The official start to wedding season is just around the corner, and if you’re in the middle of finalizing all those little details, there’s one checklist item you may not have thought of yet: a wedding day emergency kit.
Trust me—as a Baltimore wedding photographer who has captured hundreds of weddings across Maryland and the DMV, I’ve seen it all. From spilled red wine before portraits, to popped gown buttons, to a bridesmaid zipper giving out minutes before walking down the aisle… mishaps happen. And while I hope your wedding day unfolds without a single hiccup, being prepared with an emergency kit can make all the difference.
Why You Need a Wedding Day Emergency Kit
Weddings are beautiful, emotional, joy-filled, and sometimes… unpredictable. An emergency kit isn’t about expecting disaster—it’s about giving yourself peace of mind. Knowing you have what you need for those “just in case” moments allows you to stay calm, confident, and fully present.
Think of it as your bridal insurance policy. And the best part? You don’t have to spend a fortune. Many of these items can be found at the dollar store or already tucked away at home. You can even hand the list to your maid of honor, mom, or a trusted bridesmaid so they can assemble it for you. To make things even easier, I’ve created a list in my amazon storefront with everything you’ll need HERE.
What to Pack in Your Wedding Day Emergency Kit
As a Baltimore wedding photographer, I’ve see it all. The years of experience have helped me compile this list of must-have items every bride (and wedding party!) should have on hand:
✨ Pro tip: Start building your emergency kit months in advance, and store it in a cute tote bag so it’s easy for your maid of honor to carry on the wedding day.
Health & Comfort
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Allergy medication or antihistamines
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Ibuprofen or preferred pain reliever
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Imodium (because nerves + big meals can be tricky)
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Cough drops
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Band-Aids of all sizes
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Eye drops
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Breath mints
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A bottle of water
Beauty & Style
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Blotting papers (to keep makeup fresh)
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Makeup for touch-ups after the ceremony
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Hairpins, ponytail holders, and hairspray
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Lint roller
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Static spray
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Straws (so you can sip without ruining your lipstick)
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White chalk (to hide small smudges on your gown)
Fashion Fixes
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Mini sewing kit
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Safety pins
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Scotch tape
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Small scissors
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Crochet hook (perfect for button-up gowns)
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Extra earring backs
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Extra wedding rings (yes—a $10 Walmart backup set can be a lifesaver!)
Quick Saves
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Bug spray or wipes (essential for Maryland waterfront weddings)
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Hand towelettes or baby wipes
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Spot remover (Tide Pen + wipes are magic)
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Matches or a lighter
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Smelling salts (rare, but yes—I’ve seen fainting happen!)
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Tweezers
Weather Protection
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Clear wedding party umbrellas (these bubble-style umbrellas are a must if rain is even a slight possibility!) because being a Baltimore wedding photographer has definitely taught me that the weather can change so fast here. Being prepared a head of time is just one extra step to make sure your day runs as smoothly as possible.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Will you need every single item? Probably not. But when the unexpected happens, you’ll be so glad you planned ahead. Whether it’s rain on your Fells Point rooftop portraits, bug bites during your waterfront Chesapeake Bay ceremony, or a last-minute dress fix at a historic Baltimore church, your emergency kit will give you peace of mind.
Planning Your Baltimore Wedding?
As a Baltimore wedding photographer, I believe your wedding day should feel effortless and joyful. My team and I are there not just to document the big moments, but to help make sure you feel calm, comfortable, and confident every step of the way.
If you’re planning your wedding in Baltimore, Annapolis, or anywhere in the DMV and are still looking for a photographer, I’d love to connect with you. You can explore more about me and my portfolio HERE.
Because at the end of the day, you deserve to savor every single moment—mishaps and all.
