You’ve spent the last several months planning and preparing for your wedding and the day is finally here! By now, you’ve gathered so many items, coordinated with multiple vendors, and prepared so many details, that there is barely any room left in your mind! It’s a lot – I get it! Aside from the obvious dress, shoes, and snacks, here is your checklist with the most essential things that will help you to be prepared for your big day! Take it from someone who has photographed nearly 50 weddings, I’ve learned a thing or two about what you’ll need for your wedding day prep!

5 Must-Haves For Your Wedding Day Prep

Details in a Box for Your Photographer 

I don’t know about you, but I think some of the most elegant wedding photos are of the details. The dress, the rings, the tie… it’s such a beautiful way to capture the aesthetic of your day AND your personalities.

By putting all of these momentos in a box during your wedding day prep, you are much less likely to lose them. Plus, it will allow you to easily give your photographer everything they need right when they arrive!

What to include:

• Your wedding rings (including the engagement ring)
• Extra save the date cards, invitations, and RSVPS
• Envelopes and wax
• Her jewelry and veil
• Both your shoes
• His tie, cufflinks, watch and socks
• Extra flower petals
• Vow book
• Any other personal and important details!

Extra Flowers

Trust me, a few extra flowers go a long way with your wedding day prep! Ask your florist to set aside additional flowers just for you. These can be a great addition to your detail photos, a last-minute decoration to surround the cake, or simply to put a smile on your grandmother’s face when you give them to her. The possibilities are endless, PLUS they can also serve as a backup in case others go missing!

Tote Bags for Wedding Prep

You’ll be amazed at how fast all of your things start to accumulate Grab a designated bag for all of your “extra” stuff before you walk out the door. It’s one of the most essential items on your wedding day prep list! You’ll suddenly realize you have an excess of things like gifts, this morning’s clothes, chargers, extra make-up, snacks, backup mascara, and so much more! All of these can easily be thrown into your handy tote bag. You don’t want anything to get lost or left behind!

Hygiene Products

OK, I truly can’t stress this enough for your wedding day prep. You might be thinking, “Madeline, don’t be ridiculous. I would never forget to brush my teeth or put on deodorant.” Don’t be surprised when you find yourself with coffee breath or an unexpectedly warm day, the list goes on.

I recommend packing these emergency items in your bag too (you just never know!)

• Tampons and pads
• Safety pins
• A sewing kit
• Band Aids for those heels!
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Snacks 
• Q-Tips
• Floss
• Breath mints
• Extra white nail polish

Tide To Go Pens

I was at a wedding once where the bride spilled red wine ALL. OVER. HER. DRESS. It was an absolute nightmare. We rushed into the bathroom, and after using three ENTIRE Tide To Go pens, we somehow got every bit of the wine out. 

If she hadn’t had them on her wedding day prep list, I don’t know what we would have done! These pens can be the difference between a clean white dress and a forever stain. The bride wrote her thanks to Tide and is now happily a Tide-for-life member.

Wedding Day Prep

It’s no secret that although your wedding day will be beautiful, it can also get a little overwhelming. By being prepared and bringing everything on this list, your future married self will thank you! And remember, you aren’t in this alone! Not only should your vendors be prepared, but you also have your family and friends to help you out. Share this list of wedding day prep items with them to ensure your big day is as smooth and as wonderful as the fairytale you deserve.

If you’re interested in more tips like these, please reach out and I’m always willing to share my experience and advice! Contact Me!