Ok, so… you probably know that your wedding day will fly by in a joyful blur… but being prepared can help you enjoy every minute without stress or forgotten items. And I’m not going to let you be without the essentials! Whether you’re the bride, groom, maid of honor, or wedding planner, this comprehensive checklist will ensure nothing important gets left behind. Here’s what to pack for your wedding before the big day so you don’t miss a thing.
🕘 Wedding Day Timeline & Essentials by the Hour
- 7:00 AM – Wake Up & Light Breakfast: Stay hydrated and eat something light but energizing.
- 8:00 AM – Hair & Makeup: Have your inspiration photos, touch-up kit, and timeline ready.
- 10:30 AM – Photographer Arrives: Ensure all detail items (invitation, rings, shoes, perfume, etc.) are gathered.
- 12:00 PM – Get Dressed: Dress, veil, accessories, undergarments, shoes.
- 1:00 PM – First Look / Portraits: Touch-up makeup, bring tissues and water.
- 3:00 PM – Ceremony Start: Marriage license, rings, programs, vows.
- 4:00 PM – Post-Ceremony Photos: Assign someone to gather family members.
- 5:00 PM – Reception Begins: Speeches, meal, cake, dancing shoes, guestbook.
Edit as needed, based on your wedding timeline.
👰 Bride’s Packing List
- Wedding dress (including hanger and garment bag)
- Veil or hair accessories
- Undergarments, shapewear, and strapless bra
- Comfortable backup shoes
- Jewelry (earrings, necklace, bracelet, etc.)
- Perfume
- Makeup & touch-up kit (blotting paper, tissues, lipstick, powder)
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, mints or gum
- Emergency kit (sewing kit, stain remover, double-sided tape)
- Vow book
- Nail file or glue
- Straws (for lipstick preservation!)
- Tampons or pads
- Mini first aid kit
- Static guard spray
- Heel stoppers (for grass)
- Sunscreen (spray recommended)
- Bug spray (for outdoor weddings)
🤵 Groom’s Packing List
- Suit or tuxedo (jacket, pants, shirt)
- Belt or suspenders
- Dress shoes and socks
- Tie, bowtie, or cravat
- Watch or accessories
- Cologne
- Grooming supplies (razor, comb, deodorant)
- Vow book
- Rings (assign someone to carry!)
- Marriage license (bring to ceremony!)
👯 Bridal Party Essentials
- Dresses/suits and accessories
- Comfortable shoes
- Touch-up makeup
- Water bottles and snacks
- Copies of the timeline
- Phone chargers or portable power banks
- Emergency kit (band-aids, safety pins, bobby pins)
🧰 Wedding Coordinator/Planner Kit
- Master timeline and vendor contact list
- Seating chart and layout plan
- Scissors, tape, pens, Sharpies (THESE! I use them for everything)
- Safety pins, lint roller, stain remover pen
- Phone charger & extension cord
- Extra copies of ceremony scripts & vendor contracts
PRO TIP: Wondering who to tip? Read: Which Wedding Vendors Do You Tip? The Ultimate Tipping Etiquette Guide for Weddings.
📸 Photo & Styling Essentials / Flatlay Items
- Ring box
- Invitation suite (1 full set)
- Ribbon, florals, perfume bottle
- Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, and a Sixpence (for your shoe)
- Extra bouquet ribbon or pins
- Family photo shot list (printed)
- Disposable or Instant cameras and film (if using)
📸 Ceremony & Reception Essentials
- Marriage license and pens
- Rings
- Printed vows or scripts
- Ceremony programs (if using)
- Reserved seating signs
- Favors guests will actually take home, table numbers, menus
- Photo booth props or signage
- MC or DJ script / song list
- Guestbook and pens
- Reception timeline and MC scripts
- Flat shoes or flip-flops for dancing
- Umbrella (just in case!)
- Cake cutting set and toasting flutes
🧳 Post-Wedding / Just-in-Case Items
- Overnight bags (if staying at a hotel) + change of clothes
- Makeup remover wipes
- Phone + charger + portable battery
- Printed contact sheet for wedding party + vendors
- Comfy outfit / slippers for end of night
- Cash or card for last-minute needs
- Travel documents (passport, ID, luggage tag, etc.)
- Lighter (for candles or sparklers)
- List of emergency contacts
- Water bottle and snacks (trail mix, granola bars)
📄 Want a Printable Version?
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💬 Final Thoughts
Preparation is the key to a stress-free, magical wedding day. Use this checklist to stay on track and focus on what truly matters. I hope this list helps you to begin the next beautiful chapter in your life without forgetting an essential. :)
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
