Essentials To Pack For Your Wedding Day

There's a lot to remember when it comes to your wedding day, and it's easy to forget something important. From the rings to the outfits, and even the marriage license, there's a lot to keep track of. To make sure your day goes off without a hitch, it's crucial to be prepared and organized. This includes having an emergency kit on hand to fix any last-minute mishaps, from fashion disasters to forgotten items. So, what are the essentials you should bring on your wedding day?

Wedding attire and accessories

For the bride:

• Shoes: Comfortable and appropriate for the venue. Flats, wedges, sandals, or stilettos are all options.
• Veil or headpiece: A traditional veil, flower crown, tiara, or another hair accessory.
• Jewellery: Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and your engagement ring.
• Undergarments: Shapewear, bras, bustiers, slips, and seamless underwear.
• Cover-up: A shawl, bolero, capelet, or jacket, especially for outdoor weddings.
• Garter: If you plan on having a garter toss.
• Purse or clutch: To carry essential items like makeup, breath mints, or tissues.

For the groom:

• Hair styling products and tools
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Cooling towels or hand warmers, depending on the season and location

General attire and accessory tips:

• Dress code: Consider the formality of the wedding and dress accordingly.
• Location: Dress for the venue, whether it's a beach, hotel, or garden wedding.
• Weather: Check the forecast and dress in layers if needed.
• Colour: Avoid wearing white or matching the wedding party colours.
• Comfort: Choose comfortable shoes, especially if you plan on dancing.
• Modesty: Respect the sacred nature of the ceremony, especially in religious institutions, and dress modestly.

Remember to also bring any hair and makeup products, your chosen lipstick, and something old, new, borrowed, and blue!

Emergency kit

It's easy to get swept up in the excitement of your wedding day and forget something important. To make sure you're prepared for any eventuality, it's a good idea to pack an emergency kit. Here's a detailed list of items you should consider including:

The Basics

• Safety pins and sewing kit: For any last-minute wardrobe malfunctions, from a fallen hem to a missing button.
• Band-aids: For any minor injuries.
• Stain-remover pens: To remove any stains that may occur during the day.
• Fabric tape: As another line of defence against a fallen hem.
• Anti-dust white chalk: To cover up any dress stains.

For the Bride

• Bride's colour nail polish: For any chips or cracks.
• Lipstick in the chosen shade: For touch-ups throughout the day.
• Hair styling products and tools: To keep your hair looking perfect.
• Makeup and beauty tools: For any makeup emergencies.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste: To keep you feeling fresh.
• Extra pair of contact lenses: Just in case.
• Straws: For drinking without ruining your lipstick.
• Something old, new, borrowed, and blue: For good luck!
• Chafing relief creams: To keep you comfortable.
• Peppermint oil: To soothe aching feet.
• Cooling towels (for hot weather) or hand warmers (for cold weather): To keep you comfortable regardless of the temperature.

For the Groom

• Hair styling products and tools: To keep his hair looking neat and tidy.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste: For fresh breath and a sparkling smile.
• Cooling towels or hand warmers: Depending on the season and location, these can help keep the groom comfortable.

Other Essentials

• Marriage license: You can't get married without it!
• Rings: The wedding bands are kind of important...
• Vows: It might be a good idea to keep them rolled up in your bouquet or have someone hold onto them for you.
• Cash and envelopes: For on-the-day supplier payments and tips.
• Full phone battery and backup battery: To keep in touch with family, the wedding party, and vendors.
• Snacks and water: It's easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget to eat and drink enough.
• Medicine: To stay healthy and happy on your big day.

Paperwork and payments

Before the big day, make sure you have applied for your marriage license and paid the fee. The steps to getting your marriage license vary by county, so be sure to check the specific requirements for your area. Usually, a marriage license is obtained from a county clerk's office. In some counties, you will need a witness. There may also be a waiting period of 48 or 72 hours between getting the license and the wedding, so don't leave this until the last minute! Marriage licenses also tend to have a time limit before they expire, so be sure to check the expiration date.

On the day of the wedding, bring your marriage license, as well as your engagement ring, wedding rings, and any other sentimental items you want with you. If you are writing your own vows, bring a copy with you. You should also bring a copy of the final itinerary or wedding timeline to ensure everything is running smoothly and on schedule.

If you are bringing gifts for your bridal party, your parents, or each other, bring them with you on the day. You should also prepare cash payments in envelopes for on-the-day suppliers and any vendor tips or fees. If you have a wedding planner, you can give them the envelopes to distribute.

If you are going on your honeymoon directly after the wedding, bring your hotel confirmation or airline tickets with you.

Food and drink

Before the Wedding

Make sure to eat a good breakfast. It's easy to forget to eat on your wedding day, but it's important to fuel your body for the day ahead. A nutritious breakfast might include eggs, avocado, fruit, yoghurt, granola, nuts, or whole-grain toast. If you're too busy or nervous to eat a big breakfast, try a smoothie or a protein bar.

During the Wedding

You might not have much time to eat during your wedding, so it's important to plan ahead. Ask your caterer to put aside some food for you and your partner to enjoy during the cocktail hour, and consider getting your greetings out of the way before lunch or dinner so you can sit down and eat your meal. It's also a good idea to ask your coordinator if you can be served your meal first so you can eat before mingling with your guests.

Throughout the Day

Staying hydrated is crucial, especially if you're drinking alcohol. Aim to drink at least four 16-ounce bottles of water throughout the day. But don't overdo it, or you'll spend the bulk of your reception in the bathroom! Try to avoid carbonated drinks, which can contribute to bloating.

Foods to Avoid

In the lead-up to your wedding, avoid processed foods, high-sodium meals, sugary treats, and carbonated drinks, as these can cause bloating and negatively impact your mood. It's also not the time to experiment with new foods or eat things you know you're sensitive to.

For Your Guests

Keep your guests happy and fed with simple snacks like a donut wall, popcorn, or endless appetisers and handheld bites. If you're taking group photos, bring a cooler packed with drinks and snacks to keep everyone energised.

Overnight bag

Packing an overnight bag for your wedding day is a must, whether you're getting ready at home or at the venue. Here's a detailed checklist to ensure you don't forget anything:

The Overnight Bag:

• Pyjamas or a nightgown
• Dressing gown, robe, or slippers
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash
• Washbag with toiletries: shower gel, face wash, heavy-duty makeup remover, moisturiser, SPF, razor, and trimmer
• Tissues, cotton wool pads, earbuds, and wipes
• Outfit for the next day, including clothes, underwear, socks, shoes, and swimwear (if applicable)
• Accessories and jewellery, including wedding rings
• Towel, facecloth, and hair towel
• Hairstyling tools: brush, comb, bobbles, pins, shampoo, conditioner, styling products, and electronic tools
• Nail file, tweezers, makeup brushes, and nail clippers
• Birth control or any other medication
• Travel iron or steamer
• Phone, tablet, and headphones
• Chargers for your electronic devices
• Sunglasses, contact lenses, or glasses
• Luggage tag with your name and contact number
• If you have children, pack their clothes, nightwear, toiletries, snacks, and drinks

Additional Items for Getting Ready at the Hotel or Venue:

• Something comfortable to wear while getting your hair and makeup done, such as a robe or button-up shirt
• Snacks and bottled water, unless provided by the venue
• Your wedding dress or outfit, with a hanger
• Your wedding handbag
• Any sentimental items you want to have with you
• Wedding-day emergency kit: safety pins, tissues, sewing kit, stain remover, etc.
• Headphones for some chill time
• Cash payments in envelopes for on-the-day suppliers, to be stored in the safe upon arrival
• A list of suppliers, their contact details, and a timeline for the day
• Paperwork and ID for the legal ceremony, if required
• Any decorations or items you want to have photographed, such as wedding stationery

Frequently asked questions