When I started I used to keep my supplies  in a cosmetics bag. It was great because it opened up and had clear pockets so you could see everything, but it got small REALLY fast! I was on the hunt for a kit in which I could keep everything secure and organized. Then, I found a rolling scrapbook organizer, and was a life saver. 

Without further ado, here is my list of those must have items I will never go without…

Portable Steamer

From creased linens to wrinkled bridesmaids dresses, my portable steamer has seen it all! You never know what will need to be steamed on the wedding day, and the steamer I use is easy to fill and quick to heat up. It is easy to carry around and easy to fill up with a water bottle on the go. 

Glue Gun

I can’t tell you how many times my glue gun has saved a broken piece of decor or helped a hair stylist whip together a hair piece! 

Zip Ties

These have been used in the past for tying back drapes, attaching greenery to a sign or securing bouquets that started to fall apart.

Floating Candles/Votives

Sometimes after the candles are lit, you will realize you have a few duds – especially those candles that float in water! You can quickly swap out candles that have burnt out with a back-up supply. 

Multiple Lighters

When you are lighting hundreds of candles, you never know when your lighter is going to run out of fluid! Always bring back ups so you will still be able to light up those sparklers at the end of the night!

Floral Styling Accessories (shears, wire, wire cutters, tape)

Once your florist sets up and leaves, I keep these things on hand in case something needs to be fixed. I have used them to fix chair flowers, trim bridesmaids bouquets that didn’t fit in the vases, or put together a quick boutonniere or fix a corsage in a jiffy!

Tarp

Wisconsin is notorious for surprise rain showers. This tarp can not only be thrown over something (or someone) in a pinch, but it can also be placed on soggy grass during portraits so the bride doesn’t ruin her dress.

Extension Cords

Maybe your DJ doesn’t have a cord long enough to reach the nearest outlet or those string lights needed a little more slack in the line? I also use to hang up linens that need to be steamed with the portable steamer. I have a really long and heavy duty one (I recommend black).

Clean White Makeup Sponges

These are my first line of defense for a stain before I use any detergents or even water. The little sponges absorb a shocking amount of dirt without even being wet!

Tailors Chalk and Baby Powder 

These are my trusted weapons to cover up stains and dirt on a wedding gown.

 Stain Remover Pens/Cloths

I keep stain pens and disposable clothes handy in case of any “oops” moments. These are best for the groomsmen and the bridesmaids. I wouldn’t suggest taking a Tide-to-go pen to a wedding gown – they are made with delicate fabrics and you would want to mess up your wedding dress. Start with a clean makeup sponge or use the Tailors Chalk to cover up. 

Mini Sewing Kit

I have had a lot of buttons pop off of groom and groomsmen attire.  I have also had to repair a gown that got torn from someone stepping on the bottom of a dress. Sewing kits are crucial when these blunders happen.

Black Ink Pens/Sharpie Pens

Because your guest book is a keepsake, you want the pens you use for the guest book to stay on the page and not fade! In the event you forget yours (or yours don’t work on the wedding day), I always have some along.

Phone Chargers

These are hot commodities on the wedding day! Someone almost always forgets theirs. Be sure to pack an iPhone charger and an Android charger. 

Box Cutter/Packing Tape/Labels

You will be setting up and then packing up all of you personal items after the wedding day. If those items came in boxes or were packaged up, you will need to open them quickly during set-up using the box cutter, and then pack them up securely using the packing tape and labeling the boxes at the end of the night. 

Mints

Never underestimate the power of fresh breath—especially when talking to guests all day. Altoids minis as they are small so you can keep the conversation going without pause. 

Large Golf Umbrella + Clear Umbrella

The golf umbrella is so large that it comes in handy when trying to get the two of you from point A to point B during a rain shower! The clear umbrella is much prettier for photos or a ceremony during the rain.

Hem tape, double-sided fashion tape, and safety pins 

These items will go far to keep pant cuffs and hemlines on dresses even (and where they should be). You never know when a label or a neckline will need fixing and these items (along with safety pins) can handle a lot of wardrobe malfunctions. 

Spray Deodorant

In case it’s a really hot day or you get crazy on the dance floor, which refreshes and prevents odor without the chalky mess! I keep the spray kind so it can be used by multiple people and it lasts longer! I have a women’s version and a men’s version. This is also great for us vendors to freshen up as well – we don’t want your guests to go home talking about your stinky wedding planner!

Rice Paper Blotting Tissues

An inexpensive but integral go-to for minimizing the day-of sheen that can arise from humid locations or wedding day nerves. There is a difference between glow and sweat!  Perfect before taking all those lovely outdoor photos!

5 Second Salon Nail Glue

You cannot forget your nail glue. It is a cure all for a multitude of emergencies, nails and beyond.  It’s been known to fix a piece of broken jewelry to a snapped room key with a little dab of this stuff! 

Flashlight

In case of a power outage, a flashlight is helpful for navigating a space. Another great use? Setting up a sparkler exit in the dark!

A Few Key Medications 

(because it’s a pain reliever that’s easy on the stomach), chewable antacids (if the jitters start taking a toll), anti-diarrheal medication in case of illness (not uncommon even on the happiest of days), and non-drowsy benadryl (weddings are often in the summer, so insects can be a big problem). 

Moleskin Bandages/Band Aids

Various sizes will help prevent or ease the pain of blisters caused by a new pair of shoes.

Individual Tissue Packs

You can slip these into your Mom’s hands before she goes down the aisle, or give one pack to a set of bridesmaids to distribute! More convenient than a large tissue box.