My Wedding Day Survival Kit for Brides
If there's one thing I've learned about weddings, it's that Murphy will follow around like a plague. Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong (That Murphy's Law has always been a bane of my existence). Unless you prepare, or at least moderately prepare for some problems to arise, it's likely that they will happen. So check out hese helpful hints below, and then you can kick Murphy to the curb!
The problem with my wedding came in the form of Cupcakes. I was getting married far from any bakery (The ceremony was in the middle of the woods). So my gracious mother-in-law agreed to drive and pick up the cupcakes from a store about an hour north on wedding day. When she arrived, they didn't have my order. They didn't even know there was supposed to be an order! After showing the email correspondence, and noting that they had my card on file to hold the order, they finally agreed to bake 3-4 dozen cupcakes on the spot (trust me, we will never order from them again). But my mother-in-law had to wait at the store the entire time.
Thankfully, that was the only hiccup on my otherwise perfect day. But I wanted to share a list of items or tips that the Bride can gather for her wedding day to prepare her for the unflattering reality of Murphy's Law. Now this is by no means a complete list, but it's a good start!
1. Water and Snacks
A girl can never be too prepared for the hunger. I've known many a wedding party that fell apart due to lack of sustenance. FEED YOUR PEOPLE. No one likes a 'hangry' bride. I usually suggest that a Bride keep a few water bottles and some granola bars handy for anyone who needs a quick pick-me-up.
2. Sewing Kit
It can happen in a flash. The flower girl is twirling around the hotel room while all the bridesmaids are getting ready, and she steps on one of the girl's dresses, tearing a small hole in the lower hem. I cannot tell you how universally important it is to have a sewing kit for life in general, let alone the wedding day.
3. A list of all vendors
Bring a list of all the wedding vendors, the contact names, and their cell phone numbers. Print out multiple copies. You never know who will need one. I'll even add in here to bring copies of contracts or purchase orders to have the coordinator or maid-of-honor double check. If I hadn't been able to forward the email correspondence and hold order to my mother-in-law, we might have never had any cupcakes for my wedding!
4. A wedding timeline
This is pretty self-explanatory, but you should have worked out with your coordinator or photographer a wedding timeline. I like to work with my Brides on an exact timeline and a backup timeline (just in case it rains or unforeseen events take place) so that everyone can be on the same page. This way all vendors and bridal party can know EXACTLY when things need to be done.
5. Chargers
Extra cell phone chargers would not be a bad thing to have lying around for people who needed a quick charge. This one isn't a necessity, I actually prefer not having anyone on cell phones and concentrated on the task at hand. But this is mainly for the coordinator or maid-of-honor to call vendors and coordinate timing.
6. Mints
Make that first kiss super fresh!
7. Tissues
Crying will happen, I guarantee it.
8. Concealer
I always carry a quick concealer for when crying does happen. Never hurts to freshen up!
9. Advil/Ibuprofen and Band-aids
You can never be too careful! My wedding was out in the woods, and I made sure there was a first aid kit nearby at all times. A flower girl could fall and scrap a knee, or a bridesmaid could roll an ankle on those high heels. You can also crush up an Advil and make a quick spot treatment for any last minute pimple woes!
10. A smile
The best medicine is laughter. And on this happy day, I suggest putting on a smile and going with the flow. The important point is that you are marrying your best friend. There is no reason to be unhappy at any point!
