What to stash in your bridal emergency kit

We have good news: wardrobe malfunctions and beauty mishaps on the big day are entirely avoidable. After months spent planning every detail from the trousseau to choosing the right hairstylist and makeup artist, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for safeguards against any potential last-minute hiccups. We turned to two celebrity stylists to guide us with must-haves for the emergency bridal kit so that you remain at ease throughout the festivities. Treat this as the ultimate checklist!

Fashion tape
“For me, a fashion tape is definitely an essential. It can help secure any loose fabric or fix any sudden slits,” says Anshika Verma, celebrity fashion stylist to stars like Bhumi Pednekar and Sanya Malhotra. “Fashion tape or double-sided tape work well to secure slipping straps of any kind or for quick hem fixes,” she adds, making it a must-have. 

Blotting paper
Being the centre of attention coupled with humidity can take a toll on your carefully crafted beauty look. “Blotting paper works well so that you can dab your face, keep it grease-free, and ensure your makeup stays in place,” recommends Verma. Another iteration you can opt for is a high-performing blotting powder. You can opt for Etude House’s Sebum Soak Pact or Innisfree’s No Sebum Mineral Powder.

Lipstick
“To refresh your pout, any time, definitely carry the same hue of lipstick,” said Vaishakhi Haria, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Splash Salon. Choose the same lipstick or a matching ruby red or deep coral hue for a quick touch-up. 

Try Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipsticks which offer a wide range of shades, are perfect for brides, and deliver longevity and stunning results. 

A box of safety pins and a sewing kit
“Safety pins work best for temporarily fixing any broken zippers or tears or even minor alteration issues,” recommends Verma. “A more permanent solution would be a sewing kit. A needle and thread that matches the colour of your outfits are essential since a sewing kit would be more secure than a safety pin. I would also suggest any extra buttons or clasps in case of any accidental damage to the ensemble.”

Instant stain remover stick
“A stain remover pen, say from Tide, is a lifesaver for spills,” added Verma. Spills and miscellaneous stains can show up unannounced and it’s good sense to invest in a compact stain remover to have your outfit looking perfect in a jiffy. Another tip from Verma is, “Always have a backup plan, whether it’s a backup outfit altogether ... so that you are completely stress-free and it’s a relief to know there’s a contingency in place as a foolproof in case something happens that leaves your outfit unfixable.” 

Bobby pins and hair wax
It is also important to have bobby pins at hand. “Many times your mane can get messy if it’s an outdoor event set on a lawn or pool party,” said Haria. “You can keep a set of bobby pins handy to rework the hairdo’s grip and secure it if it loosens up.”
Verma added, “Even a hair wax can help with flyaways and keep them in place.” Try Moxie Beauty’s On the Fly Matte Finishing Stick to tame flyaways. The compact packaging and hassle-free application should keep you stress-free. 

Mini perfume  
To make sure you smell good all day long, include a travel-sized version of your go-to scent in the kit. If you don’t have a signature scent, gravitate towards luxurious fragrances like J’adore by Dior or Gucci's Flora Gorgeous Orchid.  

Lint roller, mini steamer, hand-held fan
“A lint roller is extremely handy to keep your dress free from dust and any stray hairs,” said Verma. “As a stylist, I always keep a mini steamer for a quick touch-up and a tiny hand-held fan is great for calming down or cooling down since dress fittings can get hot.”

Sole grips and sweat patches
“I’d also recommend sole grips for better stability on slippery floors and adjustment to your footwear. Sweat patches are a must for undesirable sweaty patches on your outfit. I highly recommend sneaker heels or sneaker wedges which [have] recently gained popularity because these are super comfortable and for any bride who just wants to dance their heart out and enjoy, I’d recommend this footwear. Best for when you have an elaborate long outfit that hides your footwear altogether”, Verma adds.

Effective DIY solutions 
DIY solutions are easy-to-prep neat fixes. “A small ice pack is ideal to reduce inflammation or swelling. Green tea bags work great for under eyes though they might not work for those with allergies. A dab of aloe vera gel will work wonders to combat any irritation,” recommends Verma. Go for all-organic options like The Ayurveda Co’s Kumkumadi Aloevera Gel infused with saffron and 24K gold flakes. 

“A light unscented moisturiser can work for any discomfort especially if the skin feels dry. Emolene is my personal go-to moisturiser on any bride who is going to apply makeup 3 days in a row,” she further elaborated.

Other essential tips
“My biggest tip for brides would be to have a good quality lip and cheek tint which can refresh and add a natural glow if her makeup is melting off. And a setting spray that acts as a moisturiser and makeup fixative is perfect for keeping everything in place,” suggested Verma. Opt for a non-transfer lip stain that doubles as a cheek stain from premium homegrown brands like Tint Cosmetics. 

Another recommendation is to carry extra shapewear. Verma elaborates “Extra shapewear helps with discomfort if your shapewear goes through wear and tear, unexpected wardrobe changes or just to enhance your silhouette.” 

Making sure your final dress fitting is accurate is essential too. Another tip Verma has is, “Ensure the dress fits well during the final fitting and is top-tier to prevent malfunctions. Have everything sorted way before time so that on D-day you are well prepared.”

It’s also best to pack comfortable loungewear to transition seamlessly from heavy ensembles to comfort. Try chic loungewear from Necesera. 

There you have it—you're now prepared for the worst on the best day of your life!

Lead image: Instagram / Athiya Shetty

Also read: Splurge or save: Planning the wedding of your dreams on a budget