In Case of Emergency . . .

Ah, the wonderful world of weddings where truly anything (and I mean ANYTHING) can happen. That's where having a fun wedding day survival kit can be a good investment. It should include all the "what-if" essentials so that you and your bridal party look sharp, can stay comfortable, and can be prepared for whatever life throws at you that day. If you're a bride already working with me, you can rest assured that I have my own mondo kit that will be with me that day. If not, you can always choose to purchase a kit (the one pictured below is available at Target for $50-although it's missing some important pieces it'll cover the basics). Or make your own.

Here's a list of basic items that you should include. Starred items should be kept in a bridesmaid's purse to be carried throughout the day:

- For your hair: Brush or comb*, hair bands, hairpins*, bobby pins*, hairspray* and hairdryer

- For your teeth: toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss* and mints

- Extra Makeup: concealer*, translucent powder*, mascara*, eye liner, fake eyelash glue, lipstick*, makin blotting papers (if it's hot out)* and lip gloss*

- Nail care items: nail clippers, clear polish, emery board*

- Toiletries: deodorant, perfume, ibuprofen, aspirin, small first aid kit, bandaids, antacid, contact lens solution and case (and extra set of contacts if you wear disposables), eye drops, insect repellant, lotion, an extra dose of any medications you or your bridal party might be taking, lotion, smelling salts, moist towelettes, sunsreen, tampons and/or pads, tissues or handkerchief*, cotton balls, cotton swabs, baby powder, an extra washcloth and hand towel

-For your attire: Static cling spray, extra corsage/boutonniere pins, extra earring backs, iron, lint brush, extra pair of new undies, shoe polish, extra panty hose and dress socks, spot remover, wrinkle remover spray, white chalk and a sewing kit that includes needles, black, white and gray threads, scissors, hem tape, safety pins, buttons and straight pins

-Just because they're good to have: Extra toss garter, an extra pair of shoes, a disposable camera, cash (I would reccommend a variety of change such as quarters and dimes, a few $1 dollar bills and a few $5 bills-because you just never know!)*, duct tape, a list of family/bridal party phone numbers*, vendor and taxi phone numbers*, extra sets of directions to your venue(s), a flashlight, a notepad and pens, umbrella, bottled water and non-perishable snacks (ganola bars for example)

A fun twist on this idea (whether you make your own or buy one) is to replensh any items you use from the kit after the wedding and pass it on to the next girlfriend to get hitched. It's a fun tradition you can start among friends and a way to help your friends on their own special day!