There is so much to plan and prep for your big day, that when it comes to the ACTUAL wedding day, it's easy to have your mind go blank on what you actually need. Here's a list of 10 things to pack... or have your mom or maid-of-honor pack for you. :)


#1. The Rings

Cleaned and shiny so that your photographer can get some great up close shots to show them off! If your ring is dirty you'll be able to tell in the photos; so make sure you clean it right before the big day. Ring boxes are probably a good idea to keep track of those precious gems!

#2. Marriage License

Make sure your marriage license is packed so that right after the ceremony (or during, in some cases) you can get that signed. Pro Tip: figure out someone responsible who you'll want to mail that right after the wedding for you so that you don't have to worry about it and instead you can just head straight to your honeymoon!


#3. Sewing kit and white chalk.

Just in case something goes wrong, it's handy to have a sewing kit on hand with the basics (needle, thread, scissors, safety pins) and then the white chalk is handy in case something should happen to stain your white dress. Chalk can cover up the stain.


#4. Water bottle or energy drink.

Your wedding day can be a long day, so having some kind of energy drink or pick-me-up beverage on hand can help give you a second wind. At our wedding we hit a wall right before the reception, and so we were so thankful to have energy drinks with us to sustain us through the second half of the day!


#5. Invitation and special details you want photographed- all bagged up and ready to hand off to your photographer.

Every wedding has those details that make it unique, and as a photographer I love getting to capture those details for you! But one thing that definitely helps with this is when brides have those details all ready to go so they can hand them off to me right at the start of the day. These details might include: a copy of your wedding invitation suite, your wedding jewelry, your wedding shoes, hair accessories, momentos or heirlooms like a handkerchief from grandma, the bottle of perfume you'll be wearing on the wedding day, or anything else that is significant that you want photographed to remember for later.

#6. List of what photos are important to you.

This is something that I go over with my brides beforehand, so if you book a wedding with me you won't have to worry about this, but having a list of the key photos that you want on the wedding day will help you relax and enjoy the day because you'll know that your photographer has those key shots covered.


#7. Thank-Yous or gifts for your bridal party, officiant, or parents.

This isn't required, but if you have little notes or gifts that you want to give to anyone (bridal party, parents, officiant, etc) make sure to have those packed and ready to go!


#8. Backup shoes.

Always a good idea to have a backup pair of shoes in case the cute heels start to hurt more than you anticipated OR in case your shoes break! I know it sounds crazy, but I've had it happen to me. Better to be safe than sorry and have a backup pair of shoes on hand.


#9. Extra deodorant.

Pretty self-explanatory. But you'll be moving and hugging and dancing and experiencing A LOT on your big day, so have a back up to reapply as needed. Maybe even go with the prescription strength stuff, at least for that day.


#10. Gum or mouth spray.

Because you'll be kissing your new husband lots and lots! It's always more enjoyable for both of you when your breath is nice and minty fresh!

Did you find this helpful? Whenever a bride books with me, I have additional resources to help her with planning her big day. Reach out and check availability for your wedding day!