How to Pack Your Wedding Day Décor Like a Pro
Planning the wedding? Check.
Picking the perfect playlist? Check.
But now it’s time for one of the most overlooked (yet crucial!) tasks: packing up your wedding day décor.
Whether you're DIY-ing most of it or bringing in rentals and personal touches, how you pack can make your setup smoother, protect your special pieces, and help your planner, venue team, or friends get everything where it needs to go without a hundred questions. Here’s exactly what you need to do:
1. THE MOST IMPORTANT: Make sure all of your items have been taken out of their original packaging and cleaned. Unwrap and desticker every item.
2. Group Items by Area or Table
Rather than throwing all the candles in one box and signage in another, think about how each piece will be used on the big day.
Label your bins clearly:
Ceremony Table
Welcome Table
Bar Signage
Guestbook Table
Guest Reception Tables
Consider boxing your centerpiece items by table or by item (ex: all candles in one box and all vases in another)
This makes it easier for us to ensure items are placed exactly where you have been envisioning them!
Bonus points if you include a quick photo or mock-up of how you want it styled. Trust us—it helps!
3. Make an Inventory List
Create a simple checklist that includes:
What each item is
How many you have
Where it goes
Who it belongs to (especially if you’re borrowing or renting)
Print out a copy for yourself, your planner, and anyone else helping with setup or breakdown. It’s a sanity saver at the end of the night when you're trying to make sure Grandma’s heirloom cake knife makes it home.
4. Use Clear Bins with Lids (Not Cardboard Boxes)
Plastic bins make it easier to see what’s inside and stack in vehicles. Label the outside with large, visible writing so they’re easy to sort and unpack. If they aren’t clear, that’s truly okay but do stay away from cardboard boxes.
5. Protect the Fragile Stuff
Wrap breakables like glass signage, vases, or candles in bubble wrap, packing paper, or even kitchen towels. Mark the bin as FRAGILE on all sides so no one forgets to treat it gently.
Other Tips…
Pack Extras (Just in Case) - Always bring more than you think you’ll need. A few extras to consider:
Tea lights or batteries for LED candles
A backup copy of your signage (if paper or printable)
If you are having floating candles, include a couple of watch pitchers to make set up easy.
If your guestbook includes garbage (think polaroid photos, etc) include a basket for the discard.
If any of your signage includes mirrored items or any glass vases, include a microfiber cloth and spray for easy cleaning.
If you are having your planner put place cards at specific seats at each table, make it easy for them. Include a print of each table labeled with the exact location you would like for each guest.
Packing up your wedding décor can feel like an extra chore, but it’s one of the biggest gifts you can give to your future self—and your wedding team. With a little prep and organization, you’ll avoid stress, prevent damage or loss, and keep everything running smoothly.
You’ve spent time and energy dreaming up every detail of your day—let’s make sure it all comes together beautifully.