mint right before you walk down the aisle and have the first kiss with your new husband.
To make sure your dress stays perfect all the time:
1. Tissue
The most versatile item in the wedding emergency kit, tissue can be used for anything, from fixing your smudged makeup to cleaning your dress or heels.
2. Stain remover pen
Head to your nearest hardware store to find a stain remover that will clean any spills or would-be stains on your wedding dress. If your dress is white, consider getting bleach, but always consult your designer beforehand.
3. Baby powder
If you spilled something oily on your dress, baby powder will come to the rescue. Tap the powder lightly onto the spilled area and gently rub it off.
4. White chalk
When you find a stubborn stain on your white dress that won't go away, just cover it with chalk. No one will really notice the stain on the big day, and you can have it professionally cleaned afterwards.
5. Safety pins
Is the length of your dress too long or does your petticoat just not want to stay put? Use safety pins to fix these simple yet annoying fashion emergencies.
6. Clear nail polish
This handy item can be used for runny stockings or to make sure your chipped nails won't show during a close-up photo shoot of your new wedding ring.
7. Fashion tape
If your dress has a plunging neckline, prepare some fashion tape to make sure the fabric won't slip off and cause a big embarrassment in front of everyone.
8. Superglue
You might not want to think about this, but you could trip and get your shoe heels broken on the big day. That's where superglue comes in and saves the day. You can also use it to reattach lace embellishments or beads that fell off your dress.
9. Beeswax
If the zipper gets stuck just as you're about to wear the wedding dress of your dreams, simply rub it with this wax and you'll fix the problem in no time.
10. Sewing kit
Last but not least is a travel-sized sewing kit that you can easily find at a one-dollar shop or convenience store. It usually includes everything you need, from threads in different colors to needles and spare buttons.
