Dresses & Accessories

It's in the Bag

Emergency supplies every bride needs at her wedding

That darling little clutch might as well hold something sensible! Designer Michelle Roth of New York City cautions that the bride's purse should never appear bulky. "You can delegate other items to your mother or maid of honor," she says. "You'll want to have lipstick, powder, perfume, and a mirror on hand along with some extra-strength Tylenol or aspirin." Toss in a good luck charm from your grandmother or mother and you're all set, she says. In the bridal area, however, or in a locked suite near the reception hall, you'll need to stash some additional essentials. Roth recommends:

1. Three pair of extra hose
2. Written instructions on how to bustle your dress if it requires it
3. Baby powder, which will help to disguise accidental stains, if necessary. Remember to "go with the flow," Roth says. "Do not attempt to clean any stain. You may seal in the stain rather than remove it."
4. Crochet hooks for buttons
5. Extra buttons
6. Sewing kit with essentials (needle, thread, safety pins, etc.)