It is the morning of your wedding, and you have been up bright and early since 4am. You showered, had your make-up done, and grabbed a snack. Now it is time to head to the venue and you quickly grab everything together in your car so that you can arrive on time by 7am to meet your hair stylist.
Your heart is thumping. So far, your morning has been a total blur given how action-packed it was.
You quickly cram these in a bag…
- Guest Book... check! ✔️
- Dress.... check! ✔️
- Shoes.... check!
- Bottled Water... check! ✔️
- Needle and thread... check! ✔️
Good job packing all these essentials morning of your wedding!
The problem is that when you arrive at the venue, your heart sinks. You have forgotten a few of the sentimental pieces you were going to set up at the venue ahead of time.
You shouldn't have to scramble morning-of trying to make sure that you have collected everything you might need. But without some planning ahead of time, you are likely to forget to bring along a few miscellaneous items that would be helpful but that commonly get left behind.
I understand that it can be overwhelming trying to stay organized for your wedding. That’s why I have put together this easy-to-follow, printable checklist that will help you pack everything on your wedding day without stressing.
Normally I charge for this checklist but I am giving it to you for free as a very small wedding gift. Grab the Printable Version of it HERE so you can check everything off one by one.
Hygiene and Self-Care
- Advil, Antacid, Painkillers
- Bobby pins
- Gum, mints, mouthwash
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Perfume or Cologne
- Makeup (most importantly your lipstick)
- Mirror
- Nail polish (if needed for touch ups on your manicure)
- Snacks
- Water
- Champagne and Glasses
- Coffee
- Feminine hygiene products
- Tissues
- Band-Aids
- Makeup wipes
- Baby powder
- Tweezers
Bridal Attire and Wedding Accessories
- Bridal dress on a hanger
- Garment bag or box for bridal dress
- Your getting ready outfit (a robe, pjs, slippers)
- Going away outfit
- Garter Set
- Rings (for both bride and groom)
- Hairpiece or Veil
- Wedding Shoes
- Undergarments / Corset / bra / spanx
- Jewelry (earrings, necklace, bracelet, etc)
- Purse
- Hairbrush and comb
- Hair spray
- Sentimental accessories / family remembrance pieces
- Handkerchief
Ceremony and Reception Décor
- Cake knife and topper (if not already given to the venue or baker)
- Sentimental Photos if you will be displaying these at your reception
- Guest book and pen
- Wedding arch
- Signs or other DIY décor items
- Table Numbers
- Card Box
- Wedding favors
- Ring Bearer Pillow
- Flower Girl Basket
- Tool Bag including a hammer and nails (for setting things up or fixing things)
Attire Additions (just in case)
- Steamer
- Lint brush
- Safety pins
- Scotch tape/masking tape
- Sewing kit
- Stain remover
- Sewing pins
- Extra buttons
Wedding Items to Photograph
- Wedding Invitations Suite and Envelope
- Framed photos of deceased loved ones or other family heirlooms
- Engagement ring boxes
- Handwritten notes to one another (if you choose to do so)
- Vow books
Organization and Ceremony Paperwork
- A vendor list with their contact info
- Reception maps, wedding timeline, and wedding programs (print off a few copies to give to the wedding party and vendors)
- Marriage license
- Photo ID
- A copy of your vows
- Seating Chart
- Pen and notepad
Technology
- Personal camera
- Phone charger
- Earphones
- Portable speaker if you have a morning-of music playlist
Gifts and Payments
- Gifts for bridesmaids, groomsmen, MOB, MOG, flower girl, ring bearer, ushers, etc (if you choose to give a gift and if you have not already given them)
- Gift for your partner (if not already given)
- Vendor tips or fees in envelopes to (can give to wedding planner or a bridesmaid to pass out)
- Cash and Credit card (just in case!)
Travel
- Hotel confirmation or Airline tickets for honeymoon
- Passport
- Luggage (if you are going directly to the honeymoon)
Items that most often get left behind on your wedding day
- a phone charger
- Cash
- Stain Remover
Oh and don't forget your spouse. 😂
Grab your fillable PDF checklist here. There you have it! But my real gift to you is actually a small piece of your sanity back as you prep for the day of your wedding!
A few other planning tips for the best wedding day experience:
- Make sure to hand off as many items as possible to the appropriate people in advance. For example, if your venue gives you access to the location in advance, then you can bring some of that décor to the venue a day or two ahead of time. Or you can make sure that the flower girl has her flower basket and the ring bearer has the pillow (or at least his parents do!)
- Try to be in the moment and to savor the experience. It is totally normal to feel nervous and anxious on your wedding day. Try your best to trust your family and friends who are there to support you. If you forget something on your wedding day or something unexpected puts a glitch in your plan, realize that this will make for a fabulous story to tell others about. Years from now it will be the thing that you retell and laugh about. What is most important is that you are marrying the love of your life.
- Make sure to eat and hydrate. Even if you are not normally a breakfast person, make sure to start your day off right with a healthy and light meal that fuels you for the day ahead. Pack lots of healthy snacks like nuts, fruit, peanut butter, and other munchies that will keep you going. Please do not skip the water just because you are worried about having to use the bathroom! It would be far worse to faint or to not be at your best because you decided not to eat and drink. You can even plan in advance and put a bridesmaid in charge of regularly reminding you to grab a few bites and sips.
Download your printable checklist now and you won't forget some of the most forgotten items! While most of your tasks will already be completed before the wedding day, some things will still need to be packed day of. Relax and enjoy the journey with the ultimate checklist for your wedding day. 
But maybe you need a little bit more help?
If you're asking questions like...
- Which vendors do I book and when?
- How do I stay in budget?
- Who should be in my guest list?
I recommend investing $29 and getting the
Ultimate Wedding Planner for Organized Brides
My real gift to you is actually a small piece of your sanity back as you prep for your wedding! You can download it immediately and start planning in an organized way. It is designed for brides who want to take control of the budget, wedding vendors, and timeline. Happy planning!