Groom Survival / Emergency Kit for the wedding day

Now what is that thing you must remember to take to the wedding, yes that is it, a groom survival kit filled with all the necessities that you require before walking down the aisle.

Many grooms will arrive on the morning of a wedding with the bare essentials: a kilt, morning suit or a tuxedo, the wedding bands, and some grooming basics. But it is important to be prepared for any unexpected situation, as accidents can and do happen. This is where the groom survival kit comes in handy as you will have everything you need to tackle any emergency.

So what do you need in this groom survival bag? Apart from a good multi-compartment bag, the following are a recommended list of the items to ensure that your wedding day is perfect and runs smoothly.

Your survival kit should be personalised to your needs, and this article will help you create it.

What items should you put in a Groom’s Survival Kit?

Hair and Beard Essentials

Any hair has a great tendency to have a mind of its own, be it fine and fly-away to curly and super springy. So, no matter how well managed hair initially is, it will need fixing at some point during the day – so be ready to fix quickly when the need arises.

• Hairbrush or comb.
• Hair gel or spray.
• Beard products.
• Razor.
• Shaving cream.

Toiletry Essentials

You may think a session in the gym is tough, but being a groom can be every bit of a challenge, be prepared, and be ready to freshen-up regularly.

• Deodorant.
• Cologne.
• Sunscreen (if required).
• Tissues.
• Hand sanitiser.

Teeth Essentials

Your teeth will be a magnet for all those little bits of fancy food that just want to stick to your teeth, so clean them after food and this will also keep your teeth pearly white and your breath fresh.

• Toothpaste.
• Toothbrush.
• Floss.
• Mouth Wash.

Shoe Essentials

Make sure you wear-in your shoes before your wedding day but be prepared for red skin and blisters on the day, and if ever there is a day when you will break a shoelace it will be on the day.

• Shoe Polish Kit (including polish, brushes and cloths).
• Additional shoe laces.
• Socks.
• Blister plasters.

Stain and Fixing Accessories Essentials

There is no better guarantee in life than clothing will get stained at weddings, and will have to be put right or if not disguised. So, be ready to (or get you mum to) stitch, glue, mend, camouflage, hide and disguise. Especially when photos are being taken, nothing looks worse than a ketchup stain on a shirt. Anticipate any spills, splatters, and smears by bringing along stain remover. Apply the remover as soon as possible to the stain-after testing in an inconspicuous spot-for the best chance of eradicating it.

• Some needles, thread and a few matching buttons (like you find in the wee kits in hotel rooms).
• Stain remover.
• Lint brush or roller.
• Superglue.
• Safety pins.
• Hemming tape.
• Scissors.

Mini First Aid Kit

You don’t really need the full first-aid box, but what you do need are the things to remedy anything between an upset stomach to a pounding headache, and to patch any graze or cut that may occur. Bring pain-relieving medicine, an antacid, and personal medication, to halt those pesky symptoms.

• Any medication you may be on.
• Plasters.
• Painkillers and antacid.
• Antihistamine tablets.
• Insect repellent (if required).
• Eye drops.

Food Essentials

On a day where you may have a wedding breakfast, buffet and multi course dinner, you may think that you do not need anything else. But more calories will be burnt off than you can imagine. So have some breakfast type bars and water or energy drinks at hand to keep you fuelled and hydrated for the day and night’s activities.

• Snacks (such as breakfast, granola or protein bars).
• Water.
• Energy drinks.
• Breath mints.

Other Kit Essentials

There are always kit elements that defy grouping under normal headings, but are none-the-less important and essential to the success of the day.

Even though you have paid for your wedding in advance, it may be a good idea to consider tipping the suppliers staff, so unless you've made other arrangements, carry enough cash to tip the limo driver, catering staff, bartender, and any other big-day helpers.

Also, at least once in the day people will forget completely what is going on, so have a copy of the itinerary at hand, a pen and paper, and make sure that you can charge you mobile.

Cufflinks though they can set off any wedding ensemble, are a flawed design. So, have a second pair at hand just in case one falls out during the day, or in the event that the best man forgets his.

• Wedding day itinerary.
• Phone charger (and extension cord if required).
• Tipping money.
• Pen and paper (for last minute reminders).
• Spare cufflinks.

Nice to Haves

Now depending on the size of your bag there are a couple of other items than can be very useful, if not essential – for either the bride or groom.

• Large umbrella (as it may rain).
• Iron or hand-held steamer (encase of wrinkles in your shirt).

Download your Groom Survival Kit checklist from here.