As a wedding planner or a wedding day coordinator, we have to be prepared for absolutely everything. That is exactly why we have to have a wedding day planner emergency kit. So this is what I keep in my wedding day emergency kit.
First, let’s talk about my bag. You can’t have a wedding day emergency kit without some place to put it. There isn’t exactly an enormous market for bags specifically for planners. So I got creative in my search. My goal was to find something with a lot of pockets that was lightweight, rollable, and compact. This Provka Rolling Makeup Bag from Amazon is PERFECT.
The top section is where I keep my large items. The zipper flap has a mesh pocket that is perfect for small objects. There are two side pockets with three stretchy pockets inside. And the main front pocket has four containers in it. Plus, if you don’t want it to be rollable, the wheels are detachable! If you prefer carrying a case, there is velcrow on the bottom. I LOVE it.
These are all the goodies and gadgets that I keep in the main pocket. If anyone in the wedding party needs a hair dryer, I keep this cute foldable Conair Travel Hair Dryer in the top. Maybe water spilled on a dress or it rained and someone needs to fix their hair.
I also have my bluetooth label maker. You never know when that may come in handy. It’s the P-touch Cube Plus by Brother and it takes a variety of sizes for tape. Plus, I can use my phone and print it right from there.
I actually carry two of these (one in my fanny pack), but I love my Flint lint roller. It works super well. What I love most about the Flint lint roller is how easy it is to open and close. So the sticky sheet stays sticky instead of getting whatever on it when you store it.
When I tell you that EVERY planner and coordinator should have a sewing kit, I mean EVERYONE should. I don’t even know how to sew. Well, I can do a very basic stitch, but usually at least one family or wedding party member knows how.
A while back, I was at a wedding where the poor bride’s dress broke as her maid of honor was buttoning her in. It was a complete accident, but luckily the bride’s sister had some extra purple thread for their wedding party dresses. Although she didn’t have white or a full kit, that little bit helped keep her dress up and closed. But it delayed the getting ready by about 45 minutes. You never know when you’re gonna need it.
I keep a small umbrella in my bag. I do, of course, have several clear umbrellas for photographing wedding parties and couples in the rain. But having a quick umbrella with me always in case I can’t run to my car is vital.
When it’s hot outside, I always carry a mini fan. Especially June and July weddings on the East Coast. Humidity is a killer, especially in wedding attire. I also carry a neck fan for myself because I’m running around already, add the heat, and well, that’s a no thanks lol.
One of the most important items in my wedding day planner emergency kits is a first aid kit. This kit has a variety of bandages, gloves, burn cream, medical tape, medical scissors, and even an instant ice pack. It’s such a great price on Amazon, too. Put one in your car, kit, home, and wherever.
This is more for photography, but I also have some daylight bulbs in case a getting ready room is too dark. I use daylight because it’s the best neutral color for light instead of that terrible orange light.
Finally, I keep a small portable iron and steamer with me. Maybe the linens, dresses, or suits have wrinkles in them and someone didn’t bring an iron or steamer. I love that this is two in one, too. I’ve used this a few times and what is also impressive is the fact that it doesn’t leak water!
In the mesh zipper pocket, I keep manuals for all the tech gadgets, and the guide for the first aid kit, as well as refills for the flint roller.
There are two symmetrical pockets on either side of the bag. Since this is a makeup bag, the design of the pockets specifically accommodates products that are prone to getting dirty easily. So these pockets are perfect for wipes, sprays, and anything that gets wet. In the first side pocket of my wedding day planner emergency kit, I keep:
On the other side, I keep:
Finally, in the main pocket on the bottom, there are four zipper containers. I keep mine labeled so I can keep them organized. This flap also has a zipper pocket. I keep extra bathroom wipes in there.
This is what I keep in the first container of the makeup bag.
In the second container, this is what I keep in it.
This is what I keep in the third container.
Finally, this is what I keep in the fourth and final container.
As a bonus, this company has this amazing binder with a shoulder strap. It’s perfect for carrying all of your printouts, papers, pens, phone, and any other important files you need. Plus, it has a luggage strap in the back and sits perfectly on the makeup bag. So you can match all day.
One more bonus, my wedding day planner emergency kit would not be complete without a waist bag. It’s good to have a few things on me at all times. This is my absolute favorite waist bag because as a plus-sized girl, this fits around my waistline without needing an extender! It comes in a bunch of different colors and have many spacious pockets. And it costs less than $20.
In my waist bag, I have:
I hope this thorough list of what I keep in my wedding day planner emergency kit helps you be prepared for every wedding you are planning and coordinating.
Taliya Michelle is a New Jersey Certified Wedding & Event planner and wedding photographer. TM Grey Photo and Events focuses on bright & bold stories & genuine smiles. Check out more love stories and planning tips on the journal. Want TM Grey Photo & Events to tell your story? Let’s chat.
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If you're new here, then let me welcome you to my blog! Taliya Michelle, here, owner of TM Grey Photo & TM Grey Events. I am a New Jersey based Wedding & Portrait Photographer and a certified Wedding & Event Planner. I of course, serve New Jersey couples, but I travel to Connecticut, New York, Eastern Pennsylvania, and wherever happy couples need their love stories told.
This is a place where I can journal about my lovely clients, what's going in my world, and of course give tips to all the future spouses and wedding vendors alike. Be sure to check my Instagram for the latest!
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