If you do a quick search of “Wedding Day Emergency Kit” you will find scores of websites insisting that you must purchase and carry an entire drugstore for your (or your friend’s) wedding day. According to the Internet, Murphy’s law sets in big time when it comes to weddings, and if you don’t have ear plugs, smelling salts, and a utility knife (?!) you’re in big trouble.

Your Support System Will Have Your Back

Unless you’re getting married in a very remote location, it’s important to keep in mind that if something terrible (and super unlikely) occurs, you have your entire support system with you to offer to run out and grab a flashlight, duct tape, or extra butane. Asking your pals to pack and carry these items in the very off chance that everything falls to shreds is a bit extreme.

Categorize Items Needed

Bringing lots of “just in case” items to the hotel does make sense, but lugging it all to photos and the main event isn’t nearly as important. You should make a separate list of all the things you want that day that doesn’t need to come with you, such as perfume, lint rollers, and spare pantyhose.

Plan Ahead and Be Prepared

Along those lines, a little planning goes a long way. If you bring spare pantyhose, you don’t need to carry around clear nail polish. If you task your bridal party with steaming their dresses and polishing their shoes, they just might pull through (maybe send a few text reminders). Be prepared, but don’t be an alarmist!

Here is our list of the things you actually need to pack and bring with you to your wedding and photos. It’s less of an Wedding Day “Emergency” Kit, and more of a practical ought-to-have list.

These are the essential items for the things that go wrong more than once in a blue moon at a wedding:

• Floss
• Gum
• Q-tips
• Tissues
• Tweezers
• Bobby Pins
• Extra Make Up Essentials
• Safety Pins
• Mini Sewing Kit
• Stain Removal Pen
• Pain Reliever
• Band-Aids
• Granola Bar/Snacks
• Vitamin C Packets
• List of phone numbers (wedding party + vendors)
• Phone charger(s)

Also, don’t forget lots of fluids. This means loads of water, caffeine, and alcohol. These 3 essentials will often trump the need for many others. With these Wedding Day Emergency Kit, your day is sure to go off without a hitch!