Event Day-of Emergency Kit Checklist: What to Pack and Why
Pack a day-of emergency kit for any event with first aid, stain care, tools, tape, chargers, snacks and weather gear, plus a list of key phone numbers.
Something always goes sideways on event day. A zipper splits, a candle drips, a vendor runs late or the ice runs out. None of this ruins an event if you can fix it in two minutes. A well-packed kit and a calm person in charge are what separate a smooth party from a stressful one. Here is what to pack, grouped by what it solves.
- One kit, one owner, one location
- 1 tote
- One kit, one owner, one location
- Small items worth packing
- 20+
- Small items worth packing
- Printed contact list for all vendors
- 1 page
- Printed contact list for all vendors
- Phone and battery backup
- 2 chargers
- Phone and battery backup
- Arrive before the first vendor
- 1 hour
- Arrive before the first vendor
- Person who knows where the kit is
- 1 helper
- Person who knows where the kit is
First aid and personal care
Pack bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, allergy tablets, antacids, hand sanitizer and tissues. Include a few blister pads for shoes and lip balm. Add any personal medication for the host. If your event has many children or older guests, tell your venue where its first aid kit is. Do not give guests medication unless you are trained.
Fix-it tools
Scissors, a box cutter, packing tape, duct tape, painter's tape, zip ties, binder clips, a small screwdriver, a lighter or matches (where candles are allowed), a flashlight and extra batteries. Command strips and a stapler help hang signs. Fishing line is handy for hanging decor.
Clothing and appearance
Safety pins, a mini sewing kit, a lint roller, stain remover pen, deodorant, hair ties, bobby pins, a comb, double-sided fashion tape and shoe inserts. If the guest of honor will be photographed, a few small touch-up items go a long way.
Spills and cleanup
Paper towels, baby wipes, club soda, extra napkins, trash bags in two sizes, a small broom and dustpan, and disposable gloves. Our event cleanup plan covers the end of the night. If you rent dishes, check how they should be returned in do you wash rental dishes.
Tech and power
Phone chargers, a battery pack, a power strip, extension cords rated for the use, a Bluetooth speaker as a backup, and an HDMI or audio adapter if there is a presentation. For outdoor power, see event power needs and outdoor extension cord safety.
Weather gear
Sunscreen, bug spray, ponchos or umbrellas, small towels, hand warmers in cold months and a few extra clips or weights for tent walls and decor. Read mosquitoes and bugs at outdoor events and rain on event day.
Comfort and food
Bottled water, snacks for you and your helpers, a few granola bars, and a plan for vendor meals. Hungry hosts make worse decisions at 4 p.m.
Paperwork
Print the day-of timeline, vendor names and phone numbers, deposit receipts, rental order, floor plan, headcount, permits and insurance papers. Keep a copy in the kit and a copy in your phone. A run of show with names beside each task helps others act without you.
Decide who owns the kit
Pick one calm person who is not the host. Show them where the kit lives and what is in it. That person handles small fires so the host can enjoy the party.
Kit contents by event type
| Event type | Extra items to add |
|---|---|
| Backyard party | Bug spray, sunscreen, fans, extra trash bags, tent weights |
| Wedding | Fashion tape, sewing kit, blister pads, spare ring bearer items |
| Corporate event | Name tag supplies, markers, USB adapters, extra badges |
| Kids party | Wipes, bandages, extra snacks, a change of clothes |
| Winter event | Salt, hand warmers, boot tray, coat hangers |
| Gala | Spare cuff links, stain pens, lint roller, program copies |
Customize the kit after your first event. Keep a note on what you used so the next kit is better.
Pack and use your kit
- 1Step 1Gather by zoneUse zip bags and label them.
- 2Step 2Add event extrasUse the table above.
- 3Step 3Print your sheetsContacts, timeline and floor plan.
- 4Step 4Choose a kit keeperOne person who is not the host.
- 5Step 5Restock after the eventReplace what you used for next time.
Chicago-area notes
Chicago weather can swing in a single day, so pack for sun, wind and rain at any outdoor event. Add snow melt or salt and a boot tray in winter, and an umbrella or poncho in spring and fall. If you park on a city street, keep coins or a parking app ready, and check loading rules for deliveries. Lakefront and open venues can be windy, so add clips and weights. For permit questions, keep a copy with you, and check with your village or park district for any conditions on site.
Free download: Day-of Timeline and Run of Show Template
The Day-of Timeline and Run of Show Template gives your kit keeper a one-page plan with times, names and phone numbers. Print it, tuck it in the tote and everyone knows who handles what when something goes off script.
Frequently asked questions
What should be in an event emergency kit?
What do wedding planners keep in their kit?
Who should carry the emergency kit?
What do I do if a vendor is late?
How do I handle a spill or stain?
What should I do if it rains?
Should I bring extra supplies for guests?
Ready to plan with confidence?
If your plan includes chairs, tables, linens, tents or dishes, request a quote and we will help you price the whole list in one place. Prefer to talk it through first? Book a free planning call and bring your date, guest count and questions.
- Planning
- Emergency kit
- Checklists
Ready to rent?
Keep planning
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