The Wedding Planner's Shopping List: Essentials For The Big Day

what things to buy for a wedding planning

Wedding planning can be an overwhelming and stressful process, but with the right tools and mindset, it can be a breeze. From selecting a date and venue to creating a timeline and choosing vendors, there's a lot to consider. It's important to stay organized and remember the little things, like a bridal emergency kit and a bathroom basket for guests. It's also crucial to lean on your vendors and wedding party for support and to delegate tasks. This paragraph aims to introduce the topic of wedding planning and provide a glimpse into the key areas that require attention, from the practical to the personal, ensuring that the happy couple can enjoy their special day without any hiccups.

Things to buy for wedding planning:

Characteristics Values
Wedding planner/coordinator To help with planning and execution
Bridal emergency kit Makeup, sewing kit, deodorant, perfume, mouth fresheners, toothbrush, toothpaste, shoe liners, etc.
Bathroom basket For guests
Wedding guestbook To keep memories
Dress steamer To smooth out bridal dresses
Bridesmaids gifts Bracelets, necklaces, etc.
Honeymoon travel items Luggage, clothes, etc.
Photo wranglers To assist the photographer
Ice 1-1.5 pounds per guest
Decorations Centerpieces, ceremony and reception decor items
Gifts for groomsmen Watches, ties, etc.

shunbridal

Gifts for bridesmaids and groomsmen

When it comes to wedding planning, there are a plethora of things to consider, from the venue, the flowers, the food, the guest list, the ceremony, the reception, and the wedding favours. One important aspect is showing appreciation to your bridesmaids and groomsmen, who are not only a crucial part of your wedding but also your life. Here are some thoughtful gift ideas to express your gratitude:

Bridesmaids:

  • Jewellery: Bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings are popular choices. Consider the wedding's theme or colour scheme when selecting jewellery to create a cohesive look.
  • Practical gifts: Stylish tote bags, customised cosmetic bags, or monogrammed robes can be useful long after the wedding.
  • Gift boxes: Curate a box filled with her favourite goodies, such as a literary-themed candle, a custom bookmark, or items to pamper her during wedding preparations.
  • Beach-themed gifts: If you're having a beach wedding, consider personalised beach towels, beach-themed jewellery, or customised wine glasses in your wedding colours.
  • Bridal emergency kit: Include items like chocolate, a dress steamer, and other essentials she might need on the big day.

Groomsmen:

  • Jewellery: Men's chains, pendants, bracelets, rings, and earrings are available in stainless steel for a stylish yet masculine touch.
  • Watches: Bulova and Tissot are popular brands for groomsmen watches.
  • Money clips, pocket knives, and key chains: These can be engraved for a personal touch.
  • Shot glasses, champagne glasses, or groomsman proposal boxes: Customise these with a special message.

Remember, when selecting gifts, it's important to choose items that are meaningful and practical, something your bridesmaids and groomsmen can cherish and use long after the wedding day.

shunbridal

Wedding day essentials kit

A wedding day essentials kit is a must-have for any wedding. It is a collection of toiletries and essentials to fix any problems that may arise on the big day. While you can't predict every scenario, it's helpful to prepare for small beauty blunders or fashion mishaps. Here are some ideas for your wedding day essentials kit:

Toiletry and Self-Care Essentials

  • Lip balm
  • Mints or breath sprays
  • Makeup wipes or makeup erasers
  • Hair ties or scrunchies
  • Hairspray
  • Deodorant
  • Hand cream
  • Face mist
  • Pain relievers
  • Hand sanitiser

Fashion Emergency Supplies

  • Stain remover
  • Safety pins
  • Sewing kit
  • Double-sided tape
  • Lint roller
  • Dress steamer
  • Shoe cushions
  • Jewellery cleaning kit

Other Useful Items

  • Water bottles
  • Snacks
  • Tissues
  • Phone chargers
  • A small first aid kit
  • A small sewing kit
  • Scissors
  • A small flashlight

It is recommended that you start preparing your wedding day essentials kit weeks in advance, gradually adding items as you think of them. It is also a good idea to have a dedicated person, such as the maid of honour, to be in charge of the kit on the day, ensuring that it is easily accessible and ready to fix any problems that may arise.

shunbridal

Honeymoon essentials

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it is important to also plan for what comes after—the honeymoon. To ensure you have everything you need for this special trip, here is a list of honeymoon essentials to consider:

Travel Documents

Make sure you have all the necessary travel documents, such as your passport, visa, driver's license, and any other relevant identification. Keep these documents close by, in a small bag that you can easily access.

Clothing and Accessories

Pack outfits and accessories that are appropriate for the weather conditions and activities you plan to do. Be mindful of the amenities provided by your hotel to avoid packing unnecessary items. For example, many luxury resorts provide hair dryers, and some hotels offer adapters or USB outlets.

Toiletries and Makeup

Bring a basic set of makeup essentials, such as foundation, concealer, blush, eyeshadow, mascara, lipstick, and travel-size perfume. To save space, consider using a clear, zippered cosmetic bag to easily find what you need and only pack what is essential. Don't forget to pack any feminine products and a small bag of just-in-case items like pain relievers and any essential prescriptions.

Eye Care

Eye care is important while travelling, so bring eye drops, eyelid wipes, a spare pair of glasses or contacts, and sunglasses.

Hand Sanitizer

To avoid getting sick, especially when travelling during a pandemic, keep a hand sanitizer close by.

Gifts and Mementos

Don't forget to leave room in your luggage for souvenirs and mementos from your honeymoon.

Remember to pack only the essentials and leave any unnecessary technological devices behind so you can focus on enjoying your special trip and creating lasting memories.

My Dream Job: Wedding Planner

You may want to see also

shunbridal

Wedding planning gifts

Planning a wedding can be a stressful task, so it's always nice to surprise the happy couple with a thoughtful wedding planning gift. From practical subscriptions to sentimental keepsakes, there are plenty of ways to choose a gift for someone planning a wedding. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Wedding Planning Books

A wedding planning book can be a lifesaver for couples who are organizing their big day themselves. These books offer detailed timelines, budgeting tips, and tricks to help them manage every detail and save time and money.

Meal Kit Subscription Service

A meal kit subscription service like Blue Apron can take the stress out of cooking for the busy couple. Each week, they will receive all the ingredients and recipes they need to cook healthy meals together, allowing them to focus on their wedding planning instead of grocery shopping.

Personalized Wall Art

A piece of personalized wall art can be a lovely tribute to the couple. It can include their names, the dates they first met and got engaged, and even their upcoming wedding date. It's a unique way to build excitement about their big day.

Bridal Emergency Kit

A bridal emergency kit is a must-have for any bride. It can include anything from chocolate to pain relievers, facial cleansing towelettes, breath strips, and electrolyte tablets for the morning after the wedding.

Stamps and Custom Return Address Stamp

If the couple plans to mail save-the-dates, invites, and thank-you cards, stamps, and a custom return address stamp will come in handy. A custom stamp adds a pretty touch to each envelope and saves time.

Remember, these are just a few ideas, and you can always get creative with your wedding planning gifts. Whether it's a just-because surprise or an engagement gift, the thought counts, and your gift is sure to be appreciated.

shunbridal

Wedding day timeline

A wedding day timeline is crucial to keeping your day on track and ensuring that every moment flows smoothly. Here is a detailed wedding day timeline to help you plan your special day:

Morning of the Wedding

Even if you're not typically a breakfast person, it's important to eat something on the morning of your wedding. Whether it's a healthy mix of cereals and fruits or a filling group meal, you'll need the energy to get through the day.

Getting Ready

The first item on your wedding day timeline will likely be 'getting ready'. This is when the wedding party will have their hair and makeup done by a professional or themselves. A good rule of thumb is to allow 45 minutes per treatment for each person.

Pre-Ceremony Photos

If you're planning on having a "first look" photo session before the ceremony, make sure to schedule this with your photographer. This is usually a private meet-up between the couple before they walk down the aisle.

Ceremony

The timing of the ceremony will depend on the type of wedding you are having. Secular wedding ceremonies are typically about 30 minutes long, while a full Catholic mass may take closer to an hour.

Dinner

The dinner schedule will depend on the style of service you've chosen. If you've opted for a buffet or cocktail style, your timeline is quite flexible. However, if you're having a formal sit-down meal, the demands of that service will dictate the schedule. Your caterer and wedding planner will know how things should run, so take their lead on timings.

Cake Cutting

After dinner, there is usually a brief pause for the cake-cutting ceremony.

Dancing and Evening Snacks

Once the cake has been cut, it's time to hit the dance floor! Provide some late-night snacks to keep your guests energised.

Clean-Up

Remember to leave an hour at the end for clean-up. Very few venues will allow you to leave decorations and alcohol overnight, so make sure to factor this into your timeline.

Rehearsal

If you're having a rehearsal, this usually takes place on the Monday before a Saturday wedding, or the day before for a Friday or Sunday wedding. Some couples also choose to have a welcome meal or cocktail hour to greet guests, usually two to three days before the wedding.

It's a good idea to finalise your wedding day timeline about a month before the date and confirm the timing again about a week before the wedding. This will ensure that everyone involved, from your wedding party to your vendors, is on the same page.

Frequently asked questions

You can buy gifts for the bridal party that they can use and appreciate beyond the wedding, such as classic watches, ties, bracelets, or necklaces.

You can buy the couple a wedding keepsake box, a monthly coffee subscription, a clothing rental subscription, or a Hotels.com gift card for their honeymoon.

Some essentials to buy for the wedding day include a bridal emergency kit, a dress steamer, a makeup and hair touch-up kit, a grooms' bag with deodorant, cologne, and a stain remover pen, and a bathroom basket for the guests.

You can buy a wedding planner or a wedding planning checklist to help you stay organized. You can also purchase a gift for your wedding planner, such as a monthly coffee subscription or a clothing rental subscription.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment