Journal · Bridal beauty
Your bridal emergency kit: a makeup artist’s checklist
After hundreds of wedding mornings, I know which little things tend to go wrong: a smudge after happy tears, a pin that slips during the first dance, a strap that gives way just before portraits. A well-packed bridal emergency kit fixes almost all of them in under a minute. Here’s exactly what to put in yours, as well as the beauty prep that means you’ll hardly need it.
By Corrie Elle, founder and lead makeup artist · Updated October 2026 · 7 min read
The short version
- Pack four small pouches: beauty, hair, wardrobe and comfort.
- Give the kit to one trusted person, such as your maid of honour, rather than carrying it yourself.
- Ask your makeup artist for your exact lip colour and powder, so every touch-up matches.
- Good prep, including skincare, a trial and long-wear products, means you’ll reach for the kit far less.
What is a bridal emergency kit?
A bridal emergency kit is a small bag of beauty, hair, wardrobe and comfort essentials that stays close to the bride on her wedding day. It covers the quick fixes between getting ready and the last dance, often after your makeup artist and hairstylist have left.
Think of it as insurance. You hope to barely open it, but when a button pops or a lash lifts, you’ll be grateful someone has it within reach. Some planners call it a wedding day emergency kit; either way, the contents matter more than the name.
The complete bridal emergency kit checklist
I suggest four small pouches instead of one big bag, so anyone can find what they need in seconds. Screenshot this list, or print it and tick items off as you pack.
For your face
Beauty
- Your lipstick or gloss, in the exact shade from your wedding look
- Blotting papers and a compact of pressed powder
- Cotton buds and a mini makeup remover for smudges
- Lash glue, in case a strip lash lifts at the corner
- A small mirror with good magnification
- Mints and a travel toothbrush
- Soothing eye drops for tired or teary eyes
For your style
Hair
- Bobby pins that match your hair colour
- A travel-size flexible hairspray
- A tail comb for smoothing flyaways
- A few clear elastics
- Spare pins for your veil or headpiece
- A silk scrunchie for the end of the night
For your dress
Wardrobe
- A mini sewing kit with thread in your dress colour
- Safety pins in a few sizes
- Double-sided fashion tape
- A stain-removing pen, tested on fabric first
- Blister plasters and a pair of flats for dancing
- Deodorant wipes or a travel deodorant
For you
Comfort
- The pain relievers you usually take, plus antacids
- Tissues and hand sanitizer
- A phone charger with a short cable
- Snacks, such as nuts or a granola bar
- A bottle of water and a straw, so your lipstick stays put
- Any personal medication you need
What your makeup artist brings, and what you pack
On the morning, my team arrives with a full professional kit, so there’s nothing to buy for the getting-ready part of the day. Your emergency kit is for the hours after we leave.
Your artist brings
Our professional kit
- Skin prep, primers and setting spray
- Lashes, which are complimentary with every À la carte booking
- Every shade used on you and your bridal party
- Pins, tools and finishing products for hair
You pack
Your emergency kit
- Your lip colour and powder, for touch-ups
- Extra bobby pins and a little hairspray
- The wardrobe and comfort pouches above
- A quiet five minutes before the reception
Prefer not to think about touch-ups at all? With our Tailored Experience, the bride receives a Bridal Mini Express kit to keep with her through the evening. Alternatively, touch-up coverage from $475 keeps an artist with you for portraits and the reception.
Who carries your kit, and when to use it
The bride shouldn’t carry anything on her wedding day. Instead, hand the kit to your maid of honour, a mother or your planner once you’re dressed.
01
After the ceremony
Happy tears are the most common reason for a touch-up. Blot first, then press on a little powder, rather than adding more foundation.
02
Before portraits
Reapply your lip colour and check your hair from behind. Usually, one or two pins in the right place fix any flyaways.
03
Before the reception
Take two minutes for a refresh while guests find their seats. After that, forget about your face and enjoy the party.
04
Before the last dance
Swap into flats if your feet ache, and blot once more if there’s a send-off with photos at the end of the night.
Beauty prep that prevents touch-ups
The best emergency kit is the one you barely open. These five habits make your hair and makeup last, so small fixes stay small.
Start your skincare routine early
Healthy skin is the best base for any bridal look. Ideally, settle into a simple routine three to six months ahead: gentle cleansing, a good moisturiser and daily SPF. Book facials or peels well in advance, and avoid anything new in the final weeks, so there’s no time for a reaction to appear.
Choose long-wear makeup that still looks like you
Bridal makeup should enhance your features, not hide them. That’s why I rely on a lightweight long-wear foundation, soft definition instead of heavy contour, neutral eyes with a touch of shimmer and waterproof mascara for the vows. Similarly, a long-lasting lip formula means fewer trips to your kit.
Pick a hairstyle that suits your dress and the day
Classic chignons and low buns hold beautifully through hugs and dancing, whereas soft waves suit relaxed and outdoor weddings. Braids add texture as well as grip, which helps on windy days. If you’re wearing a veil, jewelled pins or a floral crown, we plan the style around exactly where it will sit.
Never skip your bridal trial
Your preview is where we test longevity as well as looks. Bring your veil or headpiece and photos of your dress, then wear the look for a few hours afterwards. As a result, anything that needs adjusting shows up long before the wedding. Wondering about finishes? Read our guide to airbrush makeup.
Plan for the season
In summer, humidity calls for oil control, a setting spray and a lighter base. In winter, by contrast, dry indoor air means extra hydration under makeup and a richer lip balm in your kit. Either way, check the forecast the week before and adjust what you pack. For the last few days, see our beauty tips before the wedding day.
Trends are fun, but the most beautiful bride is the one who still recognises herself in the mirror.
Corrie Elle
Questions brides ask about emergency kits
What should be in a bridal emergency kit?
At a minimum, pack your lip colour, blotting papers or powder, bobby pins, a mini sewing kit, safety pins, fashion tape, a stain pen, pain relievers, plasters, snacks and a phone charger. Group them in small pouches so anyone can find things quickly.
Who should carry the bridal emergency kit?
Give it to your maid of honour, a close family member or your wedding planner. Ideally, choose someone who will stay near you all day and isn’t busy with other duties.
When should I pack my wedding emergency kit?
Put it together the week before the wedding. Then add your lip colour and powder after your trial, so the shades match your final look.
Will my makeup artist do touch-ups during the reception?
Only if you book on-site coverage. Our touch-up coverage starts from $475 and keeps an artist with you for portraits and the reception. Otherwise, your kit and a quick refresh before dinner are usually enough. See all packages and rates.
Planning your wedding look? Let’s talk.
Tell us your date and where you’re getting ready. We’ll reply with availability for bridal hair and makeup in Toronto, the GTA and Ottawa, along with a tailored quote.