Your dearest friend or relative has asked you to be a bridesmaid. And now, you’re in the midst of helping to coordinate a tediously scheduled event, complete with matching bridesmaids’ ensembles, planned bridal showers and a bachelorette party. However, more importantly, a bridesmaid is there to keep the bride calm and collected on her big day. A wedding day stirs up lots of emotions, which can trigger accidents and send the bride into a worry or even a bridezilla-like frenzy.
Luckily, there are many ways to solve unexpected problems that arise while also supporting her and the other bridesmaids as well. And one of these helpful ways is packing a bridesmaid emergency kit. Think of it as a survival kit, but with dress-saving and cosmetic-preserving items that are as handy as a multi-tool Swiss Army knife. Ready to impress the bride and fellow maids as a first-time bridesmaid? While there are many convenient everyday items you pack in a purse that come to mind, there are probably some things you haven’t even considered. Here are 10 items you need to pack in your bridesmaid emergency kit.
1. Teeth Whitening Pen
Before you help the bride on her big day, invest in an at-home teeth whitening kit to get sparkling teeth that will look good in group photos. However, once you set off for a destination wedding or to the local chapel, you’ll need a more compact option. A better on-the-go alternative is a teeth whitening pen, designed to fit directly in a small handbag or even in a pocket. Apply the whitening serum before photos and keep wine and coffee from staining during rehearsal dinner and beyond! Small stain eraser tins are also the perfect size to fit into small clutches.
2. Band-Aids
Brides ask a lot of their bridesmaids. From wearing coordinated dresses to taking on wedding day tasks, we want to support our best friend or family member so their day goes without a hitch. And heels are just one of these requests and ways to show support (even if the shoe doesn’t).
While they make your outfit look cute, heels can be a real pain, especially after a day of trailing the bride and a night of dancing. So do yourself and other bridesmaids a favor and carry some band-aids and blister protection spray to keep the party going. No bridesmaid wishes to wind up with a blister and hop around or lay low the rest of the wedding.
3. Spray-On Deodorant
Unlike the roll-on or stick variety, spray-on deodorant prevents smudges on dresses. It may also prevent smudges on guests’ dresses as you give a big hug. But aside from visible oopsie-daisies, spray-on deodorant is also a more sanitary option when you need to pass it around. In summer or winter weddings, you’re going to break a sweat, so be sure to pack your bridesmaid emergency kit with spray-on deodorant.
4. Baby Powder
Baby powder is another essential to carry in your bridesmaid emergency kit. Baby powder has many uses, but when it comes to wedding days in particular, it can be a lifesaver. It can keep your armpits and feet feeling dry and fresh. It can also remove grease stains and make your hair appear less oily.
5. Snacks
On the wedding day, your goal is to accompany the bride. And trust us when we say, you’ll be so busy that you may forget to eat! Instead of getting hungry or starting a post-nuptial cocktail hour on an empty stomach, be sure to pack snacks to give you and other bridesmaids the energy boost you need. Stick with protein bars and some nuts to hold yourself over until the hors d’oeuvres are passed around.
6. Vitamin C Boost
Since stress weakens the immune system, add a pack or two of Vitamin C-packed boosters you can sprinkle in a glass of water. It will make you feel 100 percent better tomorrow and the next day, even after a long night of celebrations.
7. Safety Pins and Fashion Tape
Safety pins and fashion tape take up so little room in a bridesmaid emergency kit that you’d be a fool not to bring them! Unexpected rips or tears in garments – from bras to gowns – can ruin an ensemble. Instead of being caught empty-handed, you can use these to make small alterations. Double-sided fashion tape can even help support the girls, avoiding a wardrobe malfunction.
8. Stain Remover Stick
As convenient as a teeth whitening pen, a stain remover stick is excellent for touching up clothes. If you drop something on a dress, simply apply the stain remover and you’ll be good as new.
9. Straws
Professional makeup will have the entire bride tribe looking their best. But when it comes to lipstick, you can keep it protected and on your lips longer with a straw. Pack a reusable straw that you can use all day and night to ensure your carefully applied lipstick doesn’t smear on cups or glasses as you stay hydrated throughout the day.
10. Phone Chargers
Phone chargers are one of those necessary items you might need in your bridesmaid emergency kit. Between helping the bride coordinate with vendors to snapping selfies for memories, your phone’s battery is sure to fade. And when it does, you’ll need to recharge so you can continue the celebrations.
A Handy Bridesmaid Emergency Kit
Think beyond the list above and you’ll come up with many other items. A comb and bobby pins are always useful. Lotion can keep your skin looking silky smooth. More than likely, you’ll have some of the basics already, but start accumulating items for your bridesmaid emergency kit early on and adding to it as you think of new things. Whether you choose to store these items in a fanny pack or tote bag is entirely up to you, so long as it’s glued to your side the entire wedding day.
That way, you’ll be the most prepared bridesmaid, ready to handle the unexpected and save the bride’s big day.
