Armed with Tape
August 21st, 2008 @ 8:25 am by Mrs. Cookie
When I was a Stage Manager, I had a whole arsenal of tape. Yes, you heard that right, tape! It got me out of a pickle more time than I can count, from: tapping down loose cords with gaffer’s tape so no one would trip, quick changing zipper malfunctions leading to gaff taping an actress’s costume together and pushing her onstage, and toupee taping faux mustaches and beards. The wonders of tape for theatrical purposed astounded me! And I think, to be quite honest, tape can be a bride-to-be’s best friend. I am compiling my bridal emergency kit, and here are two tapes I’ve added to my bridal arsenal.
First up, the wonders of Gaffer Tape. According to Wikipedia,
“Gaffer Tape is normally based on a heavy fabric or plastic tape. The name derives from its use by gaffers in the entertainment industry among others, to hold down cables particularly to obviate or prevent tripping hazard and to stop damage to the cables and equipment.”
Not only is it useful to prevent tripping, but it is darn useful to tape down hems, aisle runners, bouquets, zipper malfunctions, and lots, lots more. The best part is that it rips really, really easily — no scissors required. Gaff Tape sizes range from 1-3 inches and costs between $5-20 per roll. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors!
Ever wonder how Jennifer Lopez pulled off that Versace dress without flashing her boobies? Two words: Toupee Tape.
Normally used to keep balding men’s dignity in tack, these little pieces of tape can stop an accidental boobie flashing (I’ll be using this tape to keep the girls in-line!) It can even be used for hem disasters or many DIY crafting purposes. You can buy Toupee Tape at a local theatrical supply store, fabric store, or online at Norcostco and will run you around $5.95 for 12 pieces.
You can also substitute Toupee Tape for Double Sided tape. Depending on the brand, it works just as well!
I’ll be showing more of my bridal emergency kit once it is complete. What unique tool have you acquired for your bridal emergency kit?
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14 Responses to “Armed with Tape”
For clothing hold-downs, you can also purchase a brand called FashionTape. $5 for way more pieces. Target is now also carrying these products in their lingerie department.
I used to be a stage manager! And now I am a non profit fund-raiser! Strange–we running parallel lives…and I love tape too. I agree with SarahCatherine–an SM’s kit is all about being prepared, as is a wedding kit. Who knew that theatre degree would be so useful!
I used good old fashion packing tape to put my “girls” in place in my plunging Angel Sanchez gown and it was the best fashion tactic ever. It was like a $3.99 breast reduction! I thought I’d be able to use Hollywood Tape, but I need a bit more heft.
@SarahCatherine: No, there isn’t really a difference between a wedding and Stage Management Kit!
@Mrs. Bird of Paradise: I never even thought to look a Sally’s! Good idea!
Ooo gaffer tape is going on my shopping list now. I’ve always used masking tape, but this sounds better.
Toupee tape is awesome. I suggest having the gel form of baby oil on hand when peeling the tape off of your skin. It helps dissolve the adhesive.
Safety pins are one thing I never leave home without. I also carry a small swiss army knife with me. Those tiny scissors really come in handy.
@Lynn:
The other great thing about gaffer tape (besides being so easy to rip) is that while it holds great, when it’s time to take it off, it does so cleanly. Duct tape leaves residue and masking tape can strip varnish off of wood, so gaff tape is way better in that regard.
Plus it’s a matte finish, which I think looks a lot nicer, so even if people see the tape, it still looks clean and unassuming.
Kind of sad that I have this much to add to a conversation about tape.
@Miss Margarita: I should have thought of this when I posted, but you can’t buy gaff tape at a hardware store (ie Home Depot). You need to purchase it online or from a local theatrical store. I’d recommend http://www.buytape.com/ or Norcostco http://www.norcostco.com/index.asp
@SarahCatherine: I second your comment, and there’s nothing sad about it! Gaff tape is the best thing ever!
I’ve also found it at art supply stores, though the options were limited. But it might be worthy checking out if you’d rather see it in person before buying online and there are no theatrical supply stores near you.
I’m a wedding videographer and I keep gaff tape in my bag- it’s there for me and my equipment, or the bride! It’s like the best of all tapes combined (although the really high quality stuff can be expensive, but it lasts forever.) Love it!
gaffer tape rocks! i’m a film production designer and i run around set with a belt full of different tapes… but gaffer’s tape is what i use most. it’s just so darn versatile! i love it! definitely a good idea to have on hand when dealing with wedding stuff.
I used to be a scenic painter in Boston. Gaffers tape is a miracle worker. We used to cover all sorts of stuff with it, when the paint wouldn’t stick to the material. I think theater is built on gaffer’s tape and hot glue.
Mrs. Cookie, Denver
Age and Occupation: 25, Nonprofit Fundraiser/Theatre Designer
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Financial Analyst
Engagement Date: September 2007
Wedding Date: September 2008
Blogging Since: May 8, 2008
Venue: Ten Mile Station
About Me: With a degree in Theatre I never realized that planning a wedding was a lot like Theatre Management, until I started planning my own. I am a coffee addict, especially Starbucks' Grande Mochas, yummy! I love to cook (especially chocolate chip cookies for my honey), travel to exotic places, and be creative. As a couple, Mr. Cookie and I are extremely practical, down to earth, and children at heart. We live in a cozy abode with our adorable Pomeranian, and love to play board games and watch movies into the evening.
I *heart* gaff tape! As do all stage managers, I’m sure, which I also am. I’m still very early in the wedding planning stages, but am also finding that my training and experience in theater production is coming in very useful for wedding planning. And is there a difference between a wedding kit and a stage managers kit, really?