Top Essentials for Your Wedding Day Emergency Kit

When it comes to wedding days, my camera gear is obviously essential—but want to know what’s right up there with it?
My Wedding Day Emergency Kit.

That’s right! After photographing so many weddings and witnessing countless little hiccups, I realized just how helpful it can be to carry a few extra essentials with me. These aren’t just for me—they're for my brides, their families, and their bridal parties.

Over time, I started noticing the same things popping up:
Hair falling out of place, dress issues, tags still attached, and more. So I decided to take action and put together an emergency kit that now comes with me to every single wedding.

It’s truly been a game-changer. Not only does it help the day run smoother, but it shows my couples that I’m there to serve them well beyond the camera. Here are my top three most-used emergency kit items (plus a few runner-ups you’ll want to throw in, too!).

1. Bobby Pins

I keep bobby pins everywhere—my emergency kit, my pockets, my camera bag. On windy wedding days or with elaborate updos, a few extra bobby pins can save the day. Whether it’s fixing a veil or helping with flyaways, these little guys are always the first thing to run out.

Pro Tip: Pack a few in a variety of colors to match different hair types!

2. Extra Boutonniere Pins

These are a must-have—trust me! Groomsmen are notorious for losing boutonniere pins, and florists sometimes forget to include extras. Having a stash of sharp, sturdy pins has saved the day more times than I can count. Whether you’re helping the guys pin their florals properly or reinforcing a wobbly boutonniere, these are a small detail that makes a big difference.

Bonus: You’ll look like a hero when you swoop in with a solution during portraits.

3. Scissors

Tags. Hanger loops. New shoes. You name it—wedding day items are often brand new and still attached to packaging. Having a small pair of sharp scissors on hand means I can discreetly snip off tags, threads, and more without risking damage.

Especially with delicate fabrics like lace, tulle, or illusion mesh, you don’t want to yank or tear—scissors to the rescue!

Close Runner-Ups

While the above three items are my most-used, here are a few other MVPs that I highly recommend adding to your kit:

• Safety Pins: Quick fixes for dress straps, bustle issues, and even groomsmen’s boutonnieres.

• Eyelash Glue: Because lashes always seem to lift when emotions (and happy tears!) run high.

• Mini Sewing Kit: You never know when a button or seam might come undone—better to be prepared!

What I Pack It All In

I keep all of these goodies in a small, cute travel makeup bag that fits right inside my camera bag. It’s light, portable, and easy to access without needing to run to a bridal suite or car. I like to keep it on me throughout the entire day so I can help in real time.

Final Thoughts

This little kit has saved me (and my couples!) countless times, and I never shoot a wedding without it. Serving your clients well means thinking ahead and showing up for them in ways they didn’t even expect.

It’s one of the easiest ways to go above and beyond—and I promise, they’ll remember it.