Wedding Day Emergency Kit Checklist + Vendor Contact Sheet + Run-of-Show
One printable page. No email required. Pack your bag, hand the vendor sheet to your coordinator, share the timeline with vendors. Source-checked 2026-09-14.
Wedding Day Emergency Kit — Categorized Must / Should / Nice
Print this section. Pack a small bag (cosmetic pouch or ziplock) and keep it with your getting-ready bag or give it to your maid of honor.
✅ MUST HAVE — Non-negotiables
- Marriage license (original + 2 photocopies) — officiant needs the original
- Photo ID for both partners
- Vendor contact sheet (see next section) — printed, one copy for coordinator
- Run-of-show timeline (see next section) — printed, one copy for each vendor
- Cash tips in labeled envelopes (vendors who aren’t owners)
- Phone + charger + portable power bank
- Emergency contact card (parents, planner, venue manager)
🎯 SHOULD HAVE — Highly recommended
- Safety pins (6–10, various sizes) — strap breaks, hems, bustle
- Double-sided fashion tape — plunging necklines, gaping buttons
- Mini sewing kit (needle, thread in white/ivory/black, small scissors)
- Stain remover pen (Tide to Go or Shout Wipe)
- Blotting papers / translucent powder — shine control for photos
- Lipstick or lip gloss for touch-ups (exact shade)
- Hairpins (10–15) matching hair color + 2–3 large bobby pins
- Hairspray (travel size) + mini brush/comb
- Deodorant (travel) + perfume rollerball
- Pain reliever (ibuprofen/acetaminophen) — headaches happen
- Band-aids (blister + regular) + moleskin
- Breath mints or strips (not gum)
- Tissues (travel pack) — happy tears
- Water bottle with straw (protects lipstick)
- Snacks: protein bar, nuts, banana — eat before ceremony
✨ NICE TO HAVE — If space allows
- Clear nail polish — stops runs in hose/tights
- Lint roller (travel)
- Static guard spray (travel)
- Extra earring backs
- Contact lens solution + case / spare glasses
- Feminine products
- Eye drops (redness relief)
- Hand sanitizer
- Mini umbrella (if outdoor)
- Change of underwear
- Flip-flops or foldable flats (for dancing)
Day-of Vendor Contact Sheet
Print one copy for your coordinator. Fill in every row. Vendors should receive this 1–2 weeks before the wedding with their specific call time highlighted.
| Vendor | Name / Company | Phone | Arrival Time | Load-in Location | Meal? | Final Balance Due | Coordinator Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venue Manager | — | — | ||||||
| Planner / Coordinator | — | — | ||||||
| Photographer | Yes/No | |||||||
| Videographer | Yes/No | |||||||
| Officiant | Yes/No | — | ||||||
| Catering Lead | — | |||||||
| Bar / Beverage | — | |||||||
| Cake / Dessert | — | |||||||
| Florist | — | |||||||
| Rentals (tables, chairs, linens) | — | |||||||
| Lighting / Sound / DJ | Yes/No | |||||||
| Band / Musicians | Yes/No | |||||||
| Hair / Makeup | — | |||||||
| Transportation | — | |||||||
| Security / Valet | — | |||||||
| Photo Booth / Extras | Yes/No |
Run-of-Show Coordination Timeline
Print one copy for your coordinator, one for each vendor with their specific rows highlighted. Time | Cue | Owner | Notes format keeps everyone aligned.
| Time | Cue / Event | Owner / Responsible | Notes / Dependencies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vendors begin load-in | Coordinator | Confirm all vendor arrivals | |
| Hair & makeup start | H/M Artists | Bridal party timeline attached | |
| Florist delivery & setup | Florist | Ceremony & reception areas | |
| Rentals delivery (tables, chairs, linens) | Rental Co. | Verify counts & condition | |
| Lighting / sound / DJ setup | AV Lead | Test mics, playlist, first dance song | |
| Cake delivery & setup | Bakery | Confirm table, knife, server | |
| Final venue walkthrough | Coordinator + Venue | Emergency exits, restrooms, signage | |
| Getting-ready photos begin | Photographer | Dress, details, invitations | |
| First look (if scheduled) | Photographer | Private moment, allow 15–20 min | |
| Wedding party photos | Photographer | List of combos given to photographer | |
| Family photos | Photographer + Coordinator | Coordinator rounds up family | |
| Guests begin arrival | Ushers / Coordinator | Programs, seating, welcome sign | |
| CEREMONY START | Officiant | Music cue → processional | |
| Recessional | Coordinator | Confetti/bubbles, receiving line? | |
| Cocktail hour begins | Coordinator | Apps, drinks, guest book | |
| Couple portraits (golden hour) | Photographer | 15–30 min window | |
| Reception doors open | Coordinator | Seating chart, place cards, favors | |
| Grand entrance | DJ / Band | Song, order of entrance | |
| First dance | DJ | Cue photographer/videographer | |
| Parent dances | DJ | ||
| Welcome / blessing | Host / Officiant | Mic check beforehand | |
| Dinner service | Catering | Dietary restrictions confirmed | |
| Toasts | Coordinator | Order: best man, maid of honor, parents | |
| Cake cutting | Couple + Photographer | Song, knife, server, plates | |
| Open dancing | DJ | Read the room, adjust playlist | |
| Bouquet / garter toss (if any) | DJ | Clear space, safe landing | |
| Late-night snacks | Catering | Time confirmed | |
| Last dance | DJ | Announce 2 songs before | |
| Grand exit / send-off | Coordinator | Sparklers, bubbles, lanterns — venue rules | |
| Vendor load-out | Coordinator | Tips distributed, rentals picked up | |
| Venue walkthrough & key return | Coordinator + Venue | Damage check, deposit return |