Survival Kit/Guide

The big day can be stressful enough without any hiccups, but as sure as anything, something will go wrong. It may not be a big thing, but it will come at the most inopportune moment. The best way to way to cut this source of annoyance off at the knees is to be prepared.

I've searched the net, spoken to lots of people and come up with some ideas for a Survival Kit.

Bare Essentials:

• Special Medications e.g. asthma spray, Antihistamines
• Band-aids (Clear or flesh coloured - for cuts and blisters)
• Headache Tablets
• Eye Drops
• Something to settle your stomach (Quikeze)
• Mouth Freshner or Mints
• Sanitary products
• Sticky Tape (Removes lint, Holds things in place, can do wonders)
• Deodorant
• Tooth Brush & Paste
• Hair Brush
• Nail File and Clippers
• Scissors
• Mobile phone & (the right) charger
• List of contacts (and mobile No.): Bridal party, Family, Vendors - make sure they have their phones (give a copy to everyone on the list if you can, but at least the Bestman and the Bride's Maid)

Other Bits & Pieces:

• Make-up; lipstick, mascara ...
• Lip balm
• Eye make-up remover
• Tweezers
• Disposable razor
• Hair pins
• Hairspray
• Hair gel
• Dental floss
• Hollywood tape/double sided tape
• Fake nail glue
• Clear nail polish
• Baby wipes
• Compact mirror
• Cotton Buds
• Tissues
• Translucent powder
• Talc powder
• Perfume
• Bottle(s) of water (drinks lots of water - good for the skin and you)

Emergency Sewing Kit:

• Needles
• Thread - make sure you have all the colours you need
• Pins (Safety especially - various size and number)
• Super glue
• Buttons
• Sewing tape/double sided tape
• Extra stockings
• Dress makers chalk (to cover marks on the dress)
• Lint brush: one for bride and groom (the tape might do)
• Someone who knows how to sew

For an outdoor wedding:

• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Hats
• Umbrellas/Parasols (think of making them part of your outfit)
• Drinks to take with you when you do your photos

Things to do Leading Up to the Wedding:

• Take off all jewellery: watches, rings, earring. Allow time for marks/holes to fade
• Drink lots of water to prepare your skin
• Moisturise daily
• Try your dress on and try sitting in it
• Practice wearing/wear-in shoes
• Clean engagement ring
• Check you have any medications you may need.
• Have thank-you presents prepared
  

For when you go on your honeymoon

• Make arrangements for your emails - re-direct them or think of getting a Gmail/Hotmail account where it won't get full
• Re-direct or arrange for someone to pick up your mail, put out your garbage, turn the lights on and off (you don't want those wedding presents getting stolen)

Of course you can go crazy and take all of these things, but I'm not too sure of the practicalities of that. That will be for you to decide, this is just a guide to help out.

If you think of anything else important, don't be afraid to drop me a line and let me know.