JUST IN CASE

Ten Items for your Day-Of Emergency Kit

BY JENNIFER C. FRAKES

VERY FEW couples get hitched without at least one tiny glitch. A spill, an unexpected rain shower during a photo session, an errant hem. An emergency kit can help with the unpredictable and what-ifs on the big day. If you look on-line, you may be overwhelmed with ideas of over 100 items to pack (smelling salts? An extra pair of wedding bands? Really)? What do you most need to have on-hand in case of minor mishaps and to keep you and your bridal party looking your best? Some local experts who plan, execute and attend dozens of weddings in the St. Louis area every year have boiled it down to what you truly need to be armed for any surprises.

SCISSORS AND A SEWING KIT

“Scissors come in handy for all kinds of things,” said Ellen Gutierrez, wedding planner with Bride’s Vision Weddings and Events. “Especially for getting in dresses and cutting those loops in the dresses that inevitably become untucked.” The sewing kit is also essential for minor wardrobe malfunctions, says Abbie Rudolph, photographer at Abbie Takes Pictures. “Get a good sewing kit, one with real needles and thread, not one of those little tiny ones,” Abbie advises.

Gutierrez once had to sew a groom into his pants because his zipper broke. “I’m not sure how he got out of the pants, but my sewing kit saved the day,” she laughed. To avoid incidents like this, she strongly suggests the groom and groomsmen always try on their tuxedos the day before the wedding to make sure all the pieces are there and in working order.

SAFETY PINS AND STICK PINS

Safety pins for pinning those pesky ribbons if your bridesmaids don’t want to cut them out, and stick pins for boutonnieres that rarely stay in place.

HAIR SPRAY AND BOBBY PINS

Though not everyone is doing all up-dos as much right now, spray and bobby pins should be at the ready for the bride and bridesmaids, said Bonnie Boze, an experienced stylist in St. Louis.

PAIN RELIEVERS

Gutierrez carries all options for aches and pains, ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and aspirin. She also has Benadryl on hand, if anyone gets itchy or has allergies due to an outdoor photo session.

DEODORANT

It’s good to have spray deodorant on hand, as it’s commonly asked for by both the bridesmaids and groomsmen throughout the day. Rudolph likes deodorant body wipes, which can be hard to nd. But when she does see them, she stocks up on the wipes for her clients.

WHITE CHALK

This works well on dress smudges and is better on silk dresses than a laundry stick, many wedding planners say. Photographers also use white chalk to cover up stains on the bridal gown.

“That is what you are paying for—the longevity of your look, done by a professional. That’s the biggest difference in hiring a professional or not.”

BLACK SHOE POLISH AND WITE OUT (WHITE CORRECTION FLUID)

For marks and scuffs on shoes, obviously. For white shoes, Wite-Out often works better than white shoe polish. “It really covers marks, on shoes for ower girls and saddle shoes for the ring bearers,” Gutierrez said.

DRYER SHEETS

“These are great to get rid of static cling in the girls’ dresses, especially for Fall weddings,” Rudolph said. “The sheets work better than the spray because you don’t have to wait for it to dry.”

HYDRATION SPRAY

may be the least-known item on the list, but an excellent product. Boze styles hair and makeup for about 30 bridal parties a year so she knows great products. “I use hydration spray on the face before applying make-up to prep and smooth the skin,” Boze said. “Then I spritz it on after to help set the make-up.”

Boze recommends products available at ner salons and spas, such as hydration sprays by Jane Iredale. “It’s also great to stick in your purse for your honeymoon and long ights, which can be dehydrating. A couple spritzes on your face really refreshes you,” Boze said.

FASHION TAPE, DUCT TAPE FASHION

TAPE is nice to have on hand, though it can be sweated off, Gutierrez. Rudolph once used Duct Tape to reinforce a bridesmaid’s ripped dress from the inside, and sewed through the duct tape.

So those are the top ten, but Gutierrez carries many more items in her bag of tricks on the wedding day, from feminine products to a wine opener to bandages to a tiny screwdriver for broken glasses, all things she’s needed in the past. To truly be ready for almost anything, having a wedding planner who’s seen it all is the way to go. Most planners usually plan the wedding from beginning to end, but are also available for wedding weekend coordination.

Rudolph also has other tricks up her sleeve, especially for taking photos on warm days. She keeps wipes with baby powder and cornstarch for overheated bridesmaids, and recommends cotton shorts for the bride. “No one will ever know!” says Rudolph.

One of Rudolph’s favorite tricks for cooling down a bridal party is frozen washcloths. “I moisten about 20 washcloths, wring them out, and freeze them individually in plastic bags for a few days,” Rudolph said. The cold cloths are especially effective for putting on hot necks during summer weddings in St. Louis.

Boze thinks sticking to the basics for hair and make-up maintenance is all you really need, if you have your hair and make-up styled by a professional. “If your stylist has done their job well, your hair and make-up should last you all day and night,” Boze says. “That is what you are paying for-the longevity of your look, done by a professional. That’s the biggest difference in hiring a professional or not.” ♥