The Ultimate Wedding Day Emergency Kit for South Asian Brides
Written by: Disha Patel
One thing I will always thank my friends for was preparing a Day-of Emergency Kit. I wasn’t scrambling for bobby pins, a sewing kit, and Advil between my hair & makeup appointments and my ceremony - it was all there! The wedding weekend is long and event-packed, with heavy outfits, rituals, and dancing from morning until night. If there’s one thing I recommend every bride prepare, it’s a solid wedding day emergency kit to get through it all smoothly. Here’s exactly what I wish I had on hand—and what I packed when I helped other brides after my wedding.
1. Bridal Fashion & Beauty Essentials 💄
💡 South Asian bridal outfits can be heavy and detailed—here’s what will save you.
• Safety Pins (lots of them!) – For dupatta draping, jewelry malfunctions, or saafa adjustments.
• Mini Sewing Kit – For last-minute blouse, lehenga, or gown fixes.
• Fashion Tape – Especially if you’re wearing off-shoulder, deep necklines, or tricky sleeves.
• Bobby Pins & Hair Elastics – Keep extras for touch-ups between ceremonies and the reception.
• Dupatta Pins – Specialized bridal pins to help your dupatta or pallu stay in place through pheras and the dance floor.
• Lint Roller – For your groom’s sherwani, your bridal party’s outfits, or your own sari/lehenga!
✨ Pro Tip: Assign a bridesmaid to carry this section in their purse for easy access.
2. Skincare & Touch-Up Kit ✨
💡 With long ceremonies, emotional moments, and outdoor events, you’ll want a few beauty saviors.
• Blotting Sheets or Compact Powder – For shine control during outdoor photos or mid-ceremony.
• Lipstick/Gloss – Have the shade your makeup artist used so you can reapply throughout the day.
• Mini Setting Spray – To refresh makeup between events.
• Face Mist or Hydrating Spray – Keeps you feeling fresh, especially under heavy bridal makeup.
• Mini Perfume Roller or Spray – A quick refresh before your entrance!
• Hand Sanitizer – For pre-ceremony rituals or greeting guests.
• Makeup Wipes – Great for outfit changes or if you need to remove kajal that’s smudged.
3. Health & Comfort Essentials 🩹
💡 Let’s be real—South Asian weddings can get sweaty, emotional, and tiring!
• Water Bottle – Stay hydrated (assign someone to remind you!).
• Coconut Water or Electrolytes Packets – Game changer if you’re feeling lightheaded.
• Granola Bars or Snacks – When the catering team is still setting up but you’ve been up since 5 AM.
• Mints or Gum – For fresh breath before ceremonies or photos.
• Pain Relievers (Advil, Tylenol) – In case of headaches or body aches after standing for long ceremonies.
• Tissues & Q-Tips – For dabbing tears, touching up eyeliner, or blotting sweat.
• Band-Aids or Blister Patches – For those new juttis or heels that might rub!
4. Miscellaneous but Crucial Items 💡
• Phone Charger or Portable Power Bank – You will 100% forget to charge your phone mid-day!
• Phone with your timeline & vendor contact list saved – Even if you have a planner, it’s helpful to keep nearby.
• Contact Lens Case & Solution – If you’re wearing contacts and need a backup.
• Cash or Small Bills – For tips or last-minute purchases.
• Essential Ritual Items – Have backups of chunni pins, sindoor, bindi, kalire, etc. depending on your traditions.
✨ Pro Tip: If you’re having multiple events in one day (e.g., ceremony + reception), pack two kits—one for the morning and one for the evening changeover.
5. Optional “Luxury” Extras 🌟
💡 If you have space or a larger bridal suite bag, here’s what adds extra comfort!
• Slippers or Slides – For when you’re walking between venues or switching out of heels.
• Travel Steamer – In case your lehenga or bridal party outfits get wrinkled.
• Mini Bluetooth Speaker – For calming music while getting ready.
• Essential Oils (Lavender or Peppermint) – For relaxation or energy boosts!
Having this kit handy helped me avoid mini-disasters on the wedding day—and saved me from stressing over tiny things. The best part? It also helped my bridesmaids and even my groom when they needed backup pins or Advil!
💡 Want vendors who make wedding day prep smoother too? Check out Plan My Desi Wedding.
