What to Pack on Your Wedding Day

Home » Blog » What to Pack on Your Wedding Day

While prepping for your wedding day your brain might be all over the place. So much planning and thought has gone into your day and now it’s time to bring it all together. As a wedding photographer I have seen many couples forget key items and need the most random things on their day so I wanted to share the essentials you should have on hand. Here’s a breakdown of What to Pack on Your Wedding Day!

Your Clothes

Seems like a no brainer but it’s important to be on top of this one. Wedding day outfits can be elaborate with many pieces. I’ve seen many people (bridesmaids, groomsman, parents of the bride and groom etc) forget a ties, shoes, and even undergarments that are needed to bring their special looks together. So make a check list of each part of your outfit and keep every item together when packing.That way nothing will be forgotten. Also keep in mind if you need fabric tape, eyelash glue (great to keep your necklace in place too with just a drop on the back of your neck), backup ties or dress shirts (sometimes a backup shirt is handy for the groom if it’s a hot and sweaty day or if something gets spilled!). Also think about a backup pair of shoes. I can never last long in heels so if you’re planning on dancing the night away maybe consider a pair of sandals or flats to change into.

The Emergency Kit

You may have seen wedding day emergency kits you can either build yourself or buy all put together. These are great because you never know who’s going to need a bandaid, Advil, or a toothbrush throughout your day. I like going through the travel section at your local drugstore and grabbing all the travel size medications and first aid items. That way you’re not spending a fortune but you have all the necessities in case of emergency. Upset tummies, the sweats, cuts and wardrobe malfunctions all happen. So pack the tums, deodorant, safety pins, mini sewing kit and scissors. You’d be surprised at what you might actually end up needing.

Another random item is white chalk or baby powder. This can mask grease or dirt stains on silk or satin. If you’re wearing a wedding dress with a beautiful row of buttons a crochet hook can make buttoning up so much easier and quicker. That’s saves so much time for clients! A lint roller to keep all clothing fresh and picture ready is great to have on hand too!

Please keep fueled!

I’ve sadly seen a bride pass out after her ceremony and miss her entire reception due to being dehydrated. So please if you take anything away from this blog EAT AND STAY HYDRATED! On my wedding day I was so excited and nervous my tummy wasn’t feeling up to any food but I made sure to nibble throughout the day. So much is going on, you’re being pulled in so many directions and there’s no way you can enjoy it all to the fullest if you’re not taking care of yourself. So pack a snack box, bring a case of water for your wedding party and plan some sort of meal to have while getting ready. You will need the fuel!

Detail Photos Box

If you’re planning on having detail photos taken be sure to group everything together me before I get there. It’s most likely the first things I’ll be photographing so having it all in one place makes this easier for everyone. Things like your outfits, shoes, rings, vow books, special jewelry, perfume, flowers or bouquets, and makeup all make great items for your detail photos. You can also include your wedding stationary like your save the dates, invites and programs.

Be Ready for the Weather

Here in Washington specifically the weather can change in a moments notice. As the bride or groom I’m sure you’ll be eying the weather for your big day as it approaches. I suggest thinking ahead and preparing no mater what the forecast is saying. Pack a few clear umbrellas just in case it rains. If it doesn’t you can always return them. Hand warmers are always great on colder days and fans can be a lifesaver on hot summer days. Preparing for any weather is so important when thinking about What to Pack on Your Wedding Day.

bride and groom signing marriage license

The Paperwork

While you don’t necessarily need to bring printed contracts or timelines for yourself or vendors (this should all be recorded digitally for you both) it can sometimes be nice to have on hand. Especially printed copies of your ceremony for the officiant or readings if someone is reading something specific during the ceremony. Be sure those designated people have these copies BEFORE the ceremony. Also having a physical copy of your timeline for you, your wedding party and wedding vendors/coordinator can be so nice to reference for everyone.

Of course you will need your marriage license too! This is needed in order to make it official so be sure this gets packed! Along with your rings! Both are very important parts of your day.

If you’re wanting to tip your wedding vendors bringing pre labeled envelopes ready to be handed out is helpful. Designate your coordinator or a wedding party member to deliver those before the festivities. Vendors are coming and going at different times so it’s best not to save this task for whoever to do at the end of the night as everyone is busy wrapping things up.

Your Decor

When planning your decor I found it helpful to write a list with photos or descriptions and put it in a box specifically for each table or spot. For example for all of my reception tables I had a specific box per table with the candles, table number and vases. This way it was super easy and straight forward for whoever was setting up the table to know what to do without having to ask me. They’d open the box, find the items and see the description or picture on how I wanted it set up. You may think you’ll have time to help set up but I bet you probably won’t. Brides and grooms are constantly being pulled every direction and asked a million questions. So the more prep and direction you can give your crew ahead of time will make your day more relaxing and enjoyable.

bride and groom first kiss what to pack on your wedding day

Keep those lips fresh!

All brides and grooms should be using chapstick leading up to and throughout their wedding day. Trust me, you don’t want crusty lips in all your professional wedding day pictures.