Every detail is planned. The dress is steamed, the playlist’s sorted, and the timeline’s nailed down. But weddings don’t always go to plan — and when something unexpected happens, a well-packed survival kit can make all the difference.

We don’t mean extra lipsticks and a backup tiara, we mean the emergencies where fast fixes are needed! Here’s what really belongs in your kit — and what you can probably leave behind.

What Actually Goes Wrong (More Often Than You Think)

You’d be surprised how many small hiccups happen on the day — and how often the same issues come up over and over again:

🔹 Weather that turns

Wind lifting veils, rain ruining shoes, or a heatwave melting makeup

Fix it fast: Pack anti-humidity setting spray, blotting papers, and clear umbrellas. For veils — hat pins or even fashion tape at the nape of the neck can hold it down discreetly.

🔹 Shoes falling apart

Straps snapping or heels sinking into grass

Fix it fast: Cable ties can temporarily hold a strap together under the foot arch. Heel stoppers prevent sinking on lawns or gravel.

🔹 Dresses that rip or pop

Zips get stuck, seams pull, or buttons fly off mid-dance

Fix it fast: A needle and thread set is essential, but fusible hemming tape (activated with a warm iron or even a hair straightener) is a lesser-known lifesaver.

🔹 Makeup shift or smudge

Not just heat — tears, hugs and constant movement undo even the best faces

Fix it fast: Bring translucent powder, cotton buds for under-eye cleanup, and mini micellar wipes — they remove smudges without ruining the rest.

🔹 Stains and spills

Foundation on the collar, drinks on the dress, lipstick on suits

Fix it fast: A white bar of chalk can hide marks on white fabrics instantly. For colour, carry stain remover wipes — they’re compact and work on most food and drink.

🔹 Forgotten vows, schedules, or emergency contact numbers

Fix it fast: Print hard copies of key documents and tuck them into a ziplock bag — moisture-resistant, easy to hand to someone else, and fits in a clutch.

🔹 Phones or speakers dying mid-ceremony

Or the playlist is on someone’s phone… and they’ve wandered off

Fix it fast: Pack a fully charged power bank and a backup cable. A printed order of events with DJ contacts and playlist login details is even better.

What’s Worth Packing: The Smart Essentials

Here’s what’s good to have in your kit — tried and tested and saved many a wedding:

• Safety pins (multiple sizes)
• Sewing kit – include white, black, and the dress/suit colour if possible
• Fusible tape – works for ripped hems or falling seams
• Double-sided fashion tape – necklines, veils, bow ties
• Mini scissors – for loose threads or emergency label removals
• Heel stoppers
• Plasters and blister patches
• Painkillers – plus antihistamines and ibuprofen for swelling
• Stain remover wipes
• White chalk – for dress touch-ups
• Cotton buds + mini micellar water wipes
• Setting powder / setting spray
• Lipstick / balm / mini mirror
• Tissues – paper and fabric if possible
• Deodorant wipe or mini roll-on
• Portable phone charger + spare cable
• Emergency snack – protein bar or something that won’t melt
• Mini water bottle
• Clear umbrella – for bride, groom or guests

What You Think You’ll Need (But Probably Won’t)

Easy to overpack but realistically? Some of these things never come out of the bag:

• Full-size anything – perfume, hair spray, deodorant
• A change of shoes – unless you know you’ll swap, don’t bother - other than a pair of comfy flats! You’ll definitely be needing these!
• Excessive backup jewellery – choose one and wear it
• Nail kit – just some repair glue will do
• Three phones, four chargers – one working backup is enough

Who Should Carry It?

Don’t assume the planner will have one (or that they’ll be nearby when you need it). Assign parts of the kit to people who’ll be close throughout the day:

Bridal party – fashion tape, powder, tissues

Groomsmen – painkillers, safety pins, a spare tie clip

Maid of honour / best man – core survival kit in a bag or pouch

Planner / coordinator – a master backup kit, especially if it’s a dry hire venue

Pro tip: keep the most useful items in a belt bag or pouch during the ceremony or photos — and give someone the job of knowing where the rest of the kit is at all times.

Most of these issues aren’t big deals — until you’re on the spot and no one has what you need. Pack for the things that are most likely to go wrong, and fix them quickly and quietly. Nothing to see here, nothing to see!