
First and foremost, your emergency kit should enable you to ensure people’s safety and comfort. While a first-aid kit will probably be available if your location is open to the public, you should verify this. If you need to assemble your own first-aid kit, consider outfitting it with adhesive bandages and tape, alcohol wipes, antibiotic ointment, antihistamines, baking soda, a basic first-aid book, calamine lotion, chemically activated ice packs, cotton balls and swabs, elastic bandages, diarrhea medicine, eye drops, gauze pads and rolls, hydrocortisone cream, hydrogen peroxide, latex gloves, matches, needles, ibuprofen, safety pins, scissors, soap, a thermometer, and tweezers. You must also have a way to call for emergency help. If cell phone reception is unavailable or unreliable, consider renting a two-way radio or other communications device to summon assistance in the event of a serious accident.
To help guests feel comfortable in an outdoor environment, be sure to pack sunscreen, insect repellent, bottled water, and items to provide extra warmth or relief from the heat. Have plenty of umbrellas and flashlights on hand in case a storm rolls through and darkens the sky. If you will be stocking restroom facilities, don’t forget to purchase plenty of toilet paper, paper towels, soap, lotions, feminine products, and air fresheners.
Wind and weather can disturb your carefully arranged decorations, so it is important to bring along a basic toolbox in case repairs are required. Stock your toolbox with a hammer, flat- and Phillips-head screwdrivers, adjustable wrench, utility knife, pliers, loaded staple gun, work gloves, duct tape, electrical tape, tape measure, bungee cords, twine, rope, nails, screws, fast-bonding glue, and a small handsaw. There are many other equipment items that may come in handy, including waterproof tarps and matches, a plunger, bucket, mop, broom, dustpan, utility light, fire extinguisher, towing chain, jumper cables, flares, orange safety vests for those directing parking, sponges, and a case of paper towels.
It is also important to be able to respond to beauty emergencies. Most brides select petite and dainty purses to carry, and they are lucky if they can squeeze a tube of lipstick and a powder compact inside. In a separate, larger bag, you will want to pack a complete set of the makeup you intend to wear, including foundation, blusher, powder, eye shadow, eye liner, mascara, lipstick, and all brushes, sponges, or other applicators, along with moisturizer, sunscreen, a mirror, and a supply of makeup wipes for starting from scratch if necessary. Hair-care supplies, such as a comb, brush, curling iron, hairdryer, bobby pins, gel, mousse, and hairspray, are also a must. Also consider including tissues or a handkerchief, face-blotting paper, mints, toothpaste, a toothbrush, dental floss, deodorant, perfume, a sewing kit, safety pins, a lint brush, a backup pair of pantyhose, Band-Aids, antacids, pain relief medication, prescription medications including birth control pills, feminine products, nail clippers, a nail file or emery board, and bottles of clear and coordinating nail polish.