The Ultimate Wedding Checklist: What do I bring?

17 Mar

What to Bring to Your Wedding Venue: The Ultimate Bridal Emergency Kit

You’d be surprised how often small details can unexpectedly become lifesavers on the big day! As a dedicated makeup artist who has been passionately working in the wedding industry since 2015, I have witnessed firsthand the significance of these essential items. These specific tools and products come back time and time again as absolute lifesavers on wedding days, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and enhances the overall experience for everyone involved!

Pack a kit with these essentials:

1. A Steamer

Even with the best planning, dresses, suits and veils can crease in transit. A steamer is a game-changer for freshening up fabrics without causing water marks.

2. Sewing Kit & Crochet Hook

A tiny emergency sewing kit can save the day for unexpected mishaps. A crochet hook is also essential for fastening those tricky button-back wedding dresses.

3. Lip Balm & Spare Lipstick

Your lips should feel comfortable all day. Have a hydrating lip balm on hand, and make sure you have a lipstick or gloss for touch-ups after your makeup artist has left.
My favourite Lip Balms are Dr Paw Paw, Burt’s Bees or Paula’s Choice Lip and Body Balm.

4. Suncream, Aftersun… Wellies & An Umbrella

The weather here in the stunning Lake District can be quite unpredictable, no matter what time of year you are getting married. It’s always a wise idea to carry sun cream with a good sun protection factor to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, as well as an umbrella to definitely prepare for those sudden rain showers! Always be prepared, you’ll thank me for it!

5. Scissors & Safety Pins

From trimming ribbons to fixing minor outfit issues, scissors and safety pins are always a good idea.

6. Spare Underwear & Fashion Tape

You never know when you might need a backup pair of underwear! Seamless, nude options are best. I’ve even been at a few weddings before where the bride or someone in the wedding party has forgotten!

Fashion tape or glue can also help secure dress straps or prevent any wardrobe mishaps. Lash glue is also so helpful not only to fix false lashes but also to secure necklace pendants to your neck/chest and stop them from twisting!

7. Snacks & Water

Nerves and excitement can make you forget to eat. Pack easy-to-eat snacks and bottled water to keep your energy up. Often wedding-morning jitters and butterflies make it difficult to stomach your breakfast so small nibbles and snacks are better than nothing at all! Make a note of your favourite and safe foods be it chocolate fingers, blueberries, or nature valley bars!

8. Comfortable Dressing Gown or Button-Up Shirt

Avoid pulling clothes over your freshly styled hair and makeup by wearing something that’s easy to remove. Button up pyjamas or shirts, or zip up hoodies or wide necked tank tops are ideal!

9. Blotting Papers & Setting Powder

If your wedding is on a warmer day or you have naturally oil-prone skin, blotting papers and setting powder are lifesavers to keep your makeup fresh and shine-free. Ask your makeup artist for advice for what to buy or ask if they will leave some with you on the day.

10. Perfume & Deodorant

A fresh spritz of your chosen scent will not only keep you smelling divine but also add a sentimental touch every time you wear that perfume in the future. Deodorant… I shouldn’t need to explain this one!

11. A Relaxing Playlist

Music can set the tone for your wedding morning. Create a playlist of calming or uplifting tunes to keep the mood light and joyful. No idea where to start or what to add - ask your wedding team or suppliers for their recommendations or favourites!

Felicity Ashby