The Adventure Bride’s Guide to Emergency Kits

If you’ve spent any time researching for your adventure wedding, or even been a bridesmaid in a wedding yourself, you probably have heard brides and planners refer to their emergency kit. All good wedding planners and well-prepared brides have an emergency kit. There is a lot of talk about emergency kits, but little on what actually is involved.

This is where I come in! Your adventure wedding planner & photographer to the rescue! (If you could see me right now, my cape is dramatically whipping in the wind and I’m looking solemnly off into the distance imagining all the ways I can save you on your big day).

Anyways, emergency kits.

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As a nurse, I always think worst-case scenario because, well, it saves lives. As a wedding planner I always think worst-case scenario because, well, Murphey’s Law. What can go wrong WILL go wrong; and the best planners and photographers spend their time anticipating these situations and preventing them before they even start. Whether it’s in a hospital setting or at a formal event, I always want to be PROACTIVE not REACTIVE.

So, I always start with the most basic things for my emergency kits. Things like extra buttons, safety and straight pins, a needle or two, and thread colors that match everyone’s outfits. I can’t even tell you how many times a groom or groomsman has done a silly stunt that involved losing a button, tearing his shirt, spilling something noticeable on his tie, or even splitting his pants. *insert facepalm * But boys will be boys, so emergency kits. You never know when you’ll need to stitch something up really quickly!

Another good idea is to include a tide stick or some miracle-working stain remover. So handy, especially if children are involved!

Things like lip gloss, a pocket mirror, deodorant, setting spray, mascara, bobby pins, hair ties…all of these come in super handy for the girls involved in the wedding, and do not take up much space in a backpack at all.

Arkansas Countryside Wedding

Some safety items like lighters, a compass, flashlights, emergency power pack phone charger, flashlights and batteries, a pocket-knife, etc. are never a bad idea to bring with you, especially if you are planning to hike far into a park or other area. A first aid kit is definitely a necessity, just like it would be if you were camping somewhere.

Bug spray can also be a commonly overlooked lifesaver depending on where you’re going and the time of year your adventure wedding is taking place.

Sunscreen is another must. Especially at a beach, in a desert, or on a mountainside with lots of direct sunlight. Pack more than you think you’ll need. Brides, find some creamy application sunscreen that can go under your makeup to help protect your skin without ruining your look.

If you’re getting married at a beach, especially in a more tropical location, it is a GREAT idea to have a rain jacket and/or umbrella packed for you and your partner and anyone else accompanying you on the trip. In areas like Florida, Hawaii, the Caribbean, etc. it is extremely common to get some short, but oftentimes powerful rain showers in the morning or afternoons. There’s no point in putting all that time in on your hair and makeup just to get your parade rained on - literally! (Obviously, stuff happens on adventure weddings/elopements, and you oftentimes just have to roll with it! A good photographer and good planner can help you dodge some of these obstacles, but you probably would like to get some good photos in before your bridal look gets ruined!)

Arkansas Countryside Wedding

Another great thing to remember when going to a beach for your destination wedding or elopement is that jellyfish do exist. And they sting, even after they’re dead (bless their hearts;). After years of living beside a beach in Florida, I’ve found that meat tenderizer powder (sold in spice sections at any grocery store) kept in the beach bag is a great idea in case somebody steps on a jellyfish that has washed ashore, or brushes up against one in the water. Sprinkle as much as you need on the sting site, and the pain will go away shortly. (Obviously this does not replace medical treatment; so if the sting is extensive or you start noticing other issues, please go to the hospital!) They also make jellyfish sting resistant sunscreen all in one bottle which you can find on Amazon!

While your emergency kit will heavily depend on where you decide to elope, your amazing elopement photographer and planner (me!) can help give you an itemized list of everything you’ll need.

Till next time!

-Carlie