Despite the countless hours spent planning, prepping and primping, the truth is, most brides will likely face some minor, prenuptial hiccups. After all the blood, sweat and tears, some couples devote more than 15 hours per week planning their walk down the aisle, according to a study conducted by My Wedding Workbook. Any why? Because they’ll do just about anything to ensure their wedding day goes off without a hitch.
How can you prepare yourself for a potentially catastrophic disaster? How can you be sure you’ve covered all your bases? Though it may be hard to picture your big day as anything short of perfect, expect the unexpected and say, “I do” to this fool-proof list of wedding day survival must-haves.
The Basics
Between all the small details, family, friends and your dream dress, it is impossible to know what could (will) potentially go wrong. Maybe your maid of honor is forgetful, or suffers from allergies. Perhaps your future beau is prone to spills and messes. Whatever the issue, face it head on by ensuring you, or someone in your wedding party, has packed the following essentials:
For Her
- Ibuprofen – (with so much to do and so little time, the last minute details can lead to some serious muscle tension, or worse, a headache. Knock it out straightaway by packing more than enough)
- Water – (staying hydrated is critical, especially with a long day of toasts ahead of you)
- Tissue
- Chalk – (for any necessary dress touch-ups)
- Band-Aids (blister Band-Aids for those wearing heels)
- Hair brush
- Hair pins – (bobby pins and clips)
- Hairspray
- Makeup essentials – (cover-up, lipgloss and lipstick)
- Hand sanitizer
- Mints or gum
- Deodorant
- Safety Pins
- Tampons/sanitary wipes
- Extra cellphone charger
- Body and face lotion
- Basic sewing kit – (ensure your wedding colors are included)
- First aid kit
- Bug spray – (for those outdoor, evening weddings)
- Fabric tape
- Clear nail polish (great for quick touch-ups)
- Energy bar or beverage
- Straws (keep spills to a minimum and prevents lipstick smudges)
- Glasses or a spare set of contacts (allergies may be irritating your eyes, or it could be all the sobbing)
For Him
Though many grooms are privy to the hands-off approach, there has never been a better time for him to come prepared than on your big day. Make sure your fiance and his groomsmen have packed the following essentials:
- Ibuprofen – (Groomsmen a bit hungover? Feeling the burn from that long round of golf? Whatever the culprit, combat pain by packing ibuprofen for him and his pals)
- Water – (adequate hydration is critical to sustained energy. Make sure he drinks up before heading for the altar)
- Spot remover (the Tide instant spot remover is powerful and easily fits in his pants pocket
- An extra pair of contacts or glasses
- First aid kit
- Mouthwash or mints
- Tweezers
- Basic nail kit
- Deodorant
- Cologne
- Extra buttons (ones that match his tuxedo/suit)
- Steamer or iron (because wrinkles have a way of magically appearing)
- Any hair styling products
- Shoe polish
- Lint brush
Quick tip: Busy brides can find all of these necessities online, saving them much-needed time. For all the basics, try Drugstore.com, for an extra cellphone charger try Amazon.com and for a spare set of contacts try DiscountContactLenses.com. You’ll be all set in less than 20 minutes!
No matter what you may face, remember to stay calm and enjoy the magic of your special day.
