My #1 Must Have For Wedding Planners On Wedding Day
Updated in January 2023
I won’t keep you in suspense, my must have item for coordinating on wedding days is a fanny pack.
These handy little bags have made a big comeback in the last few years. And they’re a super important part of my emergency bag system.
Fanny packs are SO functional, especially for wedding day. I always have a backpack filled to the bring with emergency items and another loaded box that I keep in the car. I don’t want to lug either of those around all day, so I wear a fanny pack on wedding days.
They’re super convenient since they’re hands free.
I can easily keep important personal items on me, like car keys, credit cards & ID, and my iPhone. Plus, there’s room for a folded itinerary and some other important small tools as well.
My wedding day fanny packs always have tissues, bobby pins, a pen (or three), small scissors and other random things I throw in on the fly.
These little mini toolkits are also convenient once I’ve changed in to my little black dress (or a nicer top and pants) for ceremony and reception, because I can clip my walkie-talkie on to the waistband.
I started off with a large black canvas style waist pack from Herschel Supply Co., but when the clasp broke I opted for something more discreet.
Scroll down for a list of my faves:
1. Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L, $68
I have this one and love it. This is my fave for wedding days, and every day really. Great quality, small and simple. This is the one I usually wear for the reception since it’s smaller and more discreet. I love the logo is subtle rather than obvious. As wedding planners, we’re meant to blend in on wedding day. I keep ID cards and cash in the secret back pocket, and the front is easy to organize as well.
The price for the Lulu Everywhere bag has almost doubled over the last three years because it’s such a popular item. They offer a bunch of different styles now. If the price tag isn’t for you, I suggest looking on Poshmark and Facebook Marketplace for one secondhand. Or, check out these great dupes from Amazon.ca here and here, or Amazon.com here.
2. Beis The Sort Sling, $74
I can’t take credit for this find. Laura Olsen Events brought it to my attention as soon as she found it because it’s perfect. The best part is the pocket for your water bottle. Because we all know we should drink more water on wedding day, right? There’s even a micro-fiber lined protective pocket for your phone or sunglasses, plus a built-in card organizer.
3. H&M Faux Leather Belt Bag, $30
This is very similar to a popular Target bag. Since it’s faux leather, you won’t worry when it takes a beating on wedding day. I’d say this is a great option for the ceremony and evening. Something smaller and dressier to switch to when all (or most) of the set up is done for the day and you want to look presentable, while still carrying your arsenal.
4. H&M Small Shoulder Bag, $25
Technically this shoulder bag isn’t a fanny pack, but you can still wear it hands free, and I bet you might even be able to adjust the strap small enough to wear on your waist. No nonsense, clean lines and lots of room. Only $25!
5. Lululemon On The Beat Belt Bag 4.5L, $58
I also have this one, and usually wear it during set up since it’s larger and can hold a ton. Inevitably, my bag for the set up portion of the day gets filled with all sorts of things as I run around coordinating a wedding day. This one can fit everything I throw at it, and is easy to organize with multiple pockets and sections.
If you’re building your wedding day emergency kit right now, I have another helpful post with my top 10 must have items, right here.