Wedding day packing list

Packing for the big day tends to be a stressful experience for many because they don’t want to forget anything!! We totally understand and encourage you to follow the below list and PACK EARLY! Get your bags + bins packed 1 week before the big day so those final days are relaxing, of course there are a few last minute items to throw in, but that’s what sticky notes are for!

Bridal Attire

  • Getting ready attire (shirt, blouse, robe, slippers, etc.)

  • Wedding dress! Be sure it is freshly steamed and packed up in the bag. Bonus: a nice hanger is a great touch for pictures. 

  • Undergarments

  • Veil (If you’re using one!) or hair accessories

  • Handbag/clutch

  • Engagement ring; you’re probably wearing it, but in case you had it cleaned and have it staying shiny in its box, be sure to pack it!

  • Wedding bands; double check you have both yours and your sweetheart’s.

  • Jewelry; this is everything from earrings, necklace, bracelet, rings, etc.

  • Garter (not as popular anymore, but if you want it- pack it)

  • Shoes (do you need a change of shoes for later in the night?)

  • Something old, new, borrowed and blue

  • Touch up make-up

  • Perfume + deodorant 

  • Hairspray

  • Toothbrush + toothpaste

  • Phone charger 

  • Mini emergency kit (medicine, mini sewing kit, heel protectors, Tide To-Go, oil blotting cloths, hair ties, bobby pins, tampons, tissues etc.) 

  • NOTE: If you are a B-Rad bride or have a coordinator chances are they will have an expanded emergency kit with them that will have everything you didn’t even think you may need. Don’t worry about this- we gotcha! 

Men’s Attire

  • Pants

  • Shirt

  • Vest

  • Bow tie or tie

  • Suspenders

  • Belt!!!!!! This is commonly forgotten!

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • Shoes

  • Tie clip (if applicable)

  • Cuff-links (if you have a specific pair that you love or have been gifted)

  • Accessories (handkerchief, watch, etc.)

  • Deodorant

  • Toothbrush + toothpaste

  • Cologne 

  • Hair product 

  • Phone charger

  • Bluetooth Speaker

Detail Shots

All the items from the Bridal Attire section, plus:

  • Fresh invitation suite

  • Fresh addressed (not mailed) invitation envelope

Keep these items with the bride in an easy to find location. Once the photographer arrives they will grab these items for details pictures. 

Gifts

  • Gifts for your future husband/wife; not all couples gift each other something on their wedding day, but if you decided to do it, don’t forget it!

  • Letters to your future spouse; whether you do gifts or not, we think this is something really sweet that will be so special for you to reread in the future.

  • Gifts for your parents

  • Gifts for your bridal party; don’t forget about your ushers, flower girls, or ring bearers, too! *This is a great item to hand out at rehearsal so it’s less to manage morning-of

Ceremony Details

  • Any DIY items (aisle markers, arch, alter arrangement, etc.)

  • Programs

  • Ceremony ritual accessories (unity candle, sand ceremony, wine box, love letter, ropes, etc.)

  • Copy of vows

  • Marriage license (Bring this to rehearsal, your officiant can hold on to it! And ideally get this signed after the rehearsal) 

Reception Details

  • Champagne flutes

  • Cake topper

  • Table numbers

  • Day-of stationery (escort cards/display, menu, signage, etc.)

  • Photos to be displayed (if you are doing a memory table, it is a nice touch to label the pictures)

  • Guestbook (Don’t forget pens/markers, etc.)

  • Card box 

  • Signage (welcome sign, bar signs, quotes, gift table sign, guest book sign, etc.)

  • Favors! Many couples are going away from favors but don’t forget to pack them if you have them!

Bonus:

  • Activity for the bridesmaids/ groomsmen to do getting ready. Sometimes (the men especially) can get restless

    • Playing cards/games

    • Polaroid camera

In many cases your planner will place your personal decor for you, make sure items are labeled for easy set-up. We promise, the earlier you pack and get situated the better. Grab a few stackable storage bins for easy transport and you are golden! Happy packing! 

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Crafting a wedding schedule