June 3, 2016
When you’re in the throes of one of your most anticipated days, you might forget a couple of things. YOU’RE HUMAN. No judgment here, it’s alllll good.
Having an emergency kit handy will help alleviate stress and can pull you out of a potential nightmare!
I’ve seen a lot of weddings go down (and a number of mishaps in there as well!) Here’s what I’ve learned you need!
1. Listerine strips: Because kissing. Lots of kissing. Alternatives: Tic tacs, breath mints, Binaca (cue scene from Dumb & Dumber, haha). If someone offers you a piece of gum, best to pass so it doesn’t sneak into your photos.
2. Shout wipes: These little guys WORK. Alternative: Tide pens, Clorox pens. Shout wipes are still my favorite.
3. A small sewing kit: I can’t tell you the number of times this has come in handy! Hopefully you’ll have no need for it – but it’ll be there for you just in case.
4. Scissors: Odds are someone in the wedding party will have a pair, but if they don’t – I repeat – IF THEY DON’T, whoever brings them WILL BE THE HERO. Because they’ll definitely get used! These ones are SO STINKING CUTE!!
5. Safety pins: For when you literally don’t have time to sew.
6. Dry shampoo: For the oilier skin types (das me) I’m going to link you to a 3-pack because you’ll never want to be without it again.
7. Feminine spray: Can double as spray deodorant in a pinch. Cooling sensation is a plus on a warm day. Also helps prevent chafing (but if chafing is a primary concern, I love and highly recommend Body Glide! (It’s all I used on our Disney trip and it saved my LIFE).
8. Eyedrops: Dry contacts, an oversupply of happy tears, a cried-through set of flashes (false eyelashes). My optometrist recommends these drops. I use them when I’ve been shooting all day to help prevent blurry vision!
9. Lint roller: Super handy for obvious reasons. Lint, pet-hair. Gotta love it!
10. Tweezers: For that one misbehaving eyebrow, or that long, stray vellus hair poking out of your neck. Definitely a fan of Tweezerman tools (I just learned you can personalize them, too!)
Can also be helpful with reapplying eyelashes, or grabbing a painful hangnail. Here’s a solid Tweezerman set that is actually half the price of the ones I have bought (and they’re rose gold!)
Command hooks: more for your photographer who will likely be looking for a beautiful spot to hang your dress before you put it on. (Bonus: venues will appreciate you for not hammering nails into their property!)
Pen (I’ve yet to see a bridesmaid dress with pockets)
Spare buttons: Useless without a sewing kit (see above). I generally stick with an assortment of sizes, in white or clear.
Pain reliever: for headaches. Or foot aches. Or any aches.
Eyelash glue, if applicable.
Matches/lighter: for sparkler exits.
Oil absorbing sheets
Hairspray
Clear nail polish: Prevents pantyhose snags from expanding.
Wooden hanger: Will not only do a better job at holding a heavier dress, but it’s a great finishing touch for brides who want a more aesthetically pleasing hanging-dress-photos. (Bonus: custom hangers make a beautiful wedding day keepsake!)
Snacks: Because you might starve, depending on how hard you’re working that camera. Don’t forget to share the love with your second shooter, your assistant, or even your clients. We’re all human 🙂
Water: Same basic reasoning. I usually bring a bottle that I can fill and leave a couple more in a cooler in the trunk.
Extra everything: Equipment, professional memory cards, batteries, lights, light-stands (yes, an EXTRA stand is pretty necessary, they break too!), an extra pair of shoes, a spare outfit.
Phone charger: Especially if your phone’s battery is on the fritz or if you’ll be using it for behind the scenes work.
Umbrellas: Whether it’s just one for your assistant/second to hold over your equipment, or an additional for your bride and groom, or a dozen for the whole wedding party, an umbrella is always a winning idea! Target has some SUPER cute, clear umbrellas, almost always in stock. See my favorite here.
Dental wax: For setting up tiny details for macro shots. i.e. the rings (see below)! An alternative: crafting putty.
So now I’m dying to know… what’s in your emergency kit? Help the next guy or gal out and share what you can’t go without in the comments!
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