^{Image Courtesy of Marielle Hayes Photography}

Ready for the “Uh-Oh” Moments

Let’s be honest—no matter how much you’ve planned, something unexpected always happens on your wedding day. It’s practically tradition! That’s why every Latter-day Saint bride needs a little secret weapon tucked away behind the scenes: The Black Bag.

Yes, we’re talking about a good-sized, preferably black, tote that’s packed and ready to rescue you from wedding day disasters—big or small. Think of it like a superhero cape… but filled with deodorant, snacks, and extra bobby pins.

You’ve picked your temple, your colors, your cake, your dress. Now it’s time to pick the bag that will save the day.

Why You Need a Wedding Day Emergency Kit

No one wants to send Dad to Walmart last-minute because someone’s pantyhose just bit the dust. Or track down a tissue when tears start flowing during the ring ceremony. Your emergency kit is your stress-saving best friend.

When something goes sideways (and something always does), you’ll be able to smile and say, “No worries… just grab the bag!”

What Goes in the Bag?

Let’s pack it up. Here’s a full list of wedding-day life-savers you’ll be glad you have on hand. You don’t need to bring the whole house—just the essentials to fix those “what just happened?!” moments:

      ♥ Sunblock, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, hand lotion

      ♥ Travel-sized toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant

      ♥ Q-tips, cotton balls, white washcloth

      ♥ Makeup (your basics), remover wipes, comb, brush

      ♥ Curling iron, hairspray (double as stain remover!)

      ♥ Bobby pins, hair ties, extra earring backs

      ♥ Sewing kit with thread (white, black, bridesmaid color), scissors, safety pins, buttons

      ♥ Fray Check, Tide Stick, lint roller

      ♥ Extra socks (dark), pantyhose, clear nail polish

      ♥ Instant glue or nail glue, nail clippers and file

      ♥ Water bottles, snacks, and gum

      ♥ Contact lens case/solution, band-aids (all kinds)

      ♥ Painkillers, allergy meds, inhalers, prescriptions

      ♥ Tampons/pads, tissues (LOTS of tissues), TP (trust us)

      ♥ Kid stuff: crayons, coloring books, stickers

      ♥ Scotch tape, duct tape, masking tape

      ♥ Extra hat pins for corsages, maps to reception/open house

      ♥ Vendor phone list, flashlight, small picnic blanket

      ♥ Extra batteries, memory card, pen and paper (not kidding!)

Whew! That’s a lot—but don’t stress. You can find mini versions of most of these items at the dollar store or in travel sections. And no, you don’t need everything on this list—just the things that make sense for your day and your wedding party.

Will You Even Need It?

Maybe not. But that’s the point. Preparing ahead of time means that even if things go perfectly (and we hope they do), you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re covered.

And if something does go a little sideways? You'll be the bride who handled it like a champ—because you were ready.

Here’s to the calm confidence that comes from being prepared. Here’s to the “Black Bag.”