If there’s one thing you can count on during a wedding day, it’s that something unexpected is going to happen. Whether it’s a wardrobe malfunction, a missing boutonnière, or a last-minute décor hiccup, even the most perfectly planned day can throw you a curveball. That’s why having a solid wedding planner emergency kit isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a must.
Because let’s be honest, as the planner, you’re the go-to person when things go sideways. If a groomsman forgets his tie, the bride’s dress needs a quick stitch, or the schedule suddenly shifts? Everyone’s looking at you to make it right.
In this guide, I’m sharing everything you should pack in your wedding day emergency kit, plus a few tips to make sure you’re ready for anything that comes your way.
Why Every Wedding Planner Needs an Emergency Kit
Even with a perfectly planned timeline, things can go wrong. A bride’s dress strap could snap, a groomsman might forget his socks or a sudden rainstorm could require a last-minute venue adjustment. While these situations may seem minor, they can feel like disasters in the moment—especially for couples who want their day to be perfect (read: every single one).
Plus, having an emergency kit isn’t just about being helpful—it’s about reinforcing your reputation as a professional. Couples trust their wedding planner to stay calm, organized, and prepared for anything. When you can step in with a quick fix before they even realize there’s an issue, it builds confidence in your abilities. Your preparedness will leave a lasting impression, which in turn makes clients more likely to recommend you to others.
As someone who spent over a decade as a wedding planner, I can tell you that being proactive rather than reactive is what separates great wedding planners from the rest. So let’s get into the specifics of what you need to have in your wedding planner emergency kit!
Items to Include in Your Wedding Planner Emergency Kit
Somehow, your wedding planner emergency kit needs to be stocked with everything you need to handle last-minute fixes, beauty touch-ups, wardrobe malfunctions, and unexpected venue issues. While the exact contents may vary depending on your planning style, client needs, and venue setup, here are the must-have items every wedding planner should carry:
1. Wardrobe and Fashion Fixes
Even the most carefully tailored outfits can run into issues on the big day. Be ready with:
- Mini sewing kit (with needles, thread in common colors, and safety pins)
- Double-sided fashion tape
- Stain remover wipes
- Lint roller
- Hem tape
- Dress weights
- Extra earring backs
- Clear nail polish (to secure accessories!)
2. Beauty and Hygiene Essentials
More than just attire, your clients and their wedding party will appreciate having last-minute beauty touch-ups and personal care items at hand. I like to include:
- Blotting papers
- Setting spray
- Lip balm and lipstick in a neutral shade
- Hairspray and bobby pins
- Deodorant wipes
- Body spray
- Mints or breath spray
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Tissues
3. First Aid and Medications
Wedding days are long, and unexpected health needs can arise. In my experience, you’ll definitely want some of these in your wedding planner emergency kit:
- Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin)
- Band-aids and blister pads
- Antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment
- Allergy medication
- Tampons and panty liners
- Cough drops and lozenges for last-minute sore throats
4. Tools and Fix-It Supplies
From broken decorations to venue mishaps, having the right tools on hand in your wedding planning emergency kit will help make sure that you’re prepared. Include:
- Multi-tool or mini screwdriver
- Zip ties and floral wire
- Scissors
- Tape (duct, masking, and clear)
- Super glue and hot glue gun
- Extension cords and power strips
- Command hooks and removable adhesive strips to avoid damage at venues
5. Snacks and Hydration
Long wedding days mean long hours without breaks. Keep yourself (and your couple) fueled with:
- Granola bars or protein snacks
- Bottled water
- Straws
- Small candies or gum
6. Miscellaneous Must-Haves
Finally, these items may not fit into a specific category, but they’re lifesavers in a pinch:
- Notebook and extra pens
- Your wedding planning binder (head here to see what should be included!)
- Phone charger and portable battery pack
- Small flashlight
- Extra boutonnieres, corsage pins, and ribbons
- Umbrellas
By keeping these essentials in your wedding planner emergency kit, you’ll be fully prepared to handle any minor mishaps that come your way.
Want a full, detailed checklist to make sure your wedding planner emergency kit is fully stocked? Download my Wedding Planner Emergency Kit Checklist, your complete guide to stocking (or restocking) your wedding day essentials. Grab your copy here!
Wedding Planner Emergency Kit Must-Haves for Your Team
We’ve talked a lot about what you need for your couple (and their decor!), but as a wedding planner, you’re not the only one who needs to be prepared on the big day—your team does too. Whether you have assistants, coordinators, or associate planners supporting you, ensuring they have their own wedding planner emergency kit can make all the difference in how smoothly the event runs.
Why Your Team Needs Their Own Kits
As the lead planner, you’re constantly pulled in multiple directions. If your team has their own smaller emergency wedding planner kits with the essentials—safety pins, stain remover, pain relievers, bobby pins, and a wedding-day timeline—they can handle minor emergencies on their own. This means fewer interruptions and a more seamless event execution.
Beyond just having the right supplies, your team also needs proper training to know how to handle last-minute challenges. A well-prepared assistant should be able to:
- Anticipate potential problems before they arise.
- Handle common issues like boutonniere mishaps, timeline adjustments, and quick wardrobe fixes.
- Manage their responsibilities without needing constant direction.
Having the right team and ensuring they know how to step in proactively is a game-changer for wedding day success.
How to Train Your Team for Wedding Day Preparedness
A strong, organized team doesn’t just happen—it’s built with clear roles, structured training, and a defined system for delegation. If you want to streamline your staffing process and ensure every wedding runs smoothly, you need a wedding day staffing framework that sets expectations and empowers your team.
That’s exactly what I cover inside my playbook Wedding Day Staffing Formula for Wedding Planners. If you want to feel confident delegating tasks, reduce stress, and create a team that makes every event seamless, check out the Wedding Day Staffing Formula for Wedding Planners to get the exact framework I’ve used to build a highly effective wedding day team. Positive reviews and testimonials are invaluable when it comes to attracting future clients and building your reputation as a wedding coordinator. But in most cases? You do need to ASK.
Wedding Week Preparation: Beyond the Emergency Kit
Before I let you go, I want to say this: while having a wedding planner emergency kit is essential, the best way to prevent day-of disasters is to stay ahead of potential issues before the wedding day even arrives. The final week leading up to the event is when last-minute changes happen, vendors need final confirmations, and unexpected challenges can pop up. Having a structured wedding week preparation process ensures that everything runs smoothly and reduces unnecessary stress.
How Wedding Week Prep Prevents Last-Minute Chaos
Wedding week is not the time to be scrambling to finalize vendor contracts, adjust timelines, or double-check rental deliveries. If you’re rushing to confirm details at the last minute, it increases the chances of mistakes, miscommunications, and preventable mishaps on the wedding day.
A well-organized wedding week workflow allows you to:
- Confirm all final details with vendors ahead of time.
- Ensure contracts and payments are squared away before the event.
- Check and organize rental items and decor so nothing is missing.
- Finalize team assignments and wedding day schedules for seamless execution.
With a clear system in place, you’ll eliminate unnecessary stress and be fully prepared before the wedding day even begins.
Add Kit Restocking Into Your Wedding Week Workflow
One often-overlooked step in wedding week prep? Restocking your emergency kit.
The last thing you want is to arrive at a wedding only to realize you’re out of stain remover wipes, safety pins, or double-sided tape—items that you (and your couple) will definitely need! To ensure you’re always stocked and ready, build emergency kit maintenance into your wedding week workflow:
- Review your emergency kit checklist early in the wedding week.
- Restock any items used from previous weddings.
- Check expiration dates on first aid supplies, pain relievers, and beauty products.
- Ensure your team’s kits are stocked and ready to go as well.
With a wedding week workflow that keeps everything organized—including your emergency kit—you’ll be more confident, less stressed, and fully prepared for any situation that comes your way.
Not sure where to start when it comes to planning your wedding week workflow? Grab my Final Prep: Coordinating The Wedding Week Playbook—your step-by-step guide to executing a seamless, stress-free wedding week. With a proven system for finalizing vendor details, organizing schedules, and ensuring nothing gets overlooked, you’ll feel confident and in control before every event.
Are You Ready for Any Wedding Day Emergency?
Like I said at the beginning, a wedding planner emergency kit isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity. From wardrobe malfunctions to vendor delays, being prepared ensures you can handle any situation with confidence. Things WILL come up on a wedding day. The more you plan ahead, the smoother every event will run.
But having the right supplies is just one piece of the puzzle. True preparedness comes from strong systems, workflows, and a well-trained team.
To make sure you and your team are fully prepared, here’s what to do next:
- Download my free Wedding Planner Emergency Kit Checklist to stock your kit with essentials.
- Need help training your team? Check out my Wedding Day Staffing Formula for hiring and scheduling assistants.
- Streamline your wedding week workflow with my Final Prep: Coordinating The Wedding Week Playbook.
When you have the right tools, team, and strategy in place, you can handle anything wedding day throws your way!
Explore More Wedding Industry Resources
- 7 Steps For Crafting The Perfect Wedding Timeline (+ Tips For Every Wedding Venue)
- Why You Need To Create A Client Journey As A Wedding Planner
- Is Month-of Wedding Coordinator A Niche? The Truth About This Wedding Planning Service
- How To Prepare For Your First Wedding As A Wedding Planner
- What Does A Wedding Coordinator Do? Here’s Everything They’re Responsible For
- 5 Signs You’re Running Your Wedding Planning Business Like a Hobby (And Not a Profitable Business)
- 2025 Wedding Trends (For Wedding Planners!)
- 4 Smart Ways to Scale Your Wedding Planning Business This Year
- Creating Wedding Planner Packages for Your Business: How To Find the Best Way To Position Your Offer
- 6 Things You Need to Include In Your Wedding Planner Pricing Guide
- Here’s What Every Wedding Planner Needs To Include In Their Wedding Design Proposals
- Wedding Planner Pricing: How Much Should You Charge As A Wedding Planner? Learn How To Figure Out Your Price
- Wedding Planners – Should You List Your Wedding Planner Pricing Packages On Your Website?
- Day of Coordination: The Pros and Cons as a Wedding Planner
- How To Sell Your Wedding Planning Services: The 7 Stages Of The Sales Cycle
- Full-Service Design vs. Design Lite: Which Should Wedding Planners Offer?
For More Wedding Planner Business Secrets Follow Me On Instagram
You might see the highlight reel and think ending up here was always my plan all along but you’d be wrong.
Like any good career, there have been lots of pivots and hiccups, and lessons that had to be learned the hard way.
Not seen here? The time…
- I forgot to add chairs to a rental order and ended up footing the $2,000 bill
- A client sat across from me crying that I ruined her wedding because her parents table had a low centerpiece
- I had to borrow $4,000 from Grandma Vera to make payroll, because I didn’t pay attention to my numbers
- About a hundred “dream clients” hired a different planner than me and I felt like an absolute failure
- I cried in my car before a wedding because I was completely and totally overwhelmed with the amount of responsibility on my shoulders (OK, maybe I did this more than once)
- My seasonal launch of The Planner’s Playbook completely bombed and I felt like my entire business was falling apart
…and roughly 700 other moments I’ve chosen to leave off the highlight reel.
So if you’re at the messy, nothing’s-working stage right now? Just know that if you have been to one wedding in your life, you are starting with more experience than I had.
I’m getting ready to embark on an exciting new chapter that I cannot wait to share with you… it’s big, and scary, and I’m sure in another few years I’ll have a lot more lore to share… but in the meantime…
Cheers to all the ups and downs I’ve experienced over the last 19 years!
And a special thanks to the photographers who made a lot of this lore possible: @c10ike @allanzepedaphoto @stevedepino @withincreative @robertandkathleen @thebrandedbosslady 💜🫶🏼😘
I’ve come to realize that many of us want to have a village, but we don’t recognize that we have to be a villager first.
My friend carla @c10ike is one of those rare exceptions and I want to introduce you to her!
When I started my planning business, I had no contacts and no real idea what I was doing. I was so green it makes me laugh to look back on it now!
And somehow, I got lucky enough to be taken under the wing of this incredible woman who showed up for me then when I was a little baby business owner, and has kept showing up ever since in more ways than I could possibly count.
She’s taught me so much over the years, and I don’t mean in the traditional sense of teaching someone something. She simply lived her life, and I paid attention.
She modeled what it means to be a friend.
A sister.
A daughter.
A wife.
A mother.
A business owner.
A boss.
I learned generosity by watching her be generous.
Compassion, connection, leadership… none of it came from advice. All of it came from the way she carries herself and the way she treats the people around her.
She has taught me more than she will ever know by the sheer act of living loudly and joyfully in every corner of her life.
I am so lucky to call her my friend. So lucky to be one of the many, many people she has been a villager for.
Carla thank you for letting me grow up right beside you. I love you. 🤍
DAY ONE // WPI Spring Retreat 💜
This was our first real day together! The theme of this whole retreat was refinement, so we wasted no time getting into it on Day 1!
The women shuttled up to my home, walked through the gate to mimosas and the biggest hugs, and got their welcome totes filled with goodies I curated from female owned businesses that were mostly local!
Then we settled in, did some tapping to manifest all the answers we needed for the week, courtesy of our very own @ashley.peraino (who couldn’t join us this year, but was SO THOUGHTFUL to record a video for us!)
I opened with a talk on complexity, discernment, and self-trust (today’s podcast episode, BTW) simplifying your business and actually trusting yourself to lead what’s left.
From there the room took over. We had three incredible member gives: @c10ike on trusting your creative instincts, @ininkweddings on refining your creative POV, and @welldressedevents on generating real revenue through Google Ads (it’s giving… LEADS 😉).
In between we had small group discussions, hot conversations about where instinct and POV are out of sync, a homemade Caribbean lunch, and an afternoon of poolside snacks and conversation.
This is what the WPI room looks like. A talented group of women who came with one big business question and spent day one getting closer to the answer while having fun and getting their brains stretched!
All these gorgeous moments captured by our retreat photographer + my business bestie @c10ike 💜💜💜
Do it or delete it.
I said this recently to a coaching client, and now it’s sort of become our mantra inside WPI, because almost every business owner I know has a to-do list with 47 things on it (the same 47 things that were on last week’s list, and the week before that).
They don’t get done. They just travel from week to week collecting guilt, and that guilt somehow makes it even harder to get anything done at all.
After years of coaching women through this, you start to realize that most of those tasks don’t actually have dire consequences if they never happen. They just feel important because they’ve been living on your list rent-free for six months.
I want you to look at your to-do list right now and choose.
You do it… meaning you do it right now or at the very least put it on the calendar with a real deadline.
You delegate it… but only if it’s actually worth someone else’s time, not because you’ve been avoiding it and want to make it someone else’s problem.
Or you delete it… and I mean actually delete it, not shuffle it to a “someday” list where it will haunt you until 2027.
The guilt you feel about your undone tasks won’t go away if you magically “get more productive.” Instead I want you to see it for what it is: a list-curation problem.
What’s one thing you’re deleting today?
PS: I can confidently say these @aritzia sweatpants are 10/10
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