The bridesmaid's emergency kit

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It's the big day. The bride is putting the final touches on her makeup, and you're putting on your bridesmaid dress. As you pull up the zipper, it hits a snag. You give it a good tug. And the zipper rips off in your hand.

After a brief moment of panic, you remember that -- being the prepared bridesmaid that you are -- you can cope.

I've actually seen this scenario play out. (The bridesmaid's boyfriend, a med school student, sewed her into the dress just before bridal party photos began.) With a bagful of supplies, you can minimize the effects of nearly any wedding day disaster. The bride will likely have her own emergency kit, but she'll never forget how you saved the day by pulling an umbrella or fishing line out of your bag, a la Mary Poppins.

Aside from the things you need to get dressed (your makeup, curling iron, etc.), consider the things that others might forget. Then, conjure up a few worst-case scenarios. What would you need to help restore order?

Getting dressed

--Needle, thread, safety pins and dress tape for any last-minute dress fixes.
--Toiletries bridesmaids may forget: deodorant, feminine products, floss, eye drops/saline solution and sunscreen.
--Extra bobby pins.
--Styptic pencil to stop bleeding from shaving cuts.
--Extra earring backs.
--Mints.
--Lint roller.
--Nail clippers.
--Band-Aids.
--Snacks and water to keep everyone hydrated and sustained.

Set-up and decorations

--Matches or lighter.
--Scissors.
--Tape.
--Twine or fishing line.

If things go wrong

--White chalk to cover any stains on the bride's dress and spot remover.
--Pain killers and medicine for nervous or upset stomachs.
--Clear nail polish for snags in fabric.
--Umbrella or rain jacket.
--Strong glue for quick repairs to heels, jewelry or decorations.
-- Smelling salts, in case of fainting.
--And last but not least, tissues for a weepy bride or a major meltdown.

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