The Bride’s A To Z Emergency Kit List

Your wedding day is fast approaching. You’re most likely doublechecking last minute details. You’ve done so much planning and dotted every “i” and crossed every “t”. Don’t let a wedding day emergency ruin your day.

Here’s an A to Z list of items you should have on hand to make sure your big day happens without a hiccup.

A is for Aspirin and Alka Seltzer. If you start to get a headache or your stomach feels a little upset on your big day, try to nip that ailment in the bud. Aspirin will help the most at the onset of a headache. Don’t wait until you have a full-blown temple thumping headache to take a couple aspirin. Alka Seltzer can help settle your stomach if it starts doing flips. Be sure to have a small, sensible breakfast on your wedding day so you have energy and you don’t get lightheaded.

B is for Bobby Pins.Your hair or that of your bridesmaids is probably sprayed and pinned up or into something fancy. Having some bobby pins handy will allow for quick fixes of any stubborn hair that decides it doesn’t want to stay put.

C is for Cake Knife. You definitely want to make sure someone is in charge of bringing your cake knife and server set to the reception location. Better yet, give this set to your baker to keep them together with the cake.

D is for Deodorant. Yes, even beautiful brides sweat! Apply your deodorant as soon as you get out of the shower. Be careful to apply it sparingly yet completely… if that’s possible. You want to be confident that you won’t get stinky. But don’t apply so much deodorant that it rubs off onto your dress or creates unsightly steaks under your armpits. Hopefully you have a roll-on that goes on clear.

E is for Exhale. Be sure to take deep breaths and exhale slowly and completely if you feel yourself getting nervous or anxious. If you force yourself to concentrate on your breathing, you’ll be able to start calming yourself down and feel better.

F is for Flutes. Your toasting flutes need to make it to your reception in time for the toasts. Have a trusted friend or relative carry these over to the reception hall so that you don’t have to worry about breakage. Have one of your most reliable, never-late loved ones handle this job for piece of mind.

G is for Garter. Hidden underneath that wedding gown should be a little something special for later on. The garter toss is definitely a fun part of the wedding reception party. By the time it happens everyone has been partying it up for a while and is loosened up. If you think there is a chance your garter might slip, don’t wear it to your actual wedding. Have your maid of honor hold it in her purse or the “emergency kit tote bag” so that you can put it on at the reception or right before it is time for the garter toss. This will prevent you from worrying if you’re going to loose your garter while walking around. Or, heaven forbid, it slips off in the church!

H is for Hair. A hairbrush and hair spray are invaluable to keep you and your bridesmaids looking their best. A brush seems to be one of those things that if you bring it, you won’t need it. Forget to bring it and you’ll be freaking out because your hair got messed up and you’re desperate for a darn brush.

I is for Iron. Just in case your gown gets an unfortunate wrinkle or crease in it, you’ll want a portable iron handle. A travel iron is the key. Don’t have one of your poor bridesmaids lugging around a 10 pound iron for you all day.

J is for Jewelry. Your earrings, necklace and bracelet should be put on immediately as you start getting ready. That way you won’t forget anything. Be sure to have a trusted bridesmaid or the maid of honor be in charge of holding the ring for your groom.

K is for Kleenex. Weddings are notorious for tears. You’ll probably cry a little, your bridesmaids might mist up a little, moms for sure will blubber at the drop of a hat when their baby is getting married. Kleenex is a must. Use it as soon as you start tearing up to save your make-up.

L is for Lint Brush. You might end up with lint or hairs on your dress that need to be brushed off with a lint brush. This is especially necessary if there is a dog or cat in the house where you’re getting dressed. Animal hair seems to stick on your clothes at the wrong time. The groom and groomsmen might need a little brushing off too. If they are wearing tuxedos in a dark color, any little speck of link or hair will be prominent.

M is for Make-Up. Be sure to bring your make-up. Your eye shadow, lipstick, mascara, foundation, powder, lip gloss, whatever you put on, bring it. If you cry a little or if it is a hot day, your make-up will definitely need a little help. Bare minimum, do a little touch up right before your pictures. After that, you’re off the hook.

N is for Nail Polish. Most girls know this already, but clear nail polish is your friend. If you get a little run or snag in your nylon stockings, a little clear nail polish painted on will stop the run. It will dry and act like glue so that your nylon won’t keep unraveling at the problem area.

O is for Old. You know the saying: “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” Many brides are fortunate to be lent or given some jewelry from their mom or grandmother that has been in the family for a while that they can wear on their wedding day. Maybe a special pendant or bracelet? Earrings? Ask mom or grandma for something old you can wear.

P is for Passport. If you are leaving the country, you better bring a passport or you won’t get very far. Nowadays you need to plan ahead at least a couple months to be sure you have your passport in hand in plenty of time for your honeymoon.

Q is for Quiet. Try to plan one quiet moment for your wedding day. This will be an extra special moment you look back on fondly. It can even be a moment that only takes a few minutes. Maybe you have a few minutes to yourself right before your wedding ceremony where you can admire your beautiful gown and take a good look at yourself before you walk down the aisle. You’re beginning a new life. This is a pivotal and important moment in your life. Another beautiful, quiet moment can be the moment where your mom or special woman in your life helps you with your headpiece and veil. This too is one of the last things you’ll do as a single woman. Take a deep breath and realize this is a moment and enjoy the significance of it.

R is for Remover. As in spot remover. You might get a little smudge on your gown from make up, drinks or food. A little spot remover in one of those handy pen applicators can work wonders.

S is for Sewing Kit. Little rips or tears might happen. Worst case maybe you end up with a loose button or decoration on your dress. Be prepared with a sewing kit. That way one of your bridesmaids can do quick damage repair if needed.

T is for Toothbrush and Tampons. Keep your teeth sparkling clean by bringing along your toothbrush and toothpaste. Hopefully your wedding date is nowhere near that time of the month, but just in case bring along some sanitary supplies so you don’t have to worry about it.

U is for Underwear. Of course you’ll need underwear. Cotton panties will be most comfortable and breathe. There is nothing more annoying that wearing a fancy pair of panties only to have them bother you all day long! It’s not worth it. Wear something pretty but sensible. You can slip into the sexy stuff as you depart for your honeymoon or when you get to your hotel.

V is for Vase. Someone should have a vase with fresh water and be in charge of your bouquet. You don’t need to carry it around with you once you’re done with your wedding ceremony. You’ll be tired of clutching it. But you will want to save it as a keepsake. Have a trusted friend be in charge of getting this from you during your wedding day and getting it pressed or preserved for you.

W is for Water. A couple of bottles of water is just what you need if you feel parched before your ceremony. Whet your whistle but don’t drink too much or you’ll be running to the bathroom. It’s quite a production to use the ladies room when you’re dressed up in full bridal regalia.

X is for Xcitement. Ok, so I cheated a little. Please don’t let stress get to you on your wedding day. Whatever is done is done. Your party and day are scheduled and planned and will go on whether everything is perfect or not. Don’t let anything get you down. Keep upbeat and excited. This is your day. Enjoy it.

Y is for Your Smile. You’re going to be photographed all day long. Smile, smile, smile. You’ll look best in your pictures. You’ll feel happy. You’ll make everyone happy around you. Smiles are contagious and should be free flowing on your wedding day. Put any stress behind you. Your day is a day to revel in and enjoy.

Z is for Zzzzzz. Try to get a good night’s sleep all week during that week leading up to your wedding. No staying up late trying to get together all your wedding favors or doing any craft projects. You want to look and feel well rested. You’ll be your best emotionally and physically if you get your zzzzz’s. You’ll also look your most beautiful to your family and friends and in your wedding pictures.