Summer wedding season is here. You’ve planned for the ceremony and reception, maybe resolved a few glitches, had a bridal shower or two, mailed invitations, and the big day is finally here!

The bride, groom, and attendants often arrive at the ceremony site for photos well ahead of the time that the ceremony is scheduled to begin, and then after photos are snapped, spend idle time waiting. During that time disasters can arise: a torn hem, a headache, chipped nail polish, and even lightheadedness or a queasy stomach.

Nerves and stress often escalate. By planning ahead and packing a bridal party emergency kit, you can salvage disasters, maintain sanity, reduce stress and even enjoy the excitement of waiting for the ceremony to begin. Except for a small supply of perishable foods, you can organize these supplies in zip lock bags two weeks before the wedding and be set to remedy any unwelcome surprise.

For technical difficulties:

White thread and needle
Thread color of attendants and mothers’ dresses and needle
Scissors
Safety pins
Straight pins
Double faced tape (in case a hem falls out and there’s no time to sew)
Clear nail polish
Colored nail polish for repairs
Nail glue for repairs of artificial nails
Extra earring backs
Hair pins, if you wear your hair up
Hairspray
Extra make-up
Stain remover wipes
Hand wipes
Wash cloths and towel (include plastic bags for the used ones)
Nail clippers
Nail file or emery board
Contact lens materials

First aid:

Band-Aids
First aid cream
Kleenex
Toothbrush and toothpaste (if you have a snack after you’ve left your house)
Breath mints
Tums
Antacid
Headache relief meds
Hand sanitizer

Just in case:

Cell phone and charger
List of phone numbers you may need
List of people who are fulfilling assignments and their phone numbers

Refreshment rescue:

Save your pizza and pop for a Friday night movie at home and your iced tea for a picnic. This is the time for bottled water. If you really need some munchies, pack snacks such as apples, celery, carrots, pretzels, and cheese and crackers.

Avoid stress and find extraordinary treasures as you wait with family and friends. Tell funny stories, enjoy reminiscing. Savor the last moments of being single and anticipate the adventure that awaits you!

EnJOY your day!