Preparing for your wedding day is stressful, I totally understand! When my husband and I eloped to Oahu I was so worried I was forgetting something. I didn’t want to forget our vow books, or my jewelry, and I had nightmares about forgetting my dress at home in Arizona! I made lists for lists so that I wouldn’t forget anything, you’d rather over pack for your wedding day than under pack! So let’s go over what to pack for your Wedding Day.
Even if you’re getting married right down the road from your home, it’s nearly impossible to run home and grab the thing(s) you forgot when you’re getting ready, or need to get into your wedding dress. I can’t tell you how many times I have showed up to wedding days and brides and/or grooms say, “I forgot my invitation suite for flat lays…” or, “I left my cufflinks at home”. It happens to the best of us!
In my 20 page wedding guide that I give to my couples, I include several pages on staying organized while prepping for your wedding, a checklist for what to bring, and how to pack your many details so they’re easy to find on your wedding day! I have included those tips and checklists below for you to have as well!
How To Keep Your Wedding Day Organized
Having a wedding planner and/or coordinator is the best way to help you stay organized. After shooting countless weddings I can testify that the brides who are the most calm and have the least amount of stress have a professional organizing their day! However, this blog isn’t about the pros of having a planner (you can read all about that here). This blog is to help you with all the things that are on your to-do list!
Before we get into the checklists of what exactly to pack for the bride and groom, I think it’s important to go over these tips and what to pack to keep the day organized.
- Make sure everyone is aware of the timeline. Print this timeline out and make sure it’s given to everyone who needs it or it’s displayed where people can see it. This helps EVERYONE in your bridal party out (the parents, the bridesmaids, the groomsmen, the groom, etc.)
- Set yourself up for success by sorting the things you’ll need throughout the day into bags or boxes. On top of doing this exact thing for you and your partner, you can do this for your bridal party! Think Tylenol, tissues, bandaids, water, a needle and thread in case of wardrobe malfunctions, etc.
- Have a contact sheet, if anyone needs anything this is who they’ll reach out to instead of you (you’re last resort)! You can include this portion on the timeline, or you can print or write out a master contact sheet and hang it up where all of your bridal party can see.
What to Pack for your Wedding Day
I recommend laying everything out the week leading up to your big day, that way nothing is left in a closet and you don’t forget something you needed or wanted. My next tip is to get bins, boxes, or bags to sort things and then label them; TJ Maxx has great and cheap reusable bags that hold tons of things. This makes it easier for your bridesmaids, mom, vendors, etc. to find things without bothering you while you’re getting ready!
What To Pack for Your Wedding Day As The Bride
- Your Dress(es)
- Veil
- Rings and ring boxes
- Shoes
- Jewelry
- Perfume
- Hair Pieces
- Wedding Dress Hanger
- Wedding Stationary (save the dates, invitation, menu cards, envelopes, etc.)
What To Pack for Your Wedding Day As The Groom
- Suit
- Shoes
- Tie, bowtie, pocket square, etc.
- Cuff links
- Watch
- Socks
- Belt
- Cologne
Other Things
- Vow Books
- Lipstick
- Broach (or anything you’re adding to your bouquet)
- Extra linens, fabric, etc.
- Any other little details you want to include (sentimental trinkets, tickets, etc.)
I have created a Pinterest board with tons of inspiration for detail photos, this might help you when it comes to what to pack!
By sorting and packing all your details, your wedding day will flow smoothly. Your maid of honor and/or anyone helping you get ready will know exactly where stuff is, and you won’t have to worry if you forgot anything! I can’t recommend prepping for your wedding day ahead of time enough; it will save you so much stress.
I love helping couples and want every single one to feel prepared for their wedding day! If you are looking for a wedding photographer who will help you prepare in many ways for your wedding day, reach out here! I would love to chat.
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